THE shopaholic's wait is over. The Great Singapore Sale (GSS), the annual mega shopping event, is here again.

How do you get the best out of it? In one word: strategise. Plan your shopping route. Wear the right clothes and footwear. Carry the right bags. Pick a good time of the day and week. In short, do your homework before the assault.

Here are some tips to make your shopping experience pleasant, hassle-free and rewarding.

Have a plan

Draw up a shopping list. Put things in various categories such as clothes, shoes, bags, gadgets, kitchenware, furniture , books or toys. Try to stick to it and avoid making unnecessary purchases. Be focused.

Map your route

Plan your shopping zones so that you cover all the shops in one area before moving on to another destination. Though Orchard Road is the hub of shopping in Sin- gapore and Marina Bay houses the mega-malls, there are other precincts that sell unique and interesting things. Check out Chinatown, Little India, Arab Street and Holland Village. And if you want shopping with a view, head out to VivoCity.

Be the early bird

The best time is early on a weekday, just after the shops open. Make a couple of trips at the start of GSS so that you get the things you want before stocks run out. Most of the malls have extended shopping hours during the sale period.

Dress right

Pay attention to how you dress. Ms Elaine Heng of Elaine Heng Image Consultancy advises women to wear something light and casual. "A plain spaghetti strap top or tee and shorts would be ideal so that if the changing room is packed with people and you do not want to waste time queuing up, you can easily try on the clothes by slipping them over what you are wearing," she says.

The same goes for shoes: Wear comfortable flat sandals so that your feet don't hurt after a few hours of walking. She adds: "Buy shoes only in the afternoon when your feet are fully expanded."

Also, carry a sling bag so that your hands are free; a haversack is a good option.

Ditch the car

Consider taking the bus, train or taxi as parking in the busy shopping areas will be hard to come by. And it may be expensive as well. If you do end up with a lot of shopping bags, take a cab or get someone to pick you up.

Buy smart

Ms Heng says a common mistake people make is to buy things just because they are on sale. "Some clothes may not fit well or the colour may not be suitable. Ask the sales assistants if they have another size or colour. If not, tell them to phone their other stores to check availability. Do not settle for ill-fitting attire. Spend more money on garments you are likely to wear more often."

She also advises men to pick up shoes, jackets and office bags during GSS as these tend to be expensive without a discount.

Do's and don'ts

Do scan the newspapers thoroughly to see if there are any deals on that day before you head out to shop.

Do look out for the special promotions that some credit card companies offer.

Do check for any damage or irregularities in the things you buy as sales merchandise usually cannot be exchanged or returned.

Do book well in advance if you want to enjoy a spa package.

Don't make a quick dash during lunch time to buy things, unless you know what you really want.

Don't succumb to pressure and sales talk.

Don't try to do too much in one day. If you are shopping for the whole day, take lunch and coffee breaks.

Don't take children along if you are into serious shopping. If you need to buy things for your kids, find another day when they can tag along.

Follow the golden rule: DO love it madly, need it badly or DON'T buy it!