Black Friday checklist: How to shop smart online

Black Friday is almost here! And for many South Africans, that means splurging on that must-have item you’ve had your eye on all year.

But you don’t have to fight off crowds or stand in long queues all day when it comes to shopping.

For those who want to avoid the in-store mayhem, online shopping is always an option. Here’s how you can prepare for a safe and speedy checkout process.

ALSO READ: Black Friday bargain flight offers! See here

WHEN IS BLACK FRIDAY?

Black Friday falls on the Friday after the US holiday Thanksgiving – which is the fourth Thursday in November.

This year, the shopping extravaganza falls on Friday, 24 November.

ALSO READ: Can you ask your employer to pay you early for Black Friday in SA?

TOP TIPS TO ONLINE SHOPPING

Here are some savvy online shopping tips you need to know ahead of Black Friday…

Set your alarm

This sounds obvious, but oversleeping or missing a time-sensitive offer could mean the difference between getting the item you really want, or risk it being sold out.

Make sure you don’t miss out on the action on Black Friday by setting your alarm (and testing to see that it goes off). Also keep an eye out for special offers throughout the day.

Sign up for newsletters and promotions

Many retailers are offering exclusive Black Friday discounts and promotions if you sign up for their newsletters.

You may even get a glimpse of what is on offer, which will help you plan your shopping list to the tee.

Create a Black Friday wishlist or fill your cart

If you already know what you want to purchase, you can save time during checkout by adding your items to your wishlist or to your cart.

This is particularly helpful if retailers give you a limited time to shop.

Bookmark your favourite sites

Organisation is everything when it comes to shopping – and bookmarks should never be overlooked!

Keep your favourite sites located in a special Black Friday folder in your bookmark manager.

Know your prices

Many retailers disguise normal prices or minimal discounts as Black Friday specials. Make sure you are well informed of the normal prices ahead of time to determine if it is worth your while.

Know your correct sizes

If you are shopping for clothing or shoe items, make sure you measure ahead of time to know your exact size. Many retailers offer sizing charts to make this easier.

This will prevent receiving an item that is too big or small or run the risk of the retailer not having the correct size in stock should you decide to exchange it.

Read the fine print

If you need your item in a hurry – or for a Christmas present – make sure you read the fine print of when you can expect your Black Friday purchases to be delivered.

Sometimes retailers state that orders will only be dispatched when stock becomes available or in a lengthy period of time.

Split delivery costs

If you plan on making small purchases, why not pool together with a group of friends to split the cost of delivery – or qualify for free shipping.

This also works well if you need to purchase a certain quantity of a particular item to qualify for a discount.

Create an account ahead of time

Most retail online shopping sites require you to have a profile or link your account online.

Doing this ahead of time will speed up the checkout process come Black Friday.

Download the app

Very often retail sites can crash due to an influx of traffic and consumers trying to check out at the same time.

Avoid the frustration by downloading the official app of your preferred retailer to beat the online queues.

PAYMENTS AND ONLINE SAFETY TIPS

Just like websites, credit card systems can crash over large volumes of transactions taking place at the same time.

To combat this, familiarise yourself with alternative payment options like Instant EFT (Ozow and Payflex) or buy now, pay later (Payflex or PayJustNow)

Secure online shopping

If you’re unfamiliar with online shopping, take heed of the following cyber safety advice;

• Shop from verified stores
• Never use free Wifi in public places when online shopping
• Check your statements or balances.
• Check that the site has encryption in its communications.