1. Off-season reaps best deals
The best shoppers know to scout sale racks for short sleeves in November, wool sweaters in April, bathing suits in September. What you give up in selection, you make up for in spectacular savings (75-90 per cent off isn't uncommon).

2. Learn sale lingo
An experienced shopper can distinguish a promotion from a clearance, a two-for-one from a buy-one-get-one-half-off. She knows that sometimes something as simple as free shipping may add up to big savings, while 50 per cent off on something she doesn't need is a waste of money.

3. Make friends with sales staff
A great salesperson is a serious shoppers best friend. Not only will, sales people tell you about upcoming sales, some, especially at boutiques may even hold merchandise a day or two to give you time to take advantage of the sale.

4. Invest in classics
The most fashionable items will always be enticing when they are on sale, but remember that even the cutest trends have a short life cycle. If you want to get more than a few months' wear out of your purchase, stick with the classics. End-of-season sales yield great buys on pieces you'll wear for years, from cashmere sweaters to wool blazers to leather pumps.

5. Don't be tempted by odds and ends
An embroidered skirt in teal from a big ticket designer at 70 per cent off. Sounds impressive, but successful sale shoppers know that picking around in the odds and ends can be a disaster.

A good shopper can make out promotion from a clearance sale.