Tips to beat Black Friday shopping blues

SET your clock to midnight to stay ahead of the online shopping pack, create a wish list and draw up a plan of action.

These are tips from Klyne Maharaj, head of brands at online retailer Superbalist, for Black Friday shoppers ahead of the annual massive splurge on Friday.

The global sales showdown ahead of the festive season sees consumers on the hunt for big specials in stores and online.

And since it was introduced here in 2011, South Africans have taken to the annual retail therapy binge with fervour and many retailers are already advertising bargains.

Debt Rescue chief executive Neil Roets said this week that the bargains saw many buyers piling giant flatscreen TVs into their trolleys, only to regret their “spur of the moment” purchases later.

“Many retailers and online shops promise deals that would tempt even the most financially stressed. The short answer is, don’t.

“We have seen the impact that Black Friday has on consumers when they approach us to try to get them out of the financial mess that reckless spending caused.

“Retailers who are themselves in deep trouble because of the contracting economy have come up with a host of clever ideas to tempt consumers to open their wallets,” added Roets.

He urged consumers to exercise fiscal discipline, adding that the economy was expected to worsen in the year ahead.

“We are far from seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Save whatever money is left over at the end of the month and buy only what is necessary.

“While we all feel we desperately need a holiday at the end of a brutal year, keep within budget.

“Don’t think the money for school fees will magically become available in January when schools re-open,” said Roets.

Statistics from the National Credit Regulator indicate that half of all South Africans are three months or more behind in repayments, with a total debt of R1.71 trillion.

Budget insurance marketing manager Susan Steward warned shoppers to make sure they had made provision for all the things that they needed to pay for before splashing out.

“Don’t feel pressured to take advantage of every deal you see. While you do your best to stick to your budget this festive season, cybercriminals will be out in full force, trying to get their sticky fingers on your hard-earned money. Be extra vigilant and keep an eye out for scams so that you can enjoy the holiday season, uninterrupted,” said Steward.

Top techniques to streamline the shopping spree:

Create a wish list before Friday by going online to your favourite retailers and marking which items you may want.

As soon as the sale starts, you can check for those items.

Check print and social media flyers and pamphlets for Black Friday specials and list possible purchases.

Make sure you have data and your wi-fi is working before going to bed on Thursday night.

Set your alarm ahead of midnight, so you can be up and logged on as the clock strikes 12.

If you have targeted bargains in physical and cyber-stores, start with online purchases after midnight and then get to your favourite shop as early as possible.

Check in advance if you can return your purchases. Most retailers, both online and physical, will accept returns, but check the T&Cs.

Plan your budget and strictly stick to it so buyer’s remorse doesn’t kick in the next morning.

But be warned, blowing that festive season budget on specials may put you in the red and wishing you had stayed in bed.