How to score the best bargains and live to tell the tale.

On your marks. Get set. It’s BOXING DAY!

If you’re planning on joining the throngs of bargain hunters as they burst through the doors of major retailers on Boxing Day, pre-Christmas sales and all the summer sales thereafter — these tips are just what you need to make it out alive with plenty of bargains in hand.

Early Bird: Being first in line obviously means you have first pick of the freshly-stocked sales racks and car-parking spaces, and possibly see shorter queues at the registers. But be warned — you may have to compete with die-hard bargainistas who, after a night of camping on the pavement, will stop at nothing to scoop the pool.

Have a plan: Stalk your favourite stores online in the lead up to Boxing Day to find out when their after-Christmas sales start. Visit these shops first with a fair idea of what items you want to buy so that you don’t waste time and energy trawling the discount tables.

Worth the wait: Waiting in queues for the change rooms and cash register is a reality of sales shopping. Beat the boredom by taking along your MP3 player, a good book or a friend to chat with while waiting in line.

Crowd control: In a perfect world, shopping mall traffic would have lanes marked on the tiles, with a fast lane drawn just for you. But the reality is: malls are Meccas of pedestrian mayhem, especially during the summer sales. You’ll have to dodge prams, trolleys, women with wings of shopping bags and families of five walking abreast with linked arms before you’ve even made it to your first Everything Under $10 table. Try to accept that parking your car and general movement in the mall will be a challenge. Slowing down to an easy walking pace will help you to be more focused and not as frustrated and frenzied.

Be decisive: This is no time to “um” and “ah” over your purchases. The moment you put that “last pair” of discounted peep toe heels back on the shelf while you “think about it”, they’re as good as gone. But this is not the time to purchase everything you try on either. If you’re undecided, quiz yourself: Can I afford it? Do I really need it? Does it fit with my wardrobe? Is it unbeatable value? If you answered “yes” to all of the above — it’s in the bag.

Take time out: Shopping on an empty stomach leads to agitation, exhaustion and poor decision-making. Make use of nearby cafes and food court eateries to stop, revive and survive!

Comfortable shoes: While it’s a good idea to look nice when you’re shopping (since you’ll probably be looking in so many mirrors!), leave the fancy footwear at home. Strutting around the shops in heels will wear you out faster than a full-price fashion boutique. Stick to thongs, cushioned sandals or sneakers. Most clothing stores have a pair of plain heels handy for customers that want to see themselves in the change room with some height.

Pickpocket paradise: Busy shopping malls filled with distracted shoppers are fertile ground for petty thieves. Keep your handbag zipped, hang your purse on hooks in the change rooms and keep a hold of it when you sit down to eat. Not only could pickpockets nick your cash, cards and valuables, but also any gift cards you might have received for Christmas that — once lost — are gone forever.

Eagle eye: Make sure you differentiate between discounted last season’s stock and reduced faulty stock. Faulty stock usually cannot be returned or exchanged.

Returns policy: Always check the returns policy before making a purchase. Can the item be refunded or exchanged if you change your mind? What is your timeframe for exchanging the item? Put all your receipts and warranties in a safe place when you get home.

Most of all — enjoy the bargain season!