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The Gauteng Office of Consumer Affairs advises consumers to cautiously approach Black Friday offers and avoid being caught off-guard by sales promotions. Black Friday advertisements can be tempting and cause consumers to give in to impulse buying without proper budgeting. Consumers should not allow Black Friday deals to trigger an overspending that could set them back financially in the new year, cautions Ms Milly Viljoen, the Director of Education, Awareness and Stakeholder Relations at the Gauteng Department of Economic Development. 

Spending without a proper budget and proper planning may lead to consumers attempting to return goods and products that they have purchased to the suppliers. Some suppliers may give you a voucher instead of a refund if the goods and products are not defective and that may lead to financial constraints. Black Friday may be beneficial for some consumers, it may also create financial strain to those who participate without a proper budget and planning, adds Viljoen.

Your rights are protected even on Black Friday deals, particularly where defective, unsafe goods and services are concerned. Consumers should not be threatened by the “No Exchange – No Refunds” signs, which are illegal according to the Consumer Protection Act (CPA). 

Festive season is just around the corner, do not shop until you drop. Ensure that necessities such bond, rent, transport and other necessities are prioritised. Never purchase unnecessary goods or products just because they are on promotion. Rather save that money to begin the new year with financial freedom, cautions Viljoen.  

• Suppliers are not permitted to provide consumers with false, misleading and deceptive representation of goods and services. Report any misleading and deceptive representation on Black Friday deals. 
• Check the items and prices before Black Friday to do a comparison on the prices and to ensure that you are getting a better deal. 
• Suppliers may not give you a refund if the items are not defective. They are not legally obliged to do so. Make sure before you spend on Black Friday to avoid financial constraints!
• Not all online suppliers are legitimate. Verify the supplier before making online purchases on Black Friday. 
• Both online and in store purchases are subjected to the six (06) months implied warranty. Contact the Gauteng Consumer Office should you not receive goods and products as advertised online. 
• Keep your sales records (receipts) safe for in case there is a need to return the goods to the supplier. Your consumer rights are protected even if you purchased the goods on Black Friday deals.  
• Products and goods can never be sold “Voetstoots/ As Is” – except only at auctions. 

Issued by the Gauteng Department of Economic Development