Starting tomorrow, Nigeria’s top online shopping sites will begin a month-long shopping event called Black Friday. Here’s what to expect:
- Jumia is launching its “Do Pass Yourself” campaign (Oct 31 – Dec 1).
- Konga is back with its iconic “Yakata Sale” (Nov 1 – Nov 30).
- Jiji is making a huge splash with its “Deals Na Water” (Nov 1 – Nov 31).
However, many Nigerians have a big concern: “Am I going to get scammed?”
We’ve all seen it happen. A tempting 60% discount on a TV that just had its price raised by 40%. Or a great deal from a seller who stops responding after you pay. With the current state of the economy, it’s essential to stay careful.
Before you spend your first Naira, remember this: this isn’t just another article listing “top deals.” This is your plan for Black Friday 2025. This is how to spot genuine bargains and avoid misleading offers.
Step 1: Know Where You’re Shopping (They Are Not the Same)
First, understand who you’re buying from. Jumia, Konga, and Jiji are different, and knowing this helps you stay safe.
- Jumia & Konga (The Big Stores): Think of these two as a large shopping mall. They work in two ways:
- Retailer (Safer): When a product is “Sold by Jumia” or “Shipped by Konga,” it comes from their warehouse. This is the safest way to shop because they take full responsibility.
- Marketplace (Be Careful): When a product is “Sold by [XYZ Store]” but fulfilled by the platform. You buy from a third-party seller. It’s mostly safe, but make sure to check the seller’s ratings.
- Jiji (Purely a Marketplace): Think of Jiji as a busy market like Balogun or Onitsha Market. Jiji does not own any products. It connects you directly to sellers. The deals can be great, but the risks are higher. Jiji’s “Deals Na Water” campaign highlights its Verified Sellers, but it’s primarily up to you to check and verify before buying.
Step 2: Your 5-Step “Scam-Proof” Buyer’s Guide
Don’t shop without a plan. Use this checklist for every item you want to buy.
1. Spot the “Was Price” Trick
Sellers often use a fake “was” price to make you think you’re getting a great deal. They might show: “NOW: ₦50,000 ~~WAS: ₦100,000~~ (50% Off!)”. The “was” price usually isn’t accurate. It might be an outdated price or one no one has paid for months. Focus on the price you’re paying now.
2. Be a Price Detective
Before you buy a product, check prices on two other websites. Let’s say you want to purchase a “Silver Crest 8L Air Fryer” from one site, open two more tabs.
- Tab 1: Jumia
- Tab 2: Konga
- Tab 3: Jiji
Search for the same product on all three. You will instantly see the truth. You’ll find out if Jumia’s “deal” is actually ₦5,000 more expensive than Konga’s everyday price. Or you’ll find a Verified Seller on Jiji offering it for ₦10,000 less. This simple check can reveal if the site you’re looking at has a higher price than the others. You may find a better deal elsewhere.
3. Check the Seller’s Reputation
When buying on Jumia and Konga, only consider products from their “Official Store.” If you’re buying from another seller, check their ratings. A 40% discount on a phone from “GadgetKings,” which has a 12% positive seller rating and was “Joined in October 2025,” is not a deal. Look for sellers with many reviews and a rating of 85% or higher. On Jiji, only deal with sellers who have the “Verified ID” or “Verified Seller” badge.
4. Watch Out for Delivery Fees
A ₦10,000 discount is worthless if the delivery fee to your location is ₦12,000. Always check the total cost at checkout. Jumia’s “Jumia Express” items (often with free or cheap shipping) can be a better deal than a third-party seller’s item that looks cheaper but has a massive shipping cost. Konga also offers “Free Delivery” on many items. Make sure to include this in your calculations!
5. Jiji’s Golden Rule: “Inspect Before You Pay”
For Jiji, the rules are different. Their “Deals Na Water” will be tempting, but you must follow these safety rules.
- NEVER pay in advance.
- NEVER pay for delivery before checking the item.
- ALWAYS meet the seller in a safe, public place (like a mall or office reception).
- INSPECT the item thoroughly. If it’s a phone, turn it on, check the IMEI, and make a test call. If it’s sealed, open it there.
This month, be a detective, not just a shopper. Question every “was” price. Check every seller. Compare every platform. But we know that’s a lot of work. So, we’re going to do it for you.
For the next two weeks, we’ll be tracking the prices of the most-wanted items—the phones, the generators, the TVs, the air fryers. Stay tuned for our mid-November “Black Friday Showdown,” where we’ll reveal who really has the cheapest deals… and who’s just playing with numbers.
