The biggest Black Friday mistake is chasing the biggest red “SALE” badge. The winning strategy is planning + verification: compare like-for-like, check total cost, and only buy what was already on your list.
The 90-second Black Friday checklist
- Know your price ceiling: the maximum you’re willing to pay (not the “was” price).
- Compare unit prices: per 100g / per litre / per item when packs differ.
- Do bundle math: “2 for…” only wins if the unit price drops.
- Check the total: item + delivery + fees before you commit.
- Verify policy: returns/warranty especially for electronics & appliances.
- Beware fake links: confirm you’re on the real retailer domain before paying.
1) The timeline: Black Friday vs Cyber Monday
In South Africa, many retailers run “Black Friday” offers as a week-long campaign. The key is knowing that different categories peak at different times:
- Early drops (days before): selected electronics, appliances, and limited “doorbuster” stock.
- Black Friday day: headline deals, high traffic, stock moves fast, checkout queues and delivery slots tighten.
- Weekend: bundles, clearances, household and lifestyle promos.
- Cyber Monday (Monday after): online-focused deals, peripherals, digital subscriptions, accessories.
The smart move: shortlist what you want, then watch for the best timing — not just the loudest day.
2) What to buy (and what to be careful with)
Usually worth it
- TVs, monitors, laptops (verify exact model numbers)
- Small appliances (air fryers, microwaves, kettles) if warranty is clear
- Peripherals (SSD, RAM, routers, headphones) on Cyber Monday
- Household essentials in bulk (only if unit price drops)
Be extra careful
- “Exclusive/special edition” variants (harder to compare)
- Bundles with accessories you don’t need
- Anything “limited warranty” or unclear returns
- Third-party marketplace sellers (check ratings, delivery and returns)
3) How to verify a deal is real
Real deals survive simple tests. Here are the ones that expose most fake specials quickly:
3.1 Unit price test (groceries & essentials)
If the pack sizes differ, the sticker price is meaningless. Convert to unit price: Total price ÷ quantity. Compare per 100g/per litre/per item.
3.2 Model number test (electronics)
With TVs, laptops, phones and appliances, compare the exact model code. A “similar looking” model can be a lower spec version made for promos.
- Match CPU/RAM/storage for laptops.
- Match panel type + size and key features for TVs.
- Check warranty length and local support model.
3.3 Bundle math test
4) The step-by-step buying plan (before, during, after)
4.1 Before Black Friday (the “win” week)
- Make a shortlist of what you actually need (3–10 items max).
- Set a ceiling price for each item. If it doesn’t go below that, you don’t buy.
- Choose acceptable alternatives (brand/spec) so you don’t panic-buy.
- Create accounts on retailers you might use and save addresses/payment details securely.
- Check return policy and warranty requirements early (keep screenshots if needed).
4.2 During Black Friday (execution)
- Compare like-for-like (unit price, model numbers, pack sizes).
- Check total checkout cost: delivery, fees, minimum basket requirements.
- Don’t let scarcity rush you: a “limited stock” banner is not proof of value.
- Take proof: order confirmation + screenshots of key terms for expensive items.
4.3 After purchase (protect the win)
- Save invoices and warranty docs immediately.
- Inspect products quickly so returns are easier if there’s an issue.
- Keep tracking prices for a few days — some retailers extend promos or add weekend drops.
5) Common Black Friday traps (and how to avoid them)
Compare the *total* cost
Delivery fees and minimum basket amounts can erase an “amazing” discount.
Check pack sizes
Shrinkflation is real. Unit pricing is the truth.
Anchor pricing
Ignore “was” prices unless you’ve seen the product at that price recently.
Panic-buying bundles
If you didn’t need it last week, “free” accessories can become expensive clutter.
6) Scam safety for Black Friday (quick checks)
Black Friday is peak season for fake ads, cloned pages and WhatsApp “promos”. Before you pay, do these checks:
- Look at the domain carefully (spelling, extra words, odd endings).
- Don’t trust urgency messages that pressure you to pay immediately.
- Use secure payment methods and avoid sharing OTPs or card details in chats.
- Check contact details and policies (returns, warranty, delivery) before checkout.
7) Category playbooks (quick wins)
Electronics
- Match exact model numbers and specs.
- Watch for bundle markups (TV + soundbar bundles are common).
- Prioritise warranty clarity and local support.
Appliances
- Confirm energy rating and warranty terms.
- Check delivery/installation costs and lead times.
- Don’t ignore returns policy (especially for large items).
Groceries & essentials
- Unit price is everything.
- Only bulk buy items you always use (avoid waste).
- Check expiry dates if purchasing in-store promotions.
Make Black Friday simpler
Use DiscountFinder as your “second opinion” before checkout: compare offers fast, then verify the final price on the source page.