Start your back-to-school shopping with a game plan. You don’t have to spend a fortune on back-to-school shopping. I have put together a nice list of tips to help you save some money when back-to-school shopping. I’m always here to help you get the most bang for your buck!Buy the loss leaders.
Back-to-school season is in full swing, and stores such as Office Max/Depot and Staples frequently have a few sale items each week that are incredibly low — they actually lose money on these items. They’re usually just $.01, $.05, or $.25 per item. One great strategy is to buy the the loss leaders each week they are offered. Keep in mind that quantities are limited (mostly 3 items per visit). Also, these purchases almost always require a $5 purchase. Max out on these loss leader purchases each week and be sure your total is not much more than $5 total (avoid full-price items) to score some great savings.
Shop early in the week…the great buys are usually out late in the week.
I highly recommend going in on Sunday or Monday to grab the school supplies on sales you are eyeing. The weekly sales always start on Sunday mornings, and those amazing loss leaders always seem to run out so darn fast. To ensure you get those great deals, be sure to get there early in the week (definitely before Tuesday).
Don’t get all the supplies in one shopping trip. Plan to go at least a few times.
To make the most of those loss leaders, you’ll probably need to make at least a few school supply shopping trips this summer. Plan to go at least 4 to 6 times and work those amazing loss leaders they are offering each week. Each week is a new week, which means new items on sale. Why pay full price when you know there are more awesome sales around the corner?
Clearance sales start popping up early in September.
If you forget a few items on your school supply list, don’t forget that early in September you’ll spot some great clearance sales at stores luck Walmart and Target. Speaking of Target, you’ll see up to 90% off when they are in the final stages of clearing out the back-to-school section.
Need a lot of supplies? You can buy bulk supplies on Amazon.
Amazon always seems to amaze me. You can find some nice bargains if you are in need of bulk supplies. Go over here to browse their bulk supplies section.
Be on the lookout for coupons in notebooks.
Open those notebooks (especially Mead) when you buy them. Sometimes, they have coupons in notebooks. If you spot these, hold onto these coupons for later sales to pair them up with.
Check the Cartwheel Back-to-School section for more savings.
Cartwheel by Target has its very own back-to-school section to help you save on supplies! Also, keep in mind that Target sometimes offers mobile coupons valid for a FREE $5 Gift Card with a $25 school supplies purchase.
Check if your state participate in “Tax-Free Days” and shop those days.
Many states offer “Tax Free Days” where you can shop tax-free. Be sure to check if your state participates in this and shop then to save money.
Of course, check FreebieShark for all of the latest deals!
I’m always highlighting all of the best Staples, Office Max/Depot, and Target sales on back-t0-school supplies. Check back often to ensure you are 100% aware of all of the latest offerings and you never miss a deal!
YOUR TURN! What are some of your best back-to-school shopping tips?
What is “Shark Bites”? Shark Bites is a money-saving tips series here on FreebieShark that aims to help you and your family get the most out of your money. “Shark Bites” posts are both educational and straight to the point. Just another way FreebieShark is helping you save!
