by Kat Ballew

Created on: July 28, 2010

Back to school time can be costly, especially for families who have more than one school-aged child. Between buying new school clothes and shoes, finding inexpensive places to buy school supplies can help save a bundle. Many times a child has more than one class, and it seems each teacher wants different items. This expense can add up, which makes bargain shopping for school supplies a necessity. 

When buying in bulk from mass merchandisers such as Sam’s Wholesale Club or Costco, this can often save you money when having more than one child in school. This could include notebook paper, composition books, folders, pencils and pens. The cost of each item is reduced when bought in bulk, and it will last for perhaps the whole school year.  

Dollar stores and drugstores are other inexpensive places to buy school supplies. Dollar stores, such as the ones where everything cost one dollar, often include several of the same items in one package. Drugstores are famous for having big back to school sales, and one can purchase anything from rulers to dictionaries. These types of stores are excellent choices when looking for ways to cut cost. 

While everyone seems to have back to school sales, many places are often cheaper than others, so it pays to watch the advertisement supplements that come in the paper or through the mail. Sometimes it may be necessary to shop different places, as the bargains at one place may be twice the savings than in another. Competitive pricing is normal right before school, and some places will even match the competitor’s price, so it never hurts to carry the advertisements with you when you go and ask if they will match the prices of the other stores. 

Wal Mart, Target, Kmart, office supply stores and other department stores are inexpensive places to buy school supplies, and they begin putting out these items early before school starts. It is wise to stock up on these items while they are on sale. Usually the time to buy is right before school starts, however it is often crowded. For this reason, shopping far in advance or waiting until the last day of the sale when everyone else has done their shopping may be best. Stores often restock school supplies regularly, and the chances of them running out until way into the school season is not likely. 

Other inexpensive places to buy school supplies, such as back packs, lunch boxes and clothes, are at discount outlets. They will sometimes have notebooks and other items as well. Some of these places are TJ Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls. These stores offer name brand items at affordable prices, and they usually have a large selection of popular styles.

While there are many inexpensive places to buy school supplies, it is best to start out with a list. However the basics such as pencils, notebook paper and notebooks are items that are a necessity in almost every grade. When it comes to buying school supplies, it is a chore, and leaving the kids at home can often make it easier. Bargain shopping and finding deals when it comes to buying these important items, even if going from store to store, is well worth it in the long run.

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