How to lock in real savings this Black Friday

Black Friday has become one of the biggest shopping events in South Africa, with billions of rands spent in stores and online in just a few days. But behind the hype, not every offer is what it seems. To truly save this Black Friday, you need to shop smart. We show you how.

Why Black Friday matters in South Africa

Retailers know South Africans are bargain hunters, and they use Black Friday as a powerful sales tool. According to Capitec Bank, their clients spent over R25 billion on Black Friday 2024, including nearly R2 billion on groceries. For many households, the chance to stretch their rands a little further is appealing, especially when essentials like food and appliances are included in the deals.

But not all “bargains” are genuine. Some products are temporarily marked up before the sale so the discount looks bigger. Others are bundled with extras you don’t need. And in some cases, the “deal” is just the everyday price, dressed up with a countdown timer to create urgency.

Step 1: Prepare before the day

The most successful Black Friday shoppers don’t start on the day itself. They plan ahead:

• Set a budget: decide how much you can afford to spend and on what
• Make a wish list: choose the items you truly need or have been saving for
• Know the “normal” price: check current prices for those items
• Stick to the plan: a clear list will help you resist impulse buys
• Buy with a clear head: before you hit checkout, take a time out.

Having a strategy makes it easier to spot genuine savings and walk away from clever marketing tricks.

Step 2: Spot the tricks retailers use

On Black Friday retailers might use a number of clever tactics to encourage you to buy more. Here are the most common ones to watch out for:

Inflated “original” prices

A TV might be listed at “WAS R7 999, NOW R4 999.” But a month earlier, it was selling for R4 999 anyway. The supposed “discount” is an illusion created by raising the price shortly before the sale.

Bundling and upselling

A discounted laptop may come with an “exclusive” accessories bundle – but the extras (mouse, bag, software) may not be worth the higher price. Similarly, you might be persuaded to add a second item “for half price,” even if you don’t need it.

Scarcity pressure

Phrases like “Only 2 left!” or “Deal ends in 5 minutes” are designed to trigger FOMO. While some offers really are limited, many retailers overstate scarcity to push you into buying without thinking.

Bait and switch

You arrive for the R3 999 fridge advertised in the flyer, only to be told it’s sold out. But there’s another model available – conveniently more expensive. This tactic relies on you already being in the store or on the site, primed to buy.

Loss leaders

Some genuinely discounted items – like TVs or phones – are meant to draw you in. But once you’re there, retailers count on you filling your trolley with full-price items.

Step 3: Stay safe and avoid scams

Black Friday isn’t just big business for retailers, it’s big business for criminals too. Cybersecurity firm Darktrace found that Black Friday-themed phishing scams rose nearly 700% in November 2024.

Here’s how to protect yourself:

• Stick to official sites and apps: type the retailer’s web address directly into your browser instead of clicking links from emails, SMS or social media ads.
• Check the URL: fake websites often have misspellings or unusual domain endings. Always look for “https” and the padlock symbol.
• Enable two-factor authentication: many banks and retailers offer extra login securit Use it. Consider using your virtual card details when making an online purchase.
• Keep your bank’s fraud hotline handy: if something feels off, act fast.
• Be wary of WhatsApp “vouchers” or giveaway scams: these often circulate widely during November.
• Track deliveries: ensure you receive official tracking numbers and keep copies of your receipts.

Local examples: the good, the bad and the ugly

To bring it closer to home, consider these real scenarios from previous Black Fridays in South Africa:

• A large retailer advertised a “massive discount” on a popular brand of sneakers. But savvy shoppers spotted that the price had been quietly raised two weeks before. The so-called “sale” was just the normal price.
• Another shopper reported finding the same washing machine on “special” at three different retailers, with each claiming it was marked down by 30%. In reality, two stores had inflated their “was” price, while one listed it at the everyday price with no discount. Only one offer was real.
• Fraudulent websites popped up with names almost identical to legitimate stores, offering electronics at unbelievable prices. Victims who paid never received their goods and couldn’t recover their money.

These cases highlight the need for research, scepticism, and vigilance.

Step 4: Recap – the golden rules of Black Friday

To shop smart and save real money:

1. Plan ahead: know what you want and what it normally costs.
2. Set a budget: and stick to it.
3. Spot the tricks: don’t be fooled by inflated discounts, scarcity claims or bundles you don’t need.
4. Avoid mistakes: check return policies, hidden costs and think twice before buying.
5. Stay safe: use official sites, secure payments and beware of scams.
6. Don’t rush: if in doubt, pause. Genuine savings will stand up to scrutiny.

The good, the bad and the truly great deal

Black Friday can be a fantastic opportunity to save – if you shop smart. With billions of rands in play, retailers will use every tactic to convince you to part with your cash, and scammers will be waiting in the wings. But with preparation, awareness and discipline, you can walk away with real bargains, not regrets.

So draw up your list, check your budget, and keep your wits about you. The best Black Friday deal is not the one that looks the flashiest – it’s the one that truly saves you money and serves your needs long after the excitement has faded.