Top 10 tips for surviving a sale IF you're heading out to grab some post-Christmas bargains, here are some top tips to help you keep sane and solvent. Be prepared. Do a reconnaissance trip a few days before the sale. This gives you a chance to try on clothes or find out where the toasters live. By getting the lay of the land so you can head straight to where you need to be on sale day. It also gives you an idea of the cost of goods, so you have a better idea of how much they've been discounted. Have a clear idea of what you're after and stick to it rather than getting side-tracked by the super discounted foot spa or other goodies retailers are desperately trying to palm off. Before buying something picture opening your credit card statements in January and February. Try to find a babysitter if you have kids - prams and crowds of over-zealous shoppers can be a nasty combination. Take a shopping buddy. You can take turns in changing rooms, in queues and browsing . Dress for comfort. If you do need to try on clothes on the day, make sure you're wearing something that won't be a hassle to get on and off. Wear closed-toe shoes to protect your feet from being trampled. Keep your receipts. If something you buy has a fault which you were not aware of you are entitled to a refund, even if it was on sale. You will need proof of purchase. Changing your mind about a purchase does not entitle you to a refund. Avoid shopping rage. If you're grappling over a pair of shoes with a rival shopper, take a deep breath and remember it's only a discount. Throw the staff some love - a please and thank you will go a long way on a hectic day. If you don't cope well with crowds, don't go to the first day of the sale unless you have something in particular in mind which you know will be heavily discounted. Post-Christmas sales generally run for a couple of weeks.