7 simple tips that'll help you score the best deals this #BlackFriday

For shoppers, Black Friday (November 23) is a highly competitive time and bagging the best deals requires forethought and a military-style strategy. 

Whether you're planning to shop online or in store — or both! — follow these tips from Mzansi’s top retailers to make the most of many specials that'll be on offer.

1. SET A BUDGET

Decide ahead of time what you plan to spend at the Black Friday sales and stick to it. You could quickly find yourself shopping for Christmas 2018, 2019 and 2020 if you are not careful!

Be responsible and remember the festive season is coming up and you’ll need a bit of money left over for this.

As FNB Wealth and Investments spokesperson Ester Ochse told Times Select, “Don't give into impulsive buying. It might seem like you are saving money, but you are actually spending money on items you don’t need."

2. DO YOUR RESEARCH

Monitor bargains closely; retailers have already begun to release their Black Friday weekend specials. Start your plotting and planning as early as possible and draw up a plan of action.

If you're planning to buy many items, make a list, prioritise it in terms of what you need most and aim to secure those products first.

If you'll be braving crowded shopping centres, Pretoria's Menlyn Park suggests you get a copy of a mall map to make finding your way around as quick and easy as possible.

If you'll be shopping online, Superbalist’s head of brand Klyne Maharaj suggests you create a wish list ahead of Black Friday.

“Line up the pieces you like best [by creating a wish list] and prepare to take them right to checkout when the time comes. It’s going to be carnage, so you don’t want to be browsing when half of SA is also online and trying to cart-jack you. Build that cart and move on!”

3. DIVIDE AND CONQUER

Avid shopper Bukelwa Monqo says setting up groups and discussing potential purchases with friends and family can be beneficial to those chasing the best deals.                

“I formed a WhatsApp group with my friends. Whoever gets online first already has a list of what everyone wants, so they buy for everyone. Then we just pay that person back,” she says.  

The same applies to shopping at the mall; you could organise for each friend to head to a different type of store.

4. SHOPPING ONLINE? SET UP YOUR COMPUTER NOW

Takealot shares some tips for a quicker online checkout:

• You don’t want to be wasting time updating credit card and delivery details. Make sure they are correct before Black Friday.
• Take the time to download your favourite online retailers’ apps well in advance. This will help you track the discounts. Some retailers offer in-app-only deals.
• Load gift vouchers ahead of time to enable you to check out quickly.
• If you are buying a TV, you’ll need an up-to-date TV license account number on hand for the transaction to go through.
• If you plan to buy a big-ticket item, such as a TV or fridge, and need credit to do this, apply for Mobi Cred ahead of time because there is a waiting period before approval.

5. GET AN EARLY START

For online shoppers, most sales start as the clock strikes 12 — Takealot’s starts at 12.01. Ensure you get a good night’s rest and set a few alarms. Also make sure you have data and a good wi-fi connection.

“Set your alarm for 11.30pm the night before Black Friday, so that by 12, you’re the first on site for the best specials,” suggests avid shopper Zuhaa Isaacs.

There’s no reason why you can’t shop in cyberspace and in the real world. Superbalist advises starting early online first and then heading out to the shops.

6. PLAN FOR A LONG DAY AT THE MALL  

No one knows the rush of Black Friday better than Menlyn Mall which says it can feel like a marathon. Try their tips for surviving a long day at a crowded shopping centre:

• You'll be walking and queuing more than usual so wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
• You're kids are likely to get bored standing in long queues so, if possible, organise to leave them with a caregiver.
• Bring a water bottle and some snacks — such as nuts and dried fruit — to keep your energy levels up.
• Be patient — remember you're not the only one excited about Black Friday specials.

7. AVOID BUYERS' REMORSE

It is worth checking the terms and conditions in advance to make sure anything you buy on the spur of the moment can be returned. Most outlets, both online and physical, will accept returns for Black Friday purchases but this is not a guarantee.

• This article is adapted from one originally published on the SMag section of SowetanLIVE. Read the original article here.