How to shop smart this Black Friday:

• 1. Create your budget and wish-list
• 2. Double down on digital security
• 3. Test your WiFi speed and get those tabs open
• 4. Use price comparison tools
• 5. Stay hydrated and on top of your game
• 6. Resist the FOMO
• 7. Black Friday bonus tips

Don’t get stirred up into a retail frenzy without first checking out these top tips to make your Black Friday and Black November shopping a breeze.

How to shop like a ninja this Black Friday

Some of us wait the entire year to get to Black Friday to spend our hard-earned cash on sensational deals. Whether you’re standing in line at 5am outside your favourite store, waiting for them to open, or planning to strike as many online sales as you can, the rules are the same: set a budget, keep a cool head, and stay safe.

So when that time comes, it helps to be prepared so you don’t end up with buyer’s remorse. These tips will help you cash in on the best Black Friday deals on the web quickly, safely and without busting your budget.

A FEW DAYS BEFORE

1. Create your Black Friday budget and wish-list

Take the opportunity to go virtual window shopping ahead of time! Visit your favourite sites, add items to your wish-lists, and set a strict budget to avoid impulse buys. Consider it a ‘shopping rehearsal’ - remember, you probably don’t need a second air fryer, even if it’s 70% off and can be delivered today.

2. Double down on digital security

During the Black Friday frenzy, scams pop up like desert meerkats on a dirt mound. Stick to the secure shopping sites you already know and love, look for the ‘https’ in the URL, and avoid those ‘too-good-to-be-true’ discount links sent via email and SMS, from people or retailers you don’t know.

Steer clear of becoming a phishing statistic and don’t be tempted to click those links unless you’re 100% positive you know the source.

Also, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your accounts – it’s like adding a bodyguard to your online shopping cart – and don’t share any of those one-time PINs, unsolicited WhatsApp codes, or private logins with ANYONE, even if they seem legitimate and ask you to.

ON THE DAY

3. Test your WiFi speed and get those tabs open

Treat Black Friday like a sporting event – get up super-early, do what you need to do, and beat the rush. First, make sure your Wi-Fi is fast and stable (try doing an Ookla Speed Test here) and that you have unlimited data to browse the Internet with one of Telkom’s great data bundle deals. This is your time to shine.

Then begin ‘The Great Opening’ of multiple browser tabs and, once the sales start, shuffle through them like a poker dealer in a high-stakes card game. If one site is lagging, flip to the next and load those deals. And remember, real ‘winners’ know when to quit (hint: that’s usually when the budget is tapped out!) so don’t feel tempted to overspend.

4. Use price comparison tools

On Black Friday, not all deals are created equal. Some deals simply aren't as good as they look, or they come with hidden terms and conditions (Ts & Cs). Read everything properly!

Use comparison sites like PriceCheck or these ones suggested by MyBroadband to make sure you’re truly getting a steal and not submitting to ‘daylight robbery’. By using these tools and apps, you may discover that the “exclusive price” is just last Tuesday’s special. Black Friday Rule #1: Check the fine print before you check out!

5. Stay hydrated and on top of your game

Black Friday online shopping means hours of clicking, scrolling, and refreshing. Charge up, have the power bank or inverter on stand-by, hydrate, and keep snacks within reach. You can also take advantage of Telkom’s Tap2Win summer deals.

6. Resist the FOMO

Black Friday shopping can feel like a high-stakes race, but the truth is, more discounts will come along if you miss one. Embrace the sales, but remember to laugh off those ‘almost’ purchases that just didn’t need to happen. Sometimes your partner really can live without that dinosaur onesie with claw feet that light up you saw for fifty bucks, including delivery. Seriously.

Additional ways that you can stay safe online this Black Friday

• Where possible, avoid shopping on public WiFi.
• Always purchase from reputable retailers and brands.
• Before Black Friday begins check on the safety of the websites you intend to shop on. Scan for https:// and a lock icon. Both of these indicators show that the site is safe and encrypts your data.
• Be on the lookout for phishing scams.
• Ensure that your phones, computers and tablets are up to date, are protected against malware and have anti-virus.
• Scrutinise your bank statements in the build up to and after Black Friday. Alert your bank if you notice any unusual activity. 

Keep up to date with all the Telkom Black Friday deals and major discounts between now and 8 December.