Gadget

Buyers guide to Black Friday

Arthur Goldstuck

Black Friday got its name from the spike in sales after a retail slump of eleven months of losses. This recovery was referred to by retailers as being pushed “into the black”. In the pre-Internet days, US retailers would refer to “doorbuster” deals, as shoppers would force their store doors open. The holiday has mostly skipped South Africa, until a huge surge of similar doorbusting experiences began around 5 years ago – leading to similar injures as those seen in the US.

However, one doesn’t have to get in harm’s way to get a deal. In fact, many of the deals have already started in the online-only space, from Takealot’s Blue Dot Sale to Incredible Connection’s early deals.

With the biggest discount holiday coming up tomorrow, we’ve gathered the best tips (and deals) one should look out for this Black Friday.

FNB – Stay within your means

Although FNB has a strong credit facility for its clients, it’s warning customers to be prudent in a downgraded economy.
FNB CEO Jacques Celliers says: “Year-end presents consumers with temptations to overspend, but it is prudent to keep one eye on budget plans for 2020. Those who have funds can still capitalise on opportunities such as Black Friday to make once-off purchases at lower prices, however it’s important to remember that the festive season period is very long.”

Visa – Careful how you shop

Payments giant Visa has outlined five tips to make sure consumers get what they purchase this Black Friday. Scammers have kicked it into high gear, so following these tips can make one less prone to being scammed.

Avoid open public Wi-Fi

Although many South Africans connect using public Wi-Fi, buying a little bit of data could save users from a lot of headaches later on. Only connect to Wi-Fi networks that have a password to connect, otherwise it could leave one’s information vulnerable to other users on the network. 

Don’t click on ads

Many websites are pretending to be well-known retailers, and “spoof” a similar looking website to steal card information. To stay safe, rather visit the retailer’s website by typing in the URL or visit their app to verify the deal.

Buy from places you know

Check with friends if they have used the online service and had a good experience. There will be many fly-by-night stores opening shop for Black Friday.

Look out for HTTP and HTTPS

Legitimate retailers will always use HTTPS, a secure version of HTTP, to keep you safe. In the address bar, depending on the browser, it will show a locked lock or say “Not Secure”. Never shop at sites that say not secure in the address bar.

Keep your phone handy

If your bank hasn’t set up SMS alerts for transactions and 3D Secure approval, visit it now to activate it. Even if you aren’t shopping this Black Friday, keep an eye out for transactions, as cyber criminals will attempt to hide transactions they make among the transactions you may be making.

OneDayOnly – Get prepared in advance

Matthew Leighton, spokesperson at OneDayOnly.co.za, has come up with five of the tips for getting ready this Black Friday:

Know your websites

Leighton says: “Familiarise yourself with the website the day before– that means pre-logging into the website of your choice and for the extra-attentive, pre-loading your payment details. That way you can focus all your energy on the deals on the day.

Pull an all-nighter

“Our sale is from midnight to midnight. 00:00:01 is when we officially ‘open our doors’ and sales continue until stocks run out or midnight rolls around. Hit the caffeine and try stay up until midnight. You are automatically guaranteed to be one of the first to see the deals as they go live.

Make a shopping list of items you want

“A shopping list always helps – it’s a great way to keep track of what you want so you’re not wasting time.

Pre-load your payment details

“The longest part of the checkout process is completing your payment method which can be pre-saved beforehand. It just means you can go from browsing to checkout as quickly as possible.

Check out or miss out

“This is the biggest day for deals and if you think that Samsung 65″ UHD TV will still be there when you return, you need to rethink your game plan. Having an item in your cart does not secure it. You need to check out or miss out.” 

Visit the next page to see our shopping list of deals for Black Friday.

Our Shopping List

Movies – Ster Kinekor

Deals start now for Black Friday only

Watch a movie for R45, with a small popcorn and soda combo for R25 at any Ster-Kinekor cinema (excluding D-BOX, IMAX and Cine Prestige).  That’s R70 to kick back with popcorn and a drink and watch enthralling releases such as Knives Out, Playing with Fire, The Good Liar, 21 Bridges, Charlies Angels, Black & Blue, Doctor Sleep and Ford vs. Ferrari.

Tech – Incredible Connection

Most deals have started for online only until 1 December

With the majority of Incredible Connection’s deals already available now, one can shop now for special prices on online deals. Our personal favourites include:

Tech – Apple Products at iStore

In-store only from 29 November to 1 December

iPhones, MacBooks and Apple Watches are on special this Black Friday, with most of the deals falling into the contract range. Our personal favourites include: 

Tech – Takealot Blue Dot Sale

Deals have started until 29 November

The Blue Dot Sale is Takealot’s spin on Black Friday and comes with some impressive deals. Our personal favourites are: 

Tech – Acer South Africa Online Store

Starting 29 December until 2 December

Acer has dropped the price of its high-performance computers this Black Friday. Our personal favourites are 

Apparel – Superbalist

Deals last from 29 November until 3 December

Although no deals have been released yet, Superbalist is likely to have some of the best Black Friday deals in the online apparel space.

Ride Sharing – Uber and Makro

29 November only

Uber has partnered with Makro to give users up to R50 off 2 Uber rides when requesting a ride to and from Makro store between 27 November – 1 December 2019 using promo code MAKROBLACK5DAY.

Gaming – Bethesda

Various digital platforms on 29 November

Game developer and publisher Bethesda is discounting its games by up to 75% at digital storefronts, including Bethesda.net, Steam, Microsoft Store, PlayStation Store, and the Nintendo eShop. From Bethesda.net,

Travel – TravelStart Flights

Promotion runs on 29 November

Air tickets have also been discounted when one books through TravelStart. The most affordable one-way routes start at:

Remote Agriculture – Fedgroup Impact Farming

Promotions run from 29 November to 2 December

For a limited time, Fedgroup is offering bundles of one solar panel and 20 blueberry bushes, valued at R11 000, for R1 000 less on the Impact Farming App. Only 1400 bundles will be made available, so get in early while stocks last.

Gaming – Nintendo

Promotions run from 29 November to 2 December

Nintendo is having its own Black Friday specials where the items aren’t discounted, but include freebies to the value of up to R1000.
Our favourite deals are:

Tech – Cellucity

Promotions run from 29 November to 2 December

Cellucity has some impressive discounts on audio accessories this Black Friday. For the full set of deals, visit https://cellucity.co.za/black-friday/.
Our favourite deals are:

Tech – Samsung Store

Promotions run from 28 November to 2 December, only at Samsung Stores.

Samsung is going big on deals in its Samsung Stores this year. If you’re in need of a new TV, tablet, or kitchen appliance, the Samsung Store will probably provide one of the best Black Friday deals available.
Our favourites are:

Exit mobile version