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Hellopeter
Nov 11, 2025 6:30:00 AM
The Black Friday rush is here. Scammers are louder, timelines are tighter, and shoppers are more selective than ever. Before consumers check out, they look for proof: recent reviews, clear policies, and a secure checkout.
In short, South African shoppers look for trust. Get these seven trust checks right (and ensure your Hellopeter presence reflects them) and you’ll turn browsers into buyers. Miss them, and even your best discount may not turn into sales.
1. Recent Reviews: Are Other Shoppers Happy With Your Service?
Shoppers want fresh feedback. If your last review is from 2022, that’s a red flag. New reviews indicate that you’re active and trusted at present. Aim to collect reviews steadily in the weeks leading up to Black Friday so people can see what’s happening today, not last year.
Hellopeter tip
Activate WhatsApp review requests to collect fresh, verified reviews quickly. It’s simple for customers and powerful for building trust.
2. Review Replies: Do You Engage With Feedback, Good or Bad?
Reviews are step one; meaningful responses are step two. Ignoring feedback looks careless, while thoughtful replies signal that you care and act quickly. Keep responses human and specific: thank satisfied customers by name; apologise and offer a straightforward, practical fix when something goes wrong.
If the issue is complex, move the conversation to a direct message (DM), then return to the public thread to confirm the resolution. During Black Friday week, speed matters; set aside a short daily window to monitor and respond to customer inquiries.
Hellopeter tip
If you don't have a team dedicated to replying to your reviews, block 10–15 minutes each day to respond to reviews. Visible, helpful engagement turns hesitation into confidence. Remember that you can set up notifications in the Hellopeter Business portal so that you get alerted as and when a new review comes in.
3. Delivery and Returns: Are Your Policies Clear and Fair?
Unclear shipping or returns lead to abandoned carts. People want to know when parcels will arrive and how returns work, before they pay. Put the essentials where shoppers can see them, not hidden in fine print.
Make it obvious:
- Delivery timeframes on product pages (e.g., “3–5 working days via courier”)
- Return window, conditions, and who covers the return shipping costs
- A simple, step-by-step returns process in plain language
Hellopeter tip
Lift wording straight from real reviews. If customers praise “next-day delivery” or “hassle-free returns,” feature that in your FAQs and banners.
4. Contact Details: Can Customers Reach You Easily?
No contact details create instant suspicion. Real businesses are easy to reach. Show your phone number, email, business hours, and a WhatsApp button if you use it. If you have a store or pickup point, add the address and map pin. Test everything; broken links kill trust.
Hellopeter tip
Add verified contact details to your Hellopeter Business profile. That added layer of legitimacy reassures cautious buyers.
5. Secure Checkout: Is the Website Safe for Payments?
Before people pay, they want to see that your website is safe. They look for:
- a small padlock in the browser bar (this means HTTPS)
- payment badges they recognise
- and a trusted payment provider at checkout
If the browser says “Not secure,” most shoppers will leave. Use a well-known payment provider, keep your security certificate (SSL) up to date, and clearly state on your checkout or FAQ that payments are protected.
It’s simple information, but it helps people feel safe, especially on Black Friday when scams are common.
Hellopeter tip
Ask happy customers to mention that the checkout felt “safe and secure” in their reviews. This gives others confidence right when they’re deciding to pay.
6. Active Social Media: Does Your Brand Look Active and Real?
A “dead” social media feed makes people nervous. Active pages signal a real team behind the brand. Post quick updates during Black Friday week, stock alerts, delivery cut-offs, how-to guides, and reply to comments promptly. Even a short “Thanks!” sent via DM (Direct Message) shows you’re present and helpful.
Hellopeter tip
Turn your best reviews into posts in our Hellopeter Business portal. A simple graphic with a star rating and a line like “Fast delivery and great service!” quickly builds trust.
7. What Shows Up When Customers Search Your Brand?
Many shoppers Google your brand and its reviews before making a purchase. What they find can decide the sale. Make sure you have:
- an up-to-date Hellopeter profile with recent, verified reviews, and
- a Google Business Profile with current details and good photos
Keep your information consistent across your website, Google, and social pages. If you receive negative reviews, don’t panic. Respond politely, explain what you’re doing to fix the issue, and show the outcome. Customers don’t expect perfection; they expect accountability.
Hellopeter tip
Collect and showcase reviews where South Africans already look for proof. Add Hellopeter widgets to your site, and include short review snippets on product pages and in your emails.
Quick Black Friday Prep Checklist
- Send out WhatsApp review requests
- Set up alerts to get notified when reviews come in so you can reply fast
- Add clear delivery times and return steps to product pages and FAQs
- Verify contact details across all platforms (site, Google, Hellopeter, social media)
- Check SSL and payment badges on checkout
- Schedule daily posts and reply windows for social media
Get Black Friday Ready with Hellopeter
Discounts get attention. Trust seals the deal. South African shoppers will check your reviews, responses, policies, contactability, payment security, social activity, and what shows up when they Google you. Nail these seven checks and you’ll convert more carts, reduce refunds, and build a reputation that lasts long after the Black Friday rush.
Build trust where South Africans are already searching. Collect and showcase reviews on Hellopeter Business before Black Friday.
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