Hints and tips for going to factory shops Always check for flaws before purchasing. As very few factory shops will exchange merchandise. (The ones that do will insist on a slip.) If the garment is unlined, inspect for holes by holding it up to the light. Holes are commonly found where the label has been removed or slashed through. A coloured sticker may indicate a hole or conceal it. Factory shops have been known to close, move and change hours without warning. If you are travelling any great distance to a store, it is advisable to telephone first to check that it will be open when you plan to visit. As a general rule, the latest merchandise is sold in the factory shops about six or eight weeks after it appears in the retail stores. The majority of manufacturers go to great lengths to protect the identity of the retailers they supply, which is why you will often find that labels have been removed from the clothing. It's great fun trying to identify the labels, especially when you recognise an up-market brand dealer. There is nothing wrong with buying a garment without a label - in fact, as most are found on the inside of the garment, your friends won't be able to tell where you bought it anyway. Let them guess whether you shop at a trendy boutique or in an industrial area! In some shops during winter months, the combination of concrete floors and lack of heating can cause your teeth to chatter - so remember to dress warmly. Changing room facilities are often very modest, sometimes communal and occasionally non-existent. It is therefore a good idea to wear a bodysuit when doing rounds. Many genuine factory shops in the industrial areas have irregular hours. Most close early on a Friday and those run by members of the Muslim community are closed during the lunch hour on a Friday. Not all stores will accept credit cards and cheques, and in fact more and more are refusing to accept cheques. If they do, ID is often required Make a note of your family's measurements and colour preferences and keep these with you. If you have sons, don't forget to note their collar sizes. This will eliminate guesswork and, as previously mentioned, you cannot always exchange garments, so it is important to buy the correct size. There is nothing worse that finding a marvellous bargain and being unable to buy it for fear it might not fit. It is more fun to shop with a friend, who will give you a second opinion and keep you company, which is a good idea - especially in isolated areas. If possible, it should preferably be someone who will not be looking for the same size as you. Factory shops often have samples (only one item in a particular size), and the argument over who gets the garment could ruin the friendship! Always take along a cool-bag when you go on a shopping expedition. Many manufacturers selling frozen vegetables, cheese, meat, chicken etc. now have shops and if you have to travel a long distance, it is best to keep these products cold. Factory shopping is very different to normal retail shopping. Don't go expecting fancy changing rooms and plush surroundings, as these are highly unusual - but this is a small price to pay for the bargains you will find. The reason the merchandise is being sold for less is that the manufacturer is not spending money on chic interiors, and therefore has lower overheads than the retailer. As most factory shops are in industrial areas, you could have difficulty in locating a suitable coffee bar along the way, so if you are planning a day's expedition, it is a good idea to take along a few snacks.