Black Friday Mistakes to Avoid as a Smart Shopper
As the year wraps up, the festive season comes alive, filled with excitement, family gatherings, and of course, shopping! With Christmas just around the corner, many South Africans are counting down the days to Black Friday – a perfect time to get those holiday gifts sorted without emptying the bank account. This year, Black Friday falls on the 29th of November, and retailers are already gearing up with a dizzying array of deals and promotions.
Read: Tips for Festive Shopping on a Budget
But as tempting as all those sales can be, it’s easy to make a few missteps that might end up costing you more than you intended. Whether you’re a seasoned shopper or dipping your toes into the Black Friday frenzy for the first time, we’ve rounded up the common mistakes people tend to make – and how you can avoid them like a pro!
1. Diving in Without a Black Friday Budget
Ah, the thrill of a good deal! But before you rush in, let’s talk about the importance of having a budget. Yes, it’s not the most exciting task, but it’s crucial. Going into Black Friday without a set budget is like heading into a buffet without any portion control – you’ll probably end up overindulging and feeling a bit sick afterwards.
A budget is your safety net. It helps keep your spending in check, making sure you don’t blow all your cash on one-day deals and find yourself scrambling for cents in December. Why stop there? You could break down your budget into categories. Set aside a certain amount for gifts, clothing, electronics, or whatever’s on your shopping radar. Jot down your spending throughout the day so you’re always aware of how much is left in the bank!
2. Forgetting to Price-Check
You’d think that with “deals” flying at us from all angles, we’d be getting the absolute best price possible, right? However, that’s not always the case. Retailers are smart, and sometimes they hike prices up in the months leading up to Black Friday, only to slash them back to their regular price on the day.
Read: The Cheapest Grocery Stores in South Africa
Before you hit that “buy now” button, take a moment to compare prices across different stores. Google Shopping is a lifesaver for this. With just a quick search, you’ll be able to see how much that must-have gadget is going for elsewhere. Don’t be swayed by flashy banners that scream “50% OFF!” – check the actual price first!
3. Getting Hypnotised by Discount Percentages
Who doesn’t love seeing those big discount percentages? “70% off? Sign me up!” But here’s the catch: the higher the discount, the more tempting it is, but that doesn’t always mean you’re getting the best deal. Sometimes, even with a huge discount, the price might not be as low as it seems.
Instead of focusing on the percentage, pay attention to the final price. Is it still within your budget? Does it actually offer value? If the answer’s no, walk away (or, more accurately, click away). It’s easy to get swept up in the discount hype, but stay sharp!
4. Flitting From One Item to the Next
Here’s a mistake we’re all guilty of: random shopping! Without a clear plan, it’s so easy to start adding things to your cart, like a butterfly hopping from one flower to the next. Before you know it, your cart is overflowing with impulse buys and your budget? Well, that’s long gone.
Be strategic. Make a list of what you need and want ahead of time, then focus on those items. It’ll help you stay on track and prevent you from buying unnecessary things. Plus, you’ll be able to zero in on the best deals for the stuff that really matters to you.
5. Relying Too Much on Your Credit Card
Credit cards are super convenient, but they can also be your worst enemy on Black Friday! It’s just so easy to swipe and worry about paying later. The problem? “Later” often comes with added interest and extra stress.
Read: 3 Ways To Tackle Credit Card Debt
If possible, stick to cash or a debit card for those smaller purchases. If you do need to use a credit card, set yourself a hard spending limit. The last thing you want is to be stuck with a mountain of debt after all the Black Friday dust settles.
6. Ignoring Cashback and Rewards
This is an easy one to forget, especially in the excitement of Black Friday. But if you’re shopping at a store that offers cashback or a rewards program, make sure you’re taking advantage of it! These rewards can add up and give you a nice little bonus after all that shopping.
7. Waiting Until the Last Minute
One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting until the end of the day or even the weekend to do their shopping. The trick is to get in early. Many retailers start their Black Friday sales in the days leading up to the event, so keep an eye out for those early-bird specials. And once you’ve found what you’re looking for, act fast—items can disappear quicker than you think!
Bonus Tip: What Debtline Can Do for You
If you’re finding yourself swamped with debt or worried about overspending, it might be time to get some expert advice. Debtline is a tailor-made debt solution that connects you with NCR-registered debt counsellors who can offer professional guidance on managing your finances. They can help you tackle debt, streamline repayments, and get back on track.
If that sounds like something you need, reach out to Debtline for a free consultation – it could be the head start you need to enjoy the festive season without the financial stress!
