How to get the best Black Friday deals this year
Many shoppers look forward to Black Friday sales year-round as an opportunity to save big on their shopping; however, diving into the sales without preparation can lead to overspending, getting a bad deal, or simply having a bad shopping experience.
This year, Black Friday will fall on 29 November, followed by Cyber Monday on 2 December.
This post-Thanksgiving American tradition marks the start of the Christmas shopping season, and many stores offer highly promoted sales at discounted prices.
South African retailers have made the day their own and have been participating in this event for about a decade, making it one of the biggest retail sales days on the calendar.
While it can be a great way to score deals and take advantage of massive discounts, going in unprepared can lead to an overall bad experience.
Whether that means spending way more than you thought you would, struggling to check out of a website, or coming down with a case of decision paralysis.
This doesn’t have to be the case, though, since there are several things people can do to ensure they have a seamless shopping experience.
Below are some ways that customers can make the most out of their Black Friday shopping.
Do your research
The key to a successful Black Friday shopping experience is research. It’s essential to know which items you want to buy ahead of time, especially if they are big-ticket items such as electronics, appliances, or luxury goods.
Being aware of the normal price range of the products you’re interested in will help you distinguish between genuine discounts and those that are less significant than they appear.
While many retailers offer excellent bargains, even selling some items at a loss to themselves, others raise prices in the weeks leading up to Black Friday, only to lower them on the day to create the illusion of a bigger sale.
Tracking the prices of items over time ensures you spot a real deal when you see one. Websites like PriceSpy, CamelCamelCamel, and Alertr allow you to track price histories, compare prices across retailers, and receive alerts when items drop in price.
Additionally, follow your favourite stores on social media and subscribe to their newsletters. Many retailers offer exclusive discounts or early access to sales for subscribers.
Watch your spending
While the allure of Black Friday deals can be overwhelming, it’s crucial to set a realistic budget and stick to it. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and spend more than intended, especially with discounts making everything seem like a must-have.
According to Mancosa, one of the most effective ways to avoid overspending is to determine a spending limit well in advance.
Your budget should account for your financial situation, any upcoming expenses, and how much you can comfortably afford to spend without straining your finances. The key is to be disciplined about sticking to this budget.
For those tempted to overspend, using cash, a debit card, or a savings card instead of a credit card can help curb impulsive purchases.
Planning for large purchases throughout the year can also help. Saving up for a big-ticket item and waiting for a Black Friday discount ensures you make a smart, well-considered purchase rather than a last-minute impulse buy.
Buy Essentials at a Discount
Black Friday isn’t just for luxury items or expensive gadgets. It’s also a great time to stock up on everyday essentials that you use regularly. Mancosa suggests looking for deals on household staples like cleaning supplies, toiletries, and non-perishable groceries.
These may not be the most exciting purchases, but stocking up on them during Black Friday can save you a significant amount of money over the coming months.
Items such as laundry detergent, paper towels, toilet paper, and even pantry goods can often be found at a discount during Black Friday sales. By focusing part of your shopping on these necessities, you can offset some of your regular expenses and stretch your budget further.
Optimise your shopping experience
In today’s increasingly digital world, a large part of Black Friday shopping happens online. However, shopping online comes with its own set of challenges, including website crashes, slow checkouts, and items selling out before you can purchase them.
To avoid these frustrations, prepare in advance by setting up accounts on the websites where you plan to shop. Having your shipping information saved and your payment method pre-entered can help you check out faster when the time comes.
Creating a wishlist ahead of time also helps streamline your shopping experience. Instead of wasting time searching for items on the day of the sale, you can simply go to your wishlist and check out.
This can be especially helpful for items that are in high demand and may sell out quickly.
If you’re planning to shop in person, preparation is just as important. Decide in advance which stores you’ll visit, map out the best routes to get there, and consider parking logistics.
Some stores may have limited parking, and it may be crowded, so having a plan for how to get in and out quickly will save you time and hassle.
Be Mindful of Timing and Stock Availability
On Black Friday, timing can be everything. Some retailers start their sales at midnight, while others may stagger their deals throughout the day.
Knowing when your desired items go on sale can be the difference between snagging a great deal and missing out entirely. Additionally, certain stores may offer limited quantities of popular products, so it’s important to act fast
When it comes to shopping in person, knowing when stores will be less crowded can make for a much smoother experience.
Early morning or late evening shopping can sometimes mean fewer people, shorter lines, and quicker access to the items you want.
If you’re shopping online, be prepared for websites to be slower due to high traffic, and keep your eye on stock availability to avoid disappointment.
Read: Black Friday around the corner for South Africa – what businesses should keep in mind