Woman shopping
A woman carries shopping bags on Oxford Street in London, December 13, 2011. Reuters/Finbarr O'Reilly

Black Friday is fast approaching and buyers are already preparing themselves to get the best deals. It will be advantageous to know the right places to shop as well as controlling yourself from getting everything in sight. Here are five golden rules on how to win at Black Friday shopping.

1. Control yourself

In an infrographic presented by Valpak.com, Black Friday shoppers tend to be compulsive buyers and will most likely buy anything that is visually appealing or provide them with instant gratification. People to spend more in a single day while shopping on Black Friday, compared to other holidays.

2. Make a list

In the same infographic, big-ticket items available on Black Friday include clothes (53%), books, video games and DVDs (42%) and toys (34%) so it would be best to purchase these first. Cut back or avoid spending on other items like electronics and appliances until Cyber Monday, when these go on sale. You also avoid overspending by creating a specific list.

3. Visit the internet early

Browsing the internet will provide you with useful information on the best stores to visit and deals to avail over the weekend. Some stores will provide promos and coupons so you can save more on specific items. Plan your trip days ahead so you stay consistent in your shopping list and get the best packages at the right prices.

4. Stay safe

The annual holiday survey conducted by Deloitte revealed that 43 percent of respondents intend to shop for the Christmas season in December, which means that there is a slight drop in the total number of shoppers for Black Friday. However, it does not mean that stores will not be packed with people. Several stores are still expected to be full so it is best to stay safe and avoid fighting over items.

5. Prioritise purchases

Some items will be limited in number or high in demand so it will be best to aim for these first when shopping. Many customers line up early in the morning to possibly avail of rare items. It is also recommended to form a group and spread out to three or more locations so you can avail of sought-after products.