Boxing Day Shopping: Survival Guide

While most of us love basking in our gifts or entering a turkey induced food coma that spans long after Christmas day, boxing day sales can be loads of fun and a great way to save money - if you do them right. If you haven't spent all of your money buying gifts for Christmas, or you received lots of money from relatives as gifts, its always fun to go out and spend it after a day of relaxing with the family on Christmas. There is bound to be some chaos (it IS boxing day shopping, after all), but here are some boxing day shopping tips that can help you make the trip less hectic, and more fun:

• Make a list of things you want - Make a list of the things you want to buy, and where to buy them - this way you wont be aimlessly browsing or wandering through crowds trying to find things you might want.
• Plan your route - Knowing where you are going can save a lot of time while shopping. Once you know what you're after, find where the stores are to buy those items and plan a route between them to  avoid unnecessary travelling.
• Decide on a budget - Shopping is fun, and there are tons of great deals to find on boxing day, but you don't want to get carried away and break the bank! Make a budget and stick to it, and if you can, try and find out the approximate prices of the things you are planning to buy beforehand. 
• Bring Cash - Because its faster than debit or credit, and you wont run the risk of waiting in a long check out line to find yourself stranded at a register that doesn't take plastic. You also wont go over your budget if you only bring cash, and I always find I am more spending concious when I'm using cash instead of plastic. Also, some stores give extra discounts if you pay in cash. 
• Arrive early - This is especially important if you are going to a mall. Stores tend to get crowded in the afternoon, and many things sell out in the morning. You don't want to miss getting a great deal on something you want because it sold out before you got there.
• Dress sensibly - Wear flat shoes, and comfortable clothing. Bring a purse that fits everything you need but isn't clunky or distracting. If you are shopping for clothes, make sure you wear something that is quick to change in and out of so you don't spend all day in the change room (and if you can, know you size for the products you are buying beforehand, and avoid change rooms altogether)
• Research prices and find deals beforehand - Make sure you are only buying things you wanted to begin with and are not being suckered into buying something because you think it is a good deal. Stores often use "bait and switch" or shifty advertising to make you think you are getting a great deal when you are not due to mob mentality. Don't fall for it. If you are not 100% satisfied with the price or item you are buying, don't buy it - it likely will not be returnable due to the sale and you don't want to end up wasting your money.
• Have a positive attitude - The crowds during big sales can be hectic and stressful sometimes, but if you have a positive attitude and relax, you will end up having a more successful shopping trip. Shopping is fun. Especially when you are getting a great deal. So smile and enjoy the day!

Good luck to everyone on your shopping endeavours, and I will see you all at the register!