Q: How to beat out a crowd of shoppers to get your favorite products?

( chinadaily.com.cn )

Updated: 2011-05-29

Strategy One: Make an earlier shopping schedule

Make an early observation of the spot you want to shop and create an elaborate plan. If there is enough time, seek out the things you want before you’re ready to shop.

Strategy Two: Ward off the holiday return peak

During the second half of a holiday, many travelers will begin making purchases before their return. If time permits, try to avoid the peak.

Strategy Three: Make sure of the merchandise marks

The duty-free products sold in duty-free stores are imported from the country in which they were produced. Characters printed on the goods are French, English and Japanese. But they’re not printed in Chinese. Though the shop puts a Chinese label on the goods, most of the contents are relatively simple. So it is necessary to ask the salesperson questions and make clear what you want to avoid buying the same product more than once.

Strategy Four: Draw up your bill at the corresponding counter

At the duty-free store, there is a cash desk every several counters. Big brands and special counters enjoy their own settlement desk. You can pay for what you purchase there. Don’t pay at a cash desk where you make no purchases so you can save time.

Strategy Five: Apply for a shopping card in advance

You had better apply for a shopping card in advance at the reception desk of the shop. Your identity and the flight information will be written on the card, so when you’re settling your bill, present it to the salesperson immediately and directly.

Strategy Six: Economical and practical purchases

Customers can buy a maximum of five cosmetics items; however the larger packages of cosmetics are counted as a single item. And they are also specially supplied by the vendors, and the domestic counter generally does not sell them. So if you’re trying to buy something for daily use, try to buy the package or shop together with friends.

Strategy Seven: Pick up your things an hour before departure

Arriving at the airport early is always a good idea, but it is not necessary to get there too early. In general, it is enough to arrive just an hour before the flight takes off. Prepare your identification card, receipts, boarding pass and passport (if you’re flying internationally) as soon as possible to minimize the time it takes you to pick up your commodities which you have purchased.