Although it may feel like summer vacation just started, schools will be starting up again before you know it. That means that back-to-school shopping season is here. Although inflation is slowing, it is still a significant concern for parents looking to outfit their kids for the coming school year.
In this post we’ll offer up a number of helpful tips and strategies that can save you money while ensuring that your kids have everything they need for a successful year.
1. What can you reuse?
Especially during the primary school years, supply lists tend to evolve rather than change drastically from year to year. Take an inventory of what your child has left over from the previous school year that could be carried forward to the new one. You may be surprised at the useful supplies you already have.
2. Make a list
Once you know what you really need, write it down and take your list with you when you shop. You’re less likely to pick up unnecessary impulse items if you have a list you can stick with.
3. Start shopping early
If you’re someone who likes to wait until the last minute, or who likes to get all your school supplies in one trip, you may be missing out on money-saving sales and other opportunities to get more supplies for your money. Starting early will give you time to do your research to find out who has the lowest everyday prices on the supplies you need, and who may be having a sale on any big ticket items, like tech devices, on your list.
4. Be thrifty
Goodwill and other thrift stores, along with rummage sales, can be a great source for finding gently used clothing at a great price. Vintage and retro clothing is very popular among kids, especially those who like to get creative with their wardrobes.
5. Shop the big sales…
While it’s always a good idea to “shop local” the truth is that national stores like Wal Mart, Target, Amazon, Best Buy and Office Depot have such immense buying power that they will likely have the lowest everyday prices on many of the items on your list. And those everyday prices can drop even lower when they hold sales. Many of these stores hold special back-to-school sales over the summer, so keep on the lookout for them. Also, if you can wait for it (many schools will already be in session) Labor Day sales often feature significant discounts and deals.
6. …and the big store
Wholesale club stores like Costco and Sam’s Club don’t regularly hold sales in the traditional sense but their regular prices on many itemsare so low that other stores find it hard to compete. The catch is that items are often sold in bulk. Buying in bulk isn’t necessarily a good option for smaller families but can be a good strategy for larger ones, where the supplies can be spread out among several students (and therefore the cost is spread out too).
7. Consider buying “gently used” tech products
Tech products like laptops, graphing calculators and mobile phones will likely be the highest ticket items on your list. Fortunately, many reputable retailers, like Apple, Amazon, Best Buy and even some manufacturers, sell certified, refurbished electronics and tech products at steep discounts. One word of caution though: to make sure you are getting the quality that you’re paying for, stick to reputable companies like the ones mentioned, as well as the manufacturers. It’s a good idea to avoid private party sales unless you know the seller personally.
8. Compare prices before you buy
A few minutes of online research can really pay off in substantial savings, and not only at the cash register. Once you know where all the best deals are located, you may realize you can buy the items online, or you may not have to drive to as many stores as you initially thought, which can save you gas, as well as wear and tear on your car.