Black Friday shopping tips from Standard Bank

With Black Friday around the corner, there are a number of things customers can do to ensure that they get the best deals possible. 

This year, Black Friday will take place on the 29th of November followed by Monday on the 2nd of December. 

However, many retailers have extended their Black Friday calendars, with deals running for days or even weeks longer.

For many shoppers looking to score deals on electronics, appliances, fashion or food items – this is a great opportunity to save on both big-ticket purchases and everyday necessities. 

With the holidays quickly approaching, this can also be a great way to get your Christmas shopping done early at a fraction of the cost.

However, getting caught up in the hype could result in customers spending more than they can afford or even ending up as the victim of a scam. 

Below are Standard Bank’s tips on how customers can make the most out of their Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping.

“Ask yourself this simple question: if I didn’t need to buy it when it was full price, do I need to buy it on sale?”

“While it can be tempting to indulge in all the Black Friday specials, you need to be honest with yourself about what you can and can’t afford at this time because mindless spending can be one of the most expensive mistakes you can make.”

Setting a reasonable budget and making a shopping list can also help prevent overspending.

“Determine how much you have available to spend and set a strict budget. Then make a list of the absolute essentials as well as the things you’ve really been wanting or wanting to gift someone with.” 

“Depending on your budget, some things may have to be scratched off the list, and that’s okay.”

Looking at the stores you want to purchase from ahead of time and signing up for their newsletters is a great way shoppers can stay up to date on the latest information about all the best deals, Standard Bank advised. 

This doesn’t mean only sticking to one retailer for all of your Black Friday needs, though. 

Searching around and comparing deals can help you find the best prices out there. 

“Looking to buy a new washing machine? Don’t just go to your nearest furniture store. Most shops publish their Black Friday catalogues online, so look at a few different options before deciding on where you will make your purchase.”

With many stores like Superbalist and Makro offering extended deals this Black Friday, customers can take advantage of this by getting their shopping done before the 29th. 

“Many shops have specials leading up to Black Friday, so if you see the item you have been coveting on a Black Friday deal, buy it. If you wait too long, it may no longer be available on Black Friday.”

Before making a purchase, especially a big purchase, make sure to check the return policies and warranties, Standard Bank said. 

“Some retailers may choose to make sales final and not grant full refunds but rather exchanges or store credit, and it is important to know what you are signing up for.”

Overall, remaining careful and vigilant is important for all shoppers, especially on Blak Friday when there is already a sense of urgency. 

“As exciting as Black Friday and Cyber Monday can be for shoppers, it often also leads to a spike in crime. If you will be shopping at the mall, make sure that you are aware of your surroundings and your valuables are close to you at all times.” 

“While some may present themselves as friendly strangers, be vigilant and, if possible, take a friend or trusted person with you when you shop.”

“If you will be shopping online, make sure the software on your desktop, laptop or mobile device is up to date and that you have anti-virus software installed.” 

Standard Bank added that cybercriminals have been known to create websites and emails that appear to be from legitimate businesses, so being especially careful of phishing scams is crucial. 

“Be cautious about downloading email attachments claiming to be vouchers because sometimes the attachments have embedded malware that would circumvent traditional anti-virus software. Visit the retailer’s website instead.”

“If you are shopping online, especially for big-ticket items, only make purchases from reputable retailers.” 

“If a discount looks too good to be true, it probably is, and you may be getting scammed. One way to determine whether the retailer can be trusted is by looking at their reviews and ratings from other customers.”

Scammers will often use social media platforms such as Facebook Marketplace to try and lure customers into buying a product which does not exist – only for them to disappear when they receive the payment. 

“Make sure that the online retailer is using a secure payment gateway and that the site URL begins with ‘https’ and not ‘http’. Keep your confirmation email and proof of payment emails after making the transaction.”

“Lastly, when you have made all your purchases, check your bank statement to ensure that everything is correct and that there are no unauthorised transactions.”

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