Since learning about Black Friday, Mercy has treated it like an annual shopping fest. She happily sings, “chop my monies…” as she fills her cart with everything she’s admired for months, convinced each deal is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Every year, she promises herself, “This time, I’ll only buy what I need.” But the moment the “50% Off Black Friday” banners appear, her carefully planned Ksh20,000 budget quickly balloons to Ksh50,000. To make matters worse, with purchases from multiple websites, Mercy isn’t even sure if her data is safe on some of the e-retail platforms.

Mercy isn’t alone. Black Friday is designed to create a sense of urgency, nudging you to click “Add to Cart” on items you don’t really need. Before checking out, Samuel, ABC Bank’s customer service officer, recommends asking yourself these five essential questions:

1) What is my need? Is this something you genuinely need, or just discounted?

2) How much do I have? Set a budget before shopping and stick to it, because unplanned shopping isn’t a saving if it pushes you into overdraft or digital loans.

3) How much are other retailers selling it for? Some discounts aren’t real. Stores often raise prices before Black Friday, then “slash” them to look cheaper.

4) Are there any hidden costs? Delivery fees, taxes, and packaging can turn a good deal into an expensive one.

5) Is my payment method safe? Black Friday attracts scammers. Avoid unfamiliar sites, unsecured Wi-Fi, and random links. Always use trusted payment methods and double-check website authenticity.

Unlike Mercy, don’t fall into the ‘ Black Friday flashy sales deals’. Plan, check, and take a moment to ask the right questions before hitting “Buy Now.” With clarity and caution, Black Friday can work for your needs, not your impulses.

Happy Black Friday!