Black Friday is no longer a single-day sprint – it’s a marathon that starts weeks in advance. A recent survey from MyBroadband revealed that a massive 94% of MyBroadband readers start hunting for deals up to a month before Black Friday shopping begins, and 73% prefer retailers that reveal their deals early. With 94% of the survey’s respondents planning to shop online this year, and over half (57%) planning to spend more than R2 500, the message is clear: preparation is everything.

So, don’t get stirred up into a retail frenzy. Grab these top tips to help you bag the best Black Friday deals quickly, safely, and without busting your budget.

1. Create a budget and wish list

The best way to avoid impulse buys is to plan ahead. Take the opportunity to go virtual window shopping before the sales begin. Visit your favourite sites, add items, like new Telkom contract deals, to your wish list, and set a strict budget.

Think of it as a “shopping rehearsal”. This helps you focus on what you actually need and stops you from buying a second air fryer just because it’s 70% off. Real winners know when to quit, and that’s usually when the budget is tapped out.

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.

Steer clear of becoming a phishing statistic. Don’t be tempted to click links unless you’re 100% positive you know the source, enable multifactor authentication (MFA) on your accounts – it’s like adding a bodyguard to your online shopping cart – and never share a one-time PIN or private login with anyone.

3. Test your WiFi speed and get those tabs open

Treat Black Friday like a sporting event: get up early and beat the rush. First, make sure your connection is ready for action. A fast, stable connection is crucial, so ensure you have one of Telkom’s uncapped fibre deals at home, or enough mobile data with our great LTE deals. Once the sales start, begin “The Great Opening” of multiple browser tabs. If one site is lagging, flip to the next and load those deals. This is your time to shine.

4. Use price comparison tools

Not all deals are created equal. Some simply aren’t as good as they look or come with hidden terms and conditions. Use comparison sites like PriceCheck to make sure you’re truly getting a steal. By using these tools, 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. 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 you saw for 50 bucks. Seriously.

6. Practise safe online shopping habits

Beyond the big tips, a few simple habits can keep you secure while you shop:

• Avoid public WiFi. Where possible, avoid shopping on public networks, which can be less secure.
• Stick to reputable retailers. Always purchase from trusted brands and stores.
• Check for the lock icon. Before Black Friday, scan the websites on which you intend to shop for “https” and the lock icon. Both show that the site is safe and encrypts your data.
• Keep your devices updated. Ensure your phone, computer and tablet software is up to date and protected with antivirus.
• Scrutinise your bank statements. Check your statements before and after Black Friday. Alert your bank immediately 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. Download the MyTelkom App to manage your products and stay in the loop.