Dec. 18--Question: My friends all rave about outlet shopping, but I never seem to find what I'm looking for. And if I do see something I like, I never seem to find it in my size or the color I want. And there's never anyone around to go looking for a different size or color for me. This doesn't happen when I shop in regular department stores. Why am I such a luckless outlet shopper?

Answer: Luck has nothing to do with it. Expectations do. You apparently expect outlet shopping to be the same as shopping in department stores, where everything comes in a full range of sizes and colors, and there are sales associates to do your bidding. Wrong.

Outlets, as the name implies, are an outlet for leftover merchandise from department stores, specialty shops and catalogs. Selections are therefore limited. And in order to offer leftovers at reduced prices, the outlets are bare-bones, self-service operations. The staff is there primarily to stock the shelves and run the cash registers.

Plan for your spree

There's a knack to shopping the outlets. Here are some guidelines from Denise Naidu, an avid outlet shopper who also works at the Coldwater Creek outlet on International Drive in Orlando:

*A proactive attitude, patience, time, flexibility and comfortable shoes are essential.

*Get on the mailing lists of your favorite outlets for advance notice of special events and deals.

*Try everything on. The size may be mislabeled.

*Check the outlet's exchange and return policy before paying.

*Be aware that many outlets have three sections: outlet (new arrivals), clearance (final reductions) and irregulars (items defective in some small way). Sales on irregulars are usually final.

*Don't call outlets for items you see in catalogs or online. Outlets don't have the staff to go hunting on your behalf.

*Don't be a clothes hog and ask the store to hold items while you shop elsewhere or take time out for lunch.

*Do shop with a friend who enjoys bargain hunting, but leave the kids at home. Use some of your outlet-shopping savings to pay for a baby sitter.

Don't give up on discontinued items Question: Why do cosmetics companies discontinue products? It seems I no sooner find a lipstick or blush I like, than it's no longer available.

Answer: Products are discontinued for a variety of reasons: to make way for the new season's colors or a fresh formula, or simply because the product is not selling well. You may love a certain lipstick, but if no one else does, it's toast.

However, discontinued products often are still available -- if you know where to look.