KEY POINTS:
For some, the thought of shopping just hours after the Christmas frenzy has died down, is pure insanity. But for dedicated bargain hunters, the Boxing Day sales hold more appeal than the entire Yuletide season.
But the sales are not something to be taken lightly. They require intense forethought and planning to be executed successfully, avoiding unwanted purchases and overly frayed nerves.
Below, we have isolated key strategies and techniques to help even the most mediocre shopper negotiate the chaotic terror of the Boxing Day sales.
1 MAKE A PLAN
There's no point rocking up to your local shopping centre on the off-chance you'll see something you'll like. You need to know what you want, to avoid spontaneous purchases you'll later regret. Even if you don't know specifically what you're after, make a general list of things you're interested in, such as electronics, glassware, etc. as this will determine where you go. See tip 2.
2 CHOOSE YOUR DESTINATION
Once you've isolated what you want, identify the best shopping destination for your needs. Your local mall may be convenient but if you're after electronics and it's full of fashion retailers, it's no good. Once you've identified your destination, make a plan of attack - where you'll start, where you'll finish and everything in-between. It'll save back-tracking and minimise frustration. If you're planning on big purchases, leave the heaviest items till last so you don't have to haul them around all day.
3 EAT BEFORE YOU SHOP
If your decision-making skills are weak at best, they'll be even worse with a rumbling tum. Get up and have a proper breakfast before you hit the stores and you'll find yourself much better equipped to spot a bargain. Avoid eating out as Boxing Day surcharges will end up costing you half the money you save in the sales.
4 GRAB THE FIRST PARK YOU SEE
Even if it's not in the central carpark, if you see a park near the shopping vicinity, grab it. A five minute walk is better than 20 minutes trawling around the carpark looking for a space. Better yet, ask a kindly relative (who is hopefully still full of Christmas spirit) to drop you off and pick you up later on. If met with resistance, try bribery - offering to pick them up something in the sales - or guilt - blaming them for buying such rubbish Christmas presents that you have to go out and find something decent. Note: the latter is generally less effective and should only be used as a last resort.
5 DON'T BUY CLOTHES
Boxing Day sales are great for all sorts of bargains, but clothes are not one of them. Retailers deliberately take advantage of bargain hunters by putting up sale signs and then only discounting one or two items in store, in the hopes you'll fall desperately in love with their stuff and buy it anyway. Don't be sucked in - the big fashion sales are saved until the end of each season so wait till then to bag a bargain. Plus, trying on clothes takes time, which is something you don't have if you want to make the most of these one-day-only sales.
Check out our list of best Boxing Day bargains and ask yourself if you need any of these things?
*Electronics
*Bed linen & towels
*Kitchenware
*Glassware & crockery
*Sportswear & equipment
