Best Deals for Black Friday

The Xbox gaming console is leading the charge for Black Friday specials, with most retailers cutting the One S and One X by R1900 and R2400, respectively. And both consoles will have 3-month Xbox Live subscriptions included. This massive discount is thanks to Prima Interactive, a distributor of the Xbox in South Africa, offering it as a Black Friday incentive for resellers.

As retailers offer large discounts on vast ranges of products, South Africans are becoming more aware than ever before of the advantages of what has become the biggest shopping day of the year in the USA. Black Friday online sales in South Africa are doubling every year, compared to online retail growing 25% per year, according to the World Wide Worx Online Retail in SA 2019 report.

Any consumer who intends to be part of the frenzy needs to follow one rule: be prepared.

This can make all the difference when shopping malls are crowded and when one wants to be in-and-out of a mall as soon as possible, or get the big digital deal before it disappears. The preparation includes having all the necessary documentation for regulated products, and doing homework on regular prices. Many a retailer, as well as airline ticket sellers, are offering “massive bargains” that are in fact the regular prices.

Takealot recommends making sure that devices are fully charged and have enough data to access and browse Takealot’s website or app, in case of waiting or long browsing time. If one needs credit, be sure to apply for Mobicred by 22 November at the latest.

Documentation

The mall is busy and, at the front of the line, one finds out that a SIM contract deal needs proof of residence and ID. A TV set needs a TV license. So it is obviously recommended to keep one’s ID, proof of residence and TV license on hand this Black Friday.

What else is needed and where else? Below is a matrix of what bring along when intending to buy certain products:

The big deals we have come across are broken down into large outlets, mobile network operators, smaller stores, something different and international options.

Click here to see some of the big deals from large South African outlets

Big deals from large South African outlets

On 23 November, South Africa’s largest retailers, including Makro, Game, Takealot, and Dion Wired, are going to offer major discounts on select products and services, most of which will be offering in-store as well as online deals.

Makro

Makro has extended its Black Friday deal by four days – two days either side of Black Friday – from Wednesday, 21 November to Sunday, 25 November. Mobile paypoints will be available in-store for smaller purchases to relieve congestion at main paypoints. Makro Riversands will have a drive-thru pick-up point where items purchased online can be picked up instead of waiting for delivery.

For gaming consoles, Makro is the place to go on Black Friday, offering the Xbox One S 1TB with a 3 month Xbox Live subscription for R3499, down from R5399. The PlayStation 4 500GB with 4 games (one of which is Spiderman) is advertised to go for R4499, down from R6499. Click here to see more specials at Makro.

Game

Deals at Game apply to both in-store and online purchases but prices may differ close to the time. While all Black Friday deals at Game are on 23 November, certain items are marked to remain discounted until Sunday, 25 November.

Most TVs are on special for the weekend. For example, a Hisense 50” 4K TV is advertised to go for R5999 (instead of R6999) on Black Friday only while a Samsung 43” 4K TV will be R5999 for the whole weekend (instead of R6999). Click here to see more deals from Game.

Takealot

Takealot, South Africa’s largest online retailer, will be having its Black Friday sale – called The Blue Dot Sale – starting at 00:01 on 23 November.

According to the online retailer, 10 000 deals will be available, with up to 60% off. Bear in mind that popular items and better deals will be sold out faster. And remember there may be a wait.

Dion Wired

Separating its deals by online and in-store, Dion Wired will be starting its sales at midnight of 23 November and will end promotions at the end of the weekend.

Computers seem to be the biggest savings at Dion Wired this Black Friday. Online, the Dell Inspiron 3576 8th Generation Core i7 laptop will be going for R9999 (instead of R12999) this weekend. In-store, the Dell Inspiron 3567 7th Generation i5 laptop will be going for R6999 (instead of R8999). Click here to see more specials from Dion Wired.

Hi-Fi Corp

Keeping Black Friday prices for the entire week, Hi-Fi Corp has some impressive deals, especially with TVs. Shopping online this week will also have free delivery, except for larger appliances.

For TVs, the best price is the Hisense U7A 55” 4K LED TV for R9999, a saving of R3000.  For kitchen appliances, the best deal is probably the Hisense Fridge-Freezer combo for R3999, a saving of R1600. Click here to see more deals from Hi-Fi Corp.

Click here to see some of the big deals from mobile network operators, and a summary of dates of availability

Big deals from mobile network operators

Telkom

Throughout November, Telkom is having deals that seem like Black Friday deals. The big November Deal is a data contract which provides 5 Gigabytes per month and a MiFi router for R100 a month for 24 months. An extra R39 will get one double the data, with a 10GB package and a MiFi router for R139 a month for 24 months. Telkom will probably have Black Friday specials on the day. Click here to see more offerings from Telkom.

Cell C

Starting on Black Friday and ending on 25 November, Cell C stores are offering a data deal of 50GB for R500 (R10 per GB) to prepaid customers, with a limited quota. The data on this deal will last 6 months (180 days) from the date of activation. The offer is only available to those who visit brick-and-mortar Cell C stores and is limited to three purchases per customer. Click here to see more deals from Cell C.

MTN and Vodacom

While no specials have been announced, it is likely that MTN and Vodacom will be having Black Friday deals.

Summary of Specials and Deal Dates

Click here to see some of the big deals from smaller SA stores, and something different

Big deals from small stores

Black Friday deals can be found all over, even at the smaller stores. While deals are structured a little differently, smaller stores need to control demand, hence deals are often only revealed on the day.

For electronics, Just PCs is having its Black Friday special on certified refurbished computers. Better prices for the consumer and better for the environment than purchasing new. Details will be announced at the company’s Facebook event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1146115292221453/

For apparel, Soltura.co.za will be offering Black Friday discounts of up to 70% on products from its locally-produced clothing line. Sign up here to be notified as soon as the deals go live.

Something different

SPCA

For your furry friends, SPCA Sandton is having Black Friday Deals on pet vaccinations, microchipping and more. Tickets are sold out but may reopen here.

Hair City

For wigs and weaves, Hair City is having 20% off on all of its products available as well as 50% on selected lace and Brazilian wigs. Click here to see all the hair products and services on offer.

Tiger Wheel & Tyre

In case one’s tyre tread is looking a bit thin, most Tiger Wheel & Tyre branches will be having specials on tyre replacements.

International Deals

Between Amazon and GearBest, Black Friday deals will be phenomenal, with huge savings on selected products. Bear in mind that prices listed here are subject to (and likely to) change, as this is the nature of online stores. Also, bear in mind that import duties may apply, especially to large and/or expensive items.

Amazon has started offering significant discounts on products which it offers in the lead-up to Black Friday. Bearing in mind that certain products are not available for direct shipping to South Africa, the company is still offering huge deals on a variety of items.

For gaming consoles, the Nintendo Switch and Mario Kart 8 bundle from Amazon is going for $299.99. For computers, several Chromebooks are going to be on special, like the Acer Chromebook 11 CB3-132 for $200.

GearBest is also offering big discounts on consumer electronics on Black Friday. It is planning to reveal the best deals in the smartphone, tablet and smart home device categories closer to the time. Click here to see what deals become available.