I never heard of Black Friday until when I came to the United States from Kenya. 

I remember I came to the US a few months before Halloween season and I still remember some of the creepy Halloween decorations I saw.

Black Friday happens every fourth Friday of November and here is the brief history.

In 1869, two Wall Street financiers, Jay Gould and James Fisk, created a gold market crash on that day, leading to the term "Black Friday.

In the US, retailers traditionally recorded losses in red and gains in black.

After an entire year of operating at a loss (or "in the red"), stores would supposedly earn a profit (went "into the black") on the day after Thanksgiving because holiday shoppers blew so much money on discounted merchandise.

Black Friday in Kenya

Kenya and the rest of the world started imitating Black Friday later in the 2000s. 

Jumia is among the first movers to popularize the Black Friday sale in Kenya and now, Black November has become a shopping month.

Due to extremely high demand during Black Friday, we offer assisted shopping (Shop & Ship) but before you dive in, make sure you have a free shipping account.

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7 Items to Buy on Black Friday for Shipping from USA to Kenya via Kentex Cargo:

1. Electronics (Laptops, Phones, Tablets):

   • Electronic devices tend to have deep discounts on Black Friday. Most manufacturers clear their old inventory to pave the way for new-release items on Black Friday.
   • Reason: The US market often has exclusive models and configurations not available elsewhere. With Black Friday discounts, these can be significantly cheaper than even the regular models sold in Kenya.

2. Designer Apparel and Accessories:

   • Luxury brands like Louis Vuitton bags, Burberry scarves, and many other top brands goes on sale on Black Friday. Clothing dominates Black Friday shopping worldwide.
   • Reason: Not only is the selection more expansive in the US, but Black Friday deals can also drop prices substantially, making high-end fashion more affordable. Importing them yourself, especially on sale, often proves cheaper than purchasing from upscale Kenyan boutiques.

3. Specialty Beauty Products:

   • Think of exclusive brands like Fenty Beauty by Rihanna, Tatcha's luxury skincare, or Drunk Elephant serums. Such brands have huge discounts on Black Friday and this is a great chance to avoid buying counterfeits in Nairobi.
   • Reason: Many of these premium brands offer vast discounts on Black Friday, and since they might not be readily available in Kenya, you can secure top-quality products at a fraction of the international price.

4. Gaming Consoles & Video Games:

   • PlayStations, Xbox, and other gaming equipment tend to have deep discounts and come are on clearance sale.
   • Reason: New releases and bundles are frequently launched around Black Friday making previous versions go at deep discounts. These can be much cheaper in the US, especially when discounted, than waiting for them to become available in Kenya.

5. Unique Home Appliances or Gadgets:

   • Smart home systems like Google Nest, specialty kitchen gadgets like the Instant Pot, or unique coffee machines like the Keurig. Such items are a must-have but make sure you get a power step-down unit. 
   • Reason: These innovative products, when on Black Friday discounts, are not only more affordable but also allow you to introduce modern conveniences to your home before they become mainstream in Kenya.

6. Books & Educational Material:

   • University textbooks, specialized technical manuals, or collector's edition novels.
   • Reason: Niche books and educational materials can be exorbitantly priced in Kenya due to import costs. Black Friday sales can make them much more accessible.

7. Fitness & Health Gadgets:

   • Wearables like the Fitbit Charge 4, resistance band sets, or smart scales are a good buy as well
   • Reason: With the fitness trend booming, these gadgets can offer personalized health insights. Black Friday often brings substantial discounts on such items, making a healthy lifestyle more tech-inclusive and affordable.

7 Items Not to Buy on Black Friday - Unless For Ocean Cargo

1. Bulky Furniture:

   • Large furniture of all kinds especially when assembled can take up a lot of space.
   • Reason: The sheer size and weight make shipping these items prohibitively expensive, often negating any savings from Black Friday deals. Even if you choose to do it via ocean cargo, do not buy assembled furniture.

2. Perishable Goods:

   • Gourmet cheeses, fresh truffles, or artisan chocolates all sound so good to have for Christmas. Do not buy perishable foods, vegetables, and flowers.
   • Reason: Even with expedited shipping that doesn't exist during the holiday season, there's a significant risk of spoilage or damage, leading to potential losses.

3. Voltage-Specific Electronics:

   • Certain hairdryers, laundry dryers, or ovens are designed specifically for 110V.
   • Reason: Kenya operates on a 240V standard. Devices not designed for this voltage might malfunction without a converter, leading to potential hazards. Clothe dryers will never work, even with a step-down unit.

4. Liquids in Large Quantities:

   • Bulk shampoo, industrial cleaning liquids, or anything above 90ml requires special handling.
   • Reason: The risk of spillage during transit can damage other goods, and the weight can increase shipping costs substantially.

5. Items with Lithium Batteries (without proper packaging):

   • Power banks, camera batteries, or drones and hoverboards.
   • Reason: Shipping regulations are strict about lithium batteries due to fire risks. Improper packaging can lead to confiscation or legal penalties.

6. Counterfeit or Banned Goods:

   • Knock-off luxury goods, certain medicinal products, or restricted cultural artifacts.
   • Reason: Importing such items can lead to legal troubles, including seizures, fines, or more severe repercussions.

7. Highly Fragile Items:

   • Delicate porcelain figurines, artisan glass vases, or intricate chandeliers and such items cannot be shipped or we choose not to handle them due to breakage risk.
   • Reason: These items require specialized packaging to prevent damage during transit. Without this, the risk of receiving a broken item is high, and the potential loss is substantial.