TOP TIPS FOR black Friday
How to prepare for big splurge
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, the head of brands at online retailer Superbalist, for Black Friday shoppers ahead of the annual massive splurge on Friday, November 24.
The global sales showdown before 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 the bargains.
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 specials on Black Friday and list possible purchases.
Make sure you have data and your wi-fi is working before you go to bed on Thursday night.
Set your alarm before 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 Ts&Cs before the time.
Plan your budget and stick to it stricktly so buyer’s remorse doesn’t kick in by the next morning.
Meanwhile, economists have warned that blowing the festive season budget on specials may put many shoppers in the red and wishing they had simply stayed in bed.
Debt Rescue chief executive Neil Roets said this week that bargain deals offered by retailers often saw buyers piling that giant flat-screen television into the trolley, only to regret such spur-of-the-moment purchases.
“Many retailers and online shops promise deals that would tempt even the most financially stressed among us. The short answer is – don’t.
"We have seen the impact Black Friday has had on consumers when they approach us to try to get them out of the financial mess that reckless spending has 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,” said Roets.
He has 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,” added 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 racked up of of R1.71 trillion.