5 tips on how to spend smart and safely this Black Friday

THE Bureau of Market Research (BMR) has projected that South Africans are expected to spend more on Black Friday this year than they did in 2022, despite the deteriorating economy. The research, which indicates that South Africans will be spending more this Black Friday compared to last year, was conducted on behalf of Capital Connect – a South African retailer finance provider.

Also read: Be realistic about your finances this Black Friday

The report indicated that the reason is due to South Africans not purchasing items throughout the year in anticipation of saving money during Black Friday.

If you are one of these people who has been saving the best for Black Friday, take heed of these tips to help make the shopping spree hassle-free:

1. Subscribe to newsletters and emails from stores where you would like to purchase from. That way you can compare deals. By now, you should already have your ‘to-buy’ list. Be careful not to subscribe to emails of items you don’t want as this may result in unnecessary purchases. Factor in shipping costs as well for online purchases as this could negate a good deal.

2. It’s not only Black Friday – it’s Black November, too, so look out for sales and deals throughout the month instead of holding back to purchase all the products you need in one day.

3. Use the ‘buddy system’. Choose someone to shop with you and preferably someone who will tell you when the excitement of Black Friday has taken over your shopping senses. Having a second opinion can stop you from making impulsive buys.

4. Ts and Cs always apply so be sure to check the fine print for return and exchange policies before making a purchase. You don’t want to get stuck with an item you’re not happy with.

5. Scammers come out in full force for this shopping event so research websites, social media, brands, etc, as if your life depended on it before making a purchase. If they claim to be a reputable brand, check their following on social media to see if they are verified.

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