Viral Chinese app lets strangers vote on purchases to stop impulse buying

Ahead of China’s Double 11 shopping spree, a viral WeChat mini-programme called “Wallet, Please Wait” is helping consumers curb impulse purchases. The free tool borrows from corporate finance workflows, outsourcing approval of everyday purchases to the crowd.

Users can submit purchase requests detailing the item, its price, their reasons for wanting it and any cheaper alternatives. Shoppers can share requests with family members or post them to a public “plaza,” where purchases are approved or...