Finding and Using Back to School Discounts
The end of summer can be stressful for parents who are trying to be careful with their money. Summer's end brings in a new round of spending and the necessity of saving money wherever possible. Sometimes the old methods of saving money, like using hand-me-downs or shopping at thrift stores are not enough and kids just need to have new stuff. That is where the price-shopping and bargain-hunting comes in.
1. Find the sales
The end of summer brings with it a number of sales, and these can be good for parents who need a wide variety of supplies. The sales in big department stores, however, should be approached with caution as not everything on the shelves will be on sale. Parents should get only what they need, and plan before shopping to ensure that they go to the store knowing what to get and are not sidetracked by other purchases.
2. Use the Internet
Another good place to find back to school discounts is the Internet. Of course, this might not help with last-minute necessities but if planned properly some things can be ordered ahead of time for less money than they would cost if purchased in a brick and mortar store. Back to school shoppers should keep an eye out for offers of free shipping that often pop up on different websites at the end of summer.
3. Use the coupons
In many instances back to school discounts will come in the form of coupons. Yes, they do take time and a certain amount of effort, but coupons can be worth it. With some stores it is possible to register online and receive coupons either via email or a social network profile. In some cases it is possible to register with a manufacturer and get coupons that can be redeemed in many department stores. Registering with both retailers and manufacturers is also good way to keep an eye on sales.
4. Shop at the grocery store
They are not only for food shopping. Grocery stores often have back to school discounts on school supplies. In many instances the prices on stationery and other items will be lower than those at the department or office supply stores.
5. Sales tax holidays
In this case the back to school discount comes from the government. Some states offer parents a short period of time in which they can purchase school supplies without paying sales tax. The list varies from state to state, but waiting for the tax free days to make bulk purchases is a good idea for frugal parents.