Back-to-School Shopping Hacks
Save big this season with our handy list of back-to-school shopping hacks!
1. Plan to shop 5 times
To take full advantage of sales and clearance events throughout the summer, plan on making 5 shopping trips this season so you can get the best prices when they are offered.
2. Stock up
While prices are low, buy enough school supplies to last through the first half of the year or more. You’ll save a ton and not have the hassle of buying more later.
3. Take advantage of loss leaders
Every week this season, retailers sell one product at a super-low price. This is their loss leader: an item priced so cheaply that retailers actually lose money on sales. Make sure you catch those deals!
4. Shop the dollar store
Before you hit the regular stores, shop for real bargains at dollar stores like Dollar Tree and Family Dollar.
5. Buy designer backpacks online
Check out sites like 6PM and eBags for fantastic deals on designer backpacks.
6. Use manufacturer coupons
Check out circulars, like RedPlum, and coupon sites, like Retailmenot.com, for manufacturer coupons from supply companies.
7. Decode price tags
Here’s how these popular stores mark their lowest prices:
- The Gap: Ending in $.97
- Target: Ending in an 8
- Old Navy: Ending in $.47
- TJMaxx: Yellow price tag
8. Shop through Ebates
Do all your online shopping through cash-back sites, like Ebates, and get 2-4% of every purchase back.
9. Coordinate with other parents
If you’re in Walmart when they have bargain-priced pencils, offer to buy a few boxes for your friend’s kids. And, when your friend finds the super-hot deal on crayons, he’ll pick up a few boxes for your kids.
10. Check out gift-card sites
Save big by buying discounted gift cards to stores like Michael’s and JCPenney on sites like GiftCardGranny and Raise.
11. Use the Amazon App
Have your phone handy when shopping so you can comparison-shop when buying your supplies. If an item is cheaper on Amazon, why buy it at a store?
12. Sign up for promotional mail
- Kohl’s: Save 15% off your entire order by texting SAVE15 to 564-57
- The Children’s Place: Input your email address in the pop-up box on TheChildrensPlace.com and get a $10 coupon.
- GAP Kids: Sign up for email deals at gap.com and get a 25% off coupon.
- Big Lots: Input your email address in the pop-up box on biglots.com and get a $5 coupon.
13. Take advantage of price-matching
Lots of stores, like Office Depot, Staples and Target, offer to match any competitor’s price.
14. Shop early in the week
Weekly sales go live on Sundays and the best deals get grabbed first. Shop Sundays and Mondays, and never miss out on a great deal again.
