BLOGGING THE VIEW: 5 Top tips for smart Black Friday shopping

Planning for Black Friday on 29 November?

Great! South Africans have really embraced this sales shopping spree that has been running for a decade locally, but along with the great deals are some duds as well.

Given today’s economic challenges, it’s a chance to stretch your budget a little further.

Here’s how to make the most of Black Friday:

1. Follow your favourite stores
Start following the social media accounts of all your favourite stores because they will often alert subscribers to early deals or exclusive alerts.

You can also sign up to newsletters and other marketing offers if you really don’t want to be left out.

2. Price check in advance
Check the prices of items you want to buy now so you know you’re not getting duped.

Some stores might spike their prices before they add the discount so you’re not actually saving – don’t get caught out.

Sometimes retailers can make deals seem better than they really are with aspects like free shipping or bundled offers, so if you price check early, you’ll know.

3. Watch out for scams
While online shopping is great for Black Friday, it’s also an easy way to get scammed.

Current trends have fraudsters faking entire retailers’ websites with what appear to be deals, and this is likely to spike over Black Friday.

Don’t click on a link on social media sites, rather go straight to the actual website (look for ‘https’ in the URL) and remember – if it seems too good to be true, it is!

4. Remember your budget
It’s so easy to overspend during Black Friday, especially because there are time limits so you’re forced into making instant decisions.

Rather itemise what you want to buy, check the existing prices, and stick to your budget.

5. Check return policies
It’s not uncommon for retailers to adjust their return policies during big sales. Before you buy, check the return terms – especially for electronics, appliances and big-ticket items.

If you’re shopping online, factor in any return shipping fees that might affect your decision.

Black Friday is a great opportunity to find fantastic deals, especially if you’re prepared.

Stay calm, avoid impulse buys, and stick to your strategy for a stress-free shopping experience.

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