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Black Friday survival guide - Calling all bargain hunters!

Shoppers jostle to buy products on special at the Mall of Africa in Midrand on Black Friday last year.
Shoppers jostle to buy products on special at the Mall of Africa in Midrand on Black Friday last year.
Image: Felix Dlangamandla / Gallo Images

Friday, 24 November 2017, will mark the second year South African retailers take part in the global shopping spectacular known as Black Friday.

Prices will be slashed, aisles will be packed and you must have your wits about you.

For seasoned bargain hunters; Black Friday is a breeze. For some however, it can be overwhelming.

 Most amateurs fall victim to following the crowd and thinking that they will buy whatever they can get their hands on.

 Missing out on buying that marked down TV set can almost be as painful as a trolley wheel to the ankle.

 Lucky for you we have prepared a Black Friday Survival guide with the help of Kevin Tucker, founder and CEO of PriceCheck:

 Go online

 Mall crowds can be daunting on pay day weekend, they are worse on Black Friday. If you would rather skip the crowds, you can do your shopping online. 

Don’t succumb to pressure

Don’t fall victim to the urgency of the day. Make sure you are really getting a bargain on the item you want. Using a price comparison service (can be found online) can take the myth out of the price slash. 

 Christmas shopping

 Get a head start on your Christmas shopping. Stock up on presents and goods to ease your pocket and have one less thing to worry about. 

 Plan

Having a plan will orientate and keep you focused on Black Friday. Have a list of the things you wish to purchase and do a bit of recon on where to get them.  So on the day you will know what you are getting and where you are getting it.  

 Your apps are your friends

Put that smartphone to good use! Go on social media to suss out the situation at various outlets. Use your traffic apps and start WhatsApp group to collaborate with other shoppers.

 After all the preparation here are a few things to keep in mind. You are responsible for your behaviour – pushing and shoving is dangerous. If possible, do not take small children and frail elderly persons shopping with you on Black Friday, as a safety precaution.

 Lastly, wear comfortable shoes! May the shopping odds be ever in your favour.

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