Outlet Mall Shopping

Know what you're looking for. Make a plan before you go, even if you don't write it down. Some outlet malls are huge, and with a plan, you know which stores you need to visit. Usually the best deal you can get, is to buy out of season. I know, this is hard. It's much more fun to get something you can use right away. But if you really want a bargain, you need to think ahead. What do you need to buy? Also, think quality - not quantity. It easy to get carried away, especially during sales. This is when a plan can be very helpful. Make a mental note of the stores you want to visit and also think about what items you want to look for.

Walking shoes and comfortable clothing is an absolute must. If you're planning on trying on clothes, avoid blouses with lots of buttons. Trying on clothes can get tiring, so make sure you can do it quickly to save time.

I prefer using my fannie pack for serious bargain shopping or my bag with a long shoulder strap. Hands free is definitely the way to go.
Bring your own socks if you're planning on buying shoes. If you are looking for a particular outfit, say a dress for a wedding, you might also want to consider bringing your dress shoes to try with the dress. Do you have a special necklace or earrings or a jacket you want to match to the dress?

It is always difficult to match colors exactly by memory. No matter what, wear sensible shoes for shopping - that means comfortable shoes made for walking AND they should also be easy to get on and off. If you need to bring your high heels, pack them in your shoulder bag.

Eat before you go if at all possible. The serious bargain shopper never wants to waste time in line in the food court. Unless your having a "Girls Day Out" or have planned a restaurant visit, avoid the food court, this is especially important for those of us who have to watch our diets and budgets. Instead of eating out carry a nutrition bar, or nuts, in your bag and a bottle of water.
You can even bring your own lunch if eating healthy is important to you. Just pack a cooler and leave it in the car. You can usually find a park bench where you can eat your lunch. This way you will save important shopping time, save money and eat healthy.

Once you find that perfect sweater in the bin, hold on to it, even if you haven't made up your mind if you are buying or not. Nothing is more devastating than changing your mind and going back only to find the great bargain gone. Everyone who has lost a great find in a sale due to indecision knows exactly what I'm talking about.
Possession is always key.

A word of caution. Don't buy just because it's cheap. Remember your plan and your budget. What is it you need to buy?

Be prepared for everything. Take cash along to the outlet mall if you can, credit cards might not be accepted in the store with the best deal. And as you know, sometimes the card machines just don't want to connect. It can seal the deal and save the day just have a few extra dollar bills tucked away in your pocket.

Also, if you have a tendency to shop to much - decide on an amount and use only cash. Don't even bring your credit card. This way you are forced to stay within your budget.