Tips to shop smarter and safer on Black Friday

Black Friday is around the corner and the excitement is rising. On this big shopping day, people usually line up outside stores for long hours to take advantage of their favourite stores’ Black Friday specials and sales. However, with the popularity and effectiveness of the internet, this year it is predicted that more people will shop online. This year, you can look forward to getting your hands on the best Black Friday 2020 deals from the comfort of your home.

While millions of shoppers are getting ready and saving up for the big day, you may be wondering how to shop smart and safe this year. Let’s explore a few tips you can follow to ensure you get the best out of the day, safely and securely.

• Tips for shopping online on Black Friday 2020
• Tips for shopping in-store on Black Friday
• Shop safely this Black Friday

Tips for shopping online on Black Friday 2020

1. Plan, plan, plan

It’s very easy to get distracted on Black Friday. Therefore, it is very important to plan carefully before the day arrives. Make lists of the products you want to buy and set aside a budget for your shopping spree. It is essential to stick to what you have planned to buy and to not exceed the budget you have set for yourself.

2. Compare prices

On Black Friday, it’s easy to get fooled by all the hype. To avoid this, it is best to compare prices of the products you want to shop before the big day arrives. Luckily, there are websites where you can compare prices and discounts easily from the comfort of your home. A website such as Kimbino allows you to compare prices in the catalogues of different stores to ensure you get the best price on your favourite products.

3. Check for the “secure lock” icon

Shopping online can be risky if you use sites that are not trusted. You should always consider using sites that have an SSL (secure sockets layer) encryption installed when shopping on Black Friday 2020. A site that has an URL address that begins with HTTPS, instead of HTTP, is secure. You should also be on the lookout for a locked padlock icon, which often appears on the left side of the URL address. This is a good indicator of a secure site and means it is safe to shop online.

4. Check for return policies and extra fees information

So, what happens if you purchase a product that you need to return for some reason? Well, you should make sure that you can return your purchase by reading the e-store’s return policy before you buy. Some e-commerce sites may not allow returns on some products such as clothing, while others may only allow returns within a set timeline. 

If you’re shopping in-store, it is advisable to ask the store’s staff about their return policies. It is also wise to look for terms and conditions that include any extra costs to avoid any surprises during the checkout phase.

5. Be cautious of adding unnecessary information online

While you should expect to provide some vital information such as a shipping address and a method of payment when making an online purchase, you should be cautious about e-stores asking for unnecessary info. Private information that isn’t usually required for online shopping includes ID numbers and bank account details. You should also check out the website’s privacy policy to ascertain that your information is secure.

Tips for shopping in-store on Black Friday

If you’re shopping in-store, be sure to follow these tips:

1. Wear your mask and sanitize often

It is advisable to avoid crowded stores and shopping centers. But if you have to go to a physical store, be sure to wear your mask for the entire duration of your shopping trip. It is also wise to sanitize your hands often, especially as you enter and leave stores.

2. Keep your distance

The current regulations require everyone to keep a safe distance of at least 6 feet (or 2 metres) from others. Therefore, it is necessary to practice social distancing in all stores and shopping malls you plan to visit.

Shop safely this Black Friday

This year, it is expected that more people will shop online compared to other years. Online shopping can be easy and convenient: You can easily compare prices and discounts, to find the best prices; and you can shop around from the comfort of your couch. However, a major concern for most shoppers is the security of their information and whether they are shopping from legitimate eCommerce businesses. To ensure you shop safely and securely on Black Friday 2020, use our tips above. With these, it’s easy to be safe while enjoying massive discounts.