With Black Friday around the corner, you can bet your bottom dollar that people right across the world will be swiping their cards in a spending frenzy, even buying things they really don’t need, simply because they’re on sale.
Now for those of you who don’t know (and believe me, even I wasn’t too clued up on this either before I searched the internet), Black Friday is the day that occurs after Thanksgiving day in the United States of America (USA). It’s not an official holiday, but is regarded as the beginning of the ‘Christmas Shopping Season’, or ‘Purge of The Credit Card’ as I like to call it.
Even here in South Africa, people go crazy and shop for items they often do not need, with retail stores advertising the lowest prices imaginable for their merchandise weeks in advance of the actual day.
This day has been observed since 1952 in the USA and is traditionally for four days, although here in South Africa, it’s observed for only one. This year, Black Friday will take place on the 24th of November 2017 and will see retail stores right across Mzansi filled to the brim with eager shoppers.
Although we all love a good sale (just over three weeks ago, I was standing in a long line for over an hour at Spur, just to get a taste of their R50 special), it’s important to not spend carelessly and get yourself into debt in the process. Below I’ve highlighted a few tips for getting the most out of this year’s Black Friday WITHOUT having to declare bankruptcy thereafter:
• If possible, get to shopping centres early to avoid long lines at the till and the inevitable ‘trolley wars’ that take place along aisles when shops are really full.
• Try to set a budget of how much you’d like to spend on this day and STICK TO IT.
• If there’s something you really want to buy yourself (whether a new cell phone or even household appliances or toys for the kids), spend a few days having a look at the brochures of ALL stores, comparing prices to ensure that you get the best deal possible.
• Look at the warrantee of the item in case you decide to return it later.
• Don’t be shy to shop with coupons.
• Ask yourself: ‘Do I really need this? Would I have bought this if it were not on sale?’
Well, guys, enjoy this coming Black Friday and try not to overdo it with the spending! As for me, I’ll be sitting at home, avoiding the shops at all costs. I guess that’s what happens when you don’t have a cent to your name…
How will you be spending your Black Friday? Are there any tips I’ve left out?
This blog was written by FunDza’s intern feature writer, Kauthar Gool, read more of her blogs, short stories and Inspiring Tomorrow articles here.