1. Go early. I know that it is often recommended that you should never shop on the first day of a Sale to avoid the crush. However, the best bargains are to be had at the beginning of the sales. If you follow the next nine rules you will survive the experience and return triumphant with the best deals.
   
   
2. Have a list. The temptations at sales are too many and "browsing" will lighten your pocket and get your toes crushed. Your list should include measurements if you're buying furniture or clothes.
   
   
3. Have a plan. Chances are you will be visiting a shopping mall or a large department store. If you’ve done some reconnaissance beforehand and you have a map in your head of where you need to go you will avoid a confusing meander and get to the cash register early. Remember no sales staff will be available when you need them most.
   
   
4. Have the tools. Pen, paper, colour swatches and measuring tape.
   
   
5. Leave the kids at home. Kids, crowds and a shopping you don't mix.
   
   
6. Be comfortable. Comfortable shoes, easy slip on and off top and trousers or skirt. Take a snack and bottle of water. Everyone will be feeling like a break when you do and there will be queues at the coffee shops. Having a quick snack means you can keep going when others are queuing for break.
   
   
7. Have a budget. Far from restraining you, a budget will ensure you are discerning and more determined to search out the real bargains.
   
   
8. Buy strategically. Now is the time to buy birthday presents or clothing for the kids. End of summer sales means that you can buy for next summer (buy 1-2 sizes bigger).
   
   
9. Buy intelligently. Buy the outfit, not the label -- even famous designers make ugly clothes and no you're not going to fit into that cute pair of half price jeans two sizes too small no matter what your new year's resolution. Reward yourself with a new outfit at the next sale once you have lost the weight.
   
   
10. Take a long-suffering and patient friend who will give you an honest opinion -- this is probably not your spouse.
    
    

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