School bells will be ringing before we know it. Now is the time to take advantage of annual back-to-school specials on supplies. Whether you plan to shop at your favorite retail store or online, Better Business Bureau recommends sticking to a budget to avoid spending more than you intended on school supplies.
According to the National Retail Federation, consumers will be shopping carefully and making extra efforts to save on supplies this school year. Almost one-third of families say they will do comparative shopping online this year and roughly 40% plan to use more coupons than last year.
Many retailers offer back-to-school “freebies” to entice shoppers. Coupons, deals, and giveaways are always nice, but be sure you actually need the items first. Consider if there is really a need to spend money on new crayons, colored pencils, and notebooks if all it takes is a good sharpening or tearing out a few used pages from last year’s book.
BBB recommends considering the following when it comes to back-to-school shopping:
Know what your student's school requires. Schools will often provide parents with a list of required items for the school year, which can help determine what you need to purchase. These lists are also available at many retail stores and on school websites. Additionally, many schools have specific dress codes, so keep these restrictions in mind before spending money on clothes the school may not allow.
Take inventory. There’s always that endless supply of markers, crayons and glue sticks around the house. Reusing these items can save hundreds of dollars over the years. Consider repackaging, sharpening, and cleaning out older, gently used items before buying new ones.
Look for the deals. Some retailers’ back-to-school specials are available for online and in-store purchase. Be sure to check out your local newspaper and other media for deals. Often, retailers will place ads showcasing special buy-one-get-one-free deals, or couple items, like lunchboxes with backpacks, to attract customers. Shopping sooner rather than later may help you save on the things you really need.
Set a budget. Decide how much you are willing to spend per student, and include your student as you create the budget… it will be a “teachable moment.” After taking inventory, create a shopping list and stick to it. This will help you avoid costly impulse purchases and ensure that nothing is forgotten.
Check for refund and exchange policies. Be sure you can exchange or return items purchased during this time period. Keep in mind some items may be non-refundable or have restocking fees associated with a return.
For more consumer tips you can trust, visit www.newyork.bbb.org.
