With the start of a new school year I wanted to share 10 Ways to Save on Back to School Shopping. It won’t be long before your child will hear the sound of the school bell ringing. However, your ears may only hear the sound of the cash register ringing. The cost of school supplies can add up quickly, when you consider that you will need clothing, backpacks, lunchboxes, pens, pencils, crayons, and so much more. So what is the solution? Luckily, there are several tips and tricks you can try that will help you save on back to school shopping. You don’t have to go broke in order to get the kids what they need for a successful school year; you just need to know the secrets that savvy shoppers know. Take a look below at 10 ways to save on back to school shopping this fall.
10 Ways to Save on Back to School Shopping:
1. Take advantage of free price comparison apps.
There are many smart phone apps designed to find you the best prices on all products from calculators to crayons. These apps are free to download and use, and will not only show you who has the best prices on products but where to locate them. Download apps such as Red Laser or Yipit and find the best prices on the items you need.
2. Shop Groupon and Living Social.
Deal sites such as Groupon and Living Social are great for finding gift cards to your favorite retailers for a fraction of the cost. Find deals up to 50% off regular price and buy clothing and electronic items you need for back to school for less. Visit www.groupon.com or www.livingsocial.com to learn more.
3. Give Swagbucks a go.
Visit www.swagbucks.com where you can join for free and take surveys to earn points. Your points will be redeemable for gift cards valid at retailers such as Target and Walmart. Take surveys now so you can earn gift cards to these retailers to buy your back to school supplies, clothing and more later!
4. Buy second hand.
Many back to school items can be found at local thrift shops and yard sales for a fraction of the cost of new. Look for clothing items, backpacks, pencil boxes, and more. You will be surprised at what you can find gently used for less. Just be patient and be prepared to comb the racks.
5. Stock up when the deal is hot.
You are going to need school supplies all throughout the year. Be sure to stock up when you find a hot deal. Just like you would stock up on cereal when the price is right, stock up on crayons and pencils when you find them at a great price.
6. Coupons are out there!
This time of year, coupons can be found for Crayola, Bic Pens, Sharpie, and more. Just keep an eye on your local Sunday paper for coupons. You can find cents off coupons available for quite a few back to school necessities. Keep your eyes peeled and save. Ask friends to save their fliers for you as well! You can never have too many coupons.
7. “Like” Back to School Retailers on Facebook
It is important to “like” your favorite back to school retailers such as Walmart, Old Navy, Target, and more. By doing this you can keep your eyes on sales and upcoming promotions. You might also have the chance to print off internet coupons, enter back to school contests and more.
8. Inventory what you already have.
There is no quicker way to waste money than to buy items you already own. Before heading out for back to school shopping, inventory your closets to see what you already own and can use. This way, you are not buying things you don’t need.
9. Shop alone.
Kids can make your back to school bill sky rocket. They may want more expensive items or items they don’t really need. Instead, shop alone and leave the kids at home. This way you can stay focused and only buy what you really need.
10. Be a late bloomer.
Many people get an early jump on back to school shopping thinking it is the only time to get deals. Instead, don’t be afraid to be a late shopper. Deals can be just as good if not better when you wait last minute. Clearance prices can be found, markdowns, and more.
As you can see, these simple tricks are a great way to shave the cost of going back to school. Give them a try and see how easy it is to get your kiddos back to school with everything they need, while not feeling like you just broke the bank!
Make sure you check out our Saving Money Blog and also our How to Coupon Page for more tips, tricks and videos on saving money and using coupons.
Back To School Deals – Updated Daily with the best online deals, in store deals and coupons available for Back to School!
Don’t Miss our Back to School Sales Page with all the best deals each week, This will be updated weekly with the Top Sales at Each Store + You will find valuable Back to School Shopping Tips to help you save as much as you can this Back to School Season!
Remember you can also sign up for the Back to School Email List! You’ll get links to great features like the Back to School Supplies Price List and Tax Free Weekend list of dates.