15 Money Saving Tips For Getting The Best Deals on Back to School Supplies
It’s that time again. School is about to be in session, and back-to-school deals have never been hotter. Retail outlets, big box stores, and everyone in between are taking advantage of parents who are short on time.
Preparing for the mad rush up to the first day of school is essential for parents who want a smooth transition from summer fun to learning lessons. However, knowing where to find the best back-to-school bargains isn’t always easy.
However, thanks to the power of interconnectedness, we’ve got some great tips on how to find the hottest, most cost-effective deals for all your back-to-school needs, no matter how many children you’re sending to school this year.
1. Buying in Bulk
For items like pencils, crayons, paper, class folders, glue, and erasers, buying in bulk is certifiably the best way to shop. If you have a Costco or Sam’s Club membership, use it. If not, try places like Target, Walmart, Dollar General, and Family Dollar for all those back-to-school items.
This time of year is also an excellent opportunity to donate supplies to your school of choice. Schools can always use these expendable items for students who cannot afford them or simply forget to put a pencil or other item in their bag.
2. Cashback, Thank You
Making money while you shop is easy with cashback apps like Rakuten or Ibotta. Open the app, shop, and earn cashback. It’s seriously that easy. Rakuten is best for shopping online and offers a cash-out option after $5.01. Ibotta is usable in-store, but it requires you to submit your receipt after you check out, and it will cash out once you hit $20.
If online shopping is your go-to game for back-to-school essentials, I’d stick with Rakuten. However, if you’re more of an in-store shopper, Ibotta might be better for you. Both apps are free, have great earning potential, use multiple redemption options, and offer fun referral bonuses.
3. Tax-Free Holidays
At least 17 states are offering some tax-free holidays for back-to-school shopping. Whether you get a weekend or two weeks (as in Florida) is decided by where you live.
Tax holidays for back-to-school shopping are especially lovely if you want to buy a computer or similar electronic device.
These pricier items can be significantly discounted when you don’t have to pay sales tax. Bulk items are another nice score during this time, as the sales tax can add up quickly when you purchase multiples of something.
4. In-Store Flyers
In-store rebates, coupons, and sales are especially nice during back-to-school season. Buy one, get one free, and buy two for X amount, which are especially useful for parents trying to save money on their back-to-school lists.
This is especially true for elementary school children who use items like glue, pencils, crayons, and paper like water.Combining a bulk buy with in-store savings can help budget-conscious parents prepare for the first day of classes.
5. Refurbished Electronics
When shopping for multiple students, purchasing everything new gets pricey fast. Also, refurbished electronics might be the most cost-effective way for parents on a tight budget to get everyone what they need.
Don’t be afraid to shop for electronics that have been repaired and are now considerably cheaper than their brand-new counterparts. These are a great way to help your student excel in their studies without going into debt to make it happen.
6. Beat Procrastination
Avoiding procrastination can be hard if you’re naturally a procrastinator. However, if saving money motivates you, use it as fuel to get out early for your back-to-school shopping. It’s easy to be in summer survival mode and lose track of when children are due to return to school.
Set a few reminder alarms and block August on your calendars to help you get into that back-to-school mindset. Then, start scouring your local retailers for those school-time goodies.
7. Price Match
The price match option is one of my favorite things about back-to-school shopping. Let’s say you love to shop at Target. You’re looking at electronics, and Walmart sells the same model. With a retailer that offers a price match, you can get the electronic item at Target that Walmart has on sale.
Full disclosure: you have to use a retailer that offers a price match and be able to prove a different retailer provides a cheaper price.
8. Student Discounts
A student I.D. card can be a powerful tool when purchasing back-to-school items. You can score student discounts at more than fifty-five retailers and restaurants. These discounts are essential for college students looking to save money on everything from wardrobe necessities to eyewear and food.
Being a college student has never been more expensive, and helping your students save everywhere they can is just one way to ensure they start the school year right.
9. Online Markets
Shopping online is a great way to buy what your children need, not necessarily what they want. Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and other online markets are fantastic ways to get back-to-school items for considerably less than buying brand-new or name-brand items.
This is especially true for clothes. Many online markets offer bundled clothing that, if you shop right, can be purchased for a steal.
10. A Little Space, Please
One of the best tips we found was to space out your back-to-school buying. This tip goes hand in hand with beating procrastination. If you start your back-to-school shopping early enough, you won’t get stuck trying to purchase everything last minute when prices jump significantly.
Also, by spacing out your purchases, you can take advantage of tax holidays, clearance sales, and other specific sale items to get the absolute best price.
11. R & R
Recycle and reuse are the bread and butter of large families. I have six daughters who exchange clothes and pass down their clothes and shoes when they outgrow them. Items like colored pencils and unused or half-used journals are also hot ticket grabs in our house.
Finding ways to recycle, reuse, or repurpose items in your home can save larger families (and even smaller ones) a mint on everything from clothes to practice paper and everything in between.
12. Budget Business
Creating a back-to-school budget can help you get the most important things without overspending. Put your essential items at the top of the list and buy them first. Non-essential items come next, and wants or desired items go last.
However, if you’re good at shopping within your budget, you can almost always get something on your child’s want list that they will love!
13. Shop Competitors
There are so many retailers and businesses offering deals for back-to-school, so it’s difficult to know which one offers the best price. If you’re shopping online and having difficulty deciding where to purchase an item, use PriceGrabber, Shopzilla, or Capital One Shopping.
Even browser extensions can show you where to get the best price, and using coupon extensions can help you find additional savings.
14. Rewards Programs
Loyalty programs are some of the best ways to save a buck if you often shop at a particular retailer. My family has saved hundreds of dollars on everything from food and clothing to everything you can imagine.
If your favorite places to shop offer rewards programs, sign up and start stacking those points. They can come in handy on bigger purchases later down the road.
15. Second-Hand Savings
We have a thrift store near our house that I love to shop at. I can always find a good deal there, whether I’m looking for clothes or new-to-us books to read. Recently, a beautiful queen-sized bedroom set was available for $600.
Buying second-hand items, from clothes and shoes to furniture and books, can stretch your back-to-school budget and help you get the most out of the money you have to spend.
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