I know we are all thinking Really? It's July and You are talking about back to school shopping!
Well if you have taken a look around your local stores you will have seen that yup, spaces are being cleared out with summer stuff and being replaced with note books and binders.
Perhaps you are thinking
I don't have kids so how does this do anything for me? My kids aren't even in school yet...
Or perhaps
I have ALL Summer to start shopping why start now?
But lets think Bigger!
Back to school supplies are limited to the class room.
Think craft room, office, or general use.
Things like printer paper, notebooks, pens, and the like are things you use around the home, not just in the school setting. And with back to school sales starting, now is the time to stock up for the rest of the year!
You will also find yourself coupon/deal shopping in stores you don't normally do so.
Stores like Office Max, Staples and more will all offer deals on back to school items, and lets not forget, drug stores will toss in deals as well!
So how do you take advantage of all the back to school deals?
First Make a List.
If you have a child, grab your child's back to school supply list from your school or online. Then take stock of what you need for your personal use
How much printer paper do you use a month, ( printer ink as well)
Does your craft room need new markers? How many? Do you use TONS of envelops in your home office?
Take stock of what you have and what you use, as a sale comes up grab the items and cross them off your list. This will prevent you from paying big bucks when you wait until last second shopping and save you from spending on office or craft supplies during the rest of the year!
Pay attention to sales
Many times Stores will do loss leaders each week. Items that are priced VERY low in hopes you will buy other items at full price. DO NOT be tempted to do all your shopping in one trip.
Grab the cheep items, such as a box of crayons for $0.25, or Free after rebate items from staples. The sooner you start the more loss leaders you can take advantage of. By only picking up these cheep sale items you will be bound to pick up everything on your list for a fraction of the price!
Know how your stores work!
You may be able to save even more if your store does price matches or takes manufacture coupons with store coupons. Pay attention to these to get the most of your back to school shopping.
Put away excess items
If you have kidos grab extras! It always happens in my house half way in the school year we need a new notebook, or pencil box, folders rip etc.. I have a bin that I make sure has back ups of all the things I know my boys are hard on. This way I never have to go back and buy things full price later in the year. It saves me twice!
Think clothing!
Many states offer tax free weeks during back to school shopping. This does not mean JUST for kids clothing and shoes. If you have been eyeing something consider buying it for yourself during this time. Be sure you sort out your kids clothing so you know when you go in for back to school clothing sales as well as your own clothing as well. Knowing exactly what you need so as not to over buy and stick to it.
How about you... do you have any back to school shopping tips? I'd love to hear them!
