As November unfolds, so does the global anticipation for Black Friday sales. A retail phenomenon that promises deep discounts and irresistible deals.
However, for emaSwati, the real opportunity lies not in the frenzy of November 28, but in the weeks leading up to it. If we are serious about saving money, making informed purchases, and avoiding financial regret, we must start shopping around now.
Black Friday is no longer a one-day event. Retailers across the region and online platforms have already begun teasing early access deals, bundle offers and flash sales. Waiting until the last minute is not only risky, it’s expensive. Prices fluctuate, stock runs out and impulse buying takes over. The smartest shoppers are those who prepare early, compare prices and buy with purpose.
Cost of living pressures
In Eswatini, where household budgets are increasingly strained by rising costs and stagnant incomes, Black Friday should be approached as a strategic opportunity, not a spending spree. It’s a chance to invest in essentials, stretch the lilangeni and plan ahead for festive needs or school reopening. However, that requires discipline, not desperation.
Many of us have fallen into the trap of buying things we don’t need simply because they’re presumed on sale.
We’ve clicked buy without checking if the price was truly discounted. We’ve paid for shipping and customs that wiped out the savings. And we’ve regretted purchases that added no value to our lives. This year, we can do better.
Shopping around and track prices
First, make a list of what you actually need. Whether it’s a new phone, school shoes, kitchen appliancesor bulk groceries write it down. Then, start comparing prices now. Visit local retailers, furniture shops and online platforms. Use price tracking apps or simply record prices manually. You’ll quickly see which deals are genuine and which are marketing tricks.
Also, shop with intention. As you do your window shopping and make your wish list in the build up, ask yourself: What value will each of the items on you wish list add in your life? Will this item improve my life? Is it worth the price? Can I afford it without compromising other needs? If the answer is yes, go ahead and keep that item on your wish list. If not, strike that item of your wish list.
Set a budget and stick to it
Set a budget and stick to it. This you should not do on the week to Black Friday, right now is the time to start planning your budget and planning how much you are willing to spend on Black Friday.
Upon receipt of your salary, remove your Black Friday planned expenditure from your transacting account. This will ensure that you do not over swipe and get taken away in the frenzy of Black Friday sales.
The psychology of money states that we receive less satisfaction from the purchase of the next unit compared to the first unit. Hence, you are most likely to stop your purchases if your money is removed from your normal transacting account.
Your impulse buying will be controlled as the money runs out. If your money in your mobile money account for example runs out, you are not likely to easily shift to your bank card. Human nature is averse to spending money.
The pose will allow you to think properly before you shift your purchases to your main account. Most likely the realisation that you have already exhausted the money you had planned on spending will make you realise that tapping into your other funds is an over spend.
Thus you will be deterred from excessive spending. Allocate a budget for essentials first, then see what’s left for extras.
Avoid credit unless it’s interest-free and manageable. Remember: a discounted item bought on debt is not a saving it’s a future burden. This is an intertemporal decision, where you are utilising your future income.
Avoid using credit cards or borrowed money for the sales, it does not serve you. If you have not saving for Black Friday or have a financial windfall, just stay at home and forget about Black Friday, you will only be over committing yourself unnecessarily.
Hidden costs
Beware of hidden costs, as we build up to black Friday make sure you understand the total cost of sales. Do not be taken aback just after you have made the purchase. When shopping online, factor in delivery fees, customs duties, and delays. A cheap deal from abroad may end up costing more than a local purchase. Support local businesses where possible, they offer quicker delivery, easier returns and help strengthen our economy.
Stick to the game plan
Financial experts like John Manyike from Old Mutual have warned that Black Friday can lead to reckless spending. Stick to a game plan to avoid buying things you don’t need only to regret later. Buy value, not volumes. Do not let the fear of missing out push you into debt, sometimes being by passed by events is a blessing and you can start saving for next years Black Friday.
Waiting until the last minute is not only risky, it’s expensive. (Pic: Ramsey Solutions)