Fall is just around the corner and that means it’s our favorite time of year… Back-to-school shopping time!
From school supplies to iPads to dorm furniture and everything in between; we know that it can all add up very quickly. But don’t worry, because there are tons of great deals and discounts out there that will make this back-to-school season as stress-free as possible.
Here are 5 Smart & Savvy Back-to-School Shopping Tips to help you save some serious cash!
1. Shop Deals in Advance
Many retailers and big-box stores have already started their back-to-school campaigns and promotions since mid-July. This means that you can already snag some serious back-to-school deals. Shopping early certainly allows you to get a head start on finding all your school items. You’ll also have a wider variety of selections to choose from. On the other hand, if you’re someone who likes to wait it out a bit, you always have the option to find more deals just weeks before school starts up again.
2. Online Shopping
You can also opt to shop online for exclusive back-to-school deals. You may also be someone who prefers not to leave the comfort of your own home and simply select and buy the items you need at checkout. The great thing about this is that many online stores offer a price match guarantee to honor a competitor’s price for the same exact items. Try checking out price comparison websites such as PriceGrabber and ShopBot to give you a better idea of what deals are available at different stores.
3. Stick to a Budget
This part is absolutely crucial. Make a budget for your back-to-school shopping and stick to it! The key is to have a realistic budget and then ensure that you won’t exceed it. You can create a realistic budget by first keeping an inventory of all your items. Here is how to do this, step-by-step.
How to Take Inventory of Your Items
The last thing you want to do is waste your money when that money can be better spent on items that you actually need! Before buying yet another notebook when there’s more than enough at home, make a checklist of items that you already have on hand. You can do this by rummaging through your things, sorting them and listing them on paper. Then, write down the average price of each item that you’re missing and tally up the total. That is your realistic budget.
The great thing about being realistic about how much every item costs on average is that you’re setting a budget that actually makes sense and that you have a greater chance of adhering to.
4. Secondhand Shop
A great way to cut costs - and help the planet in the process - is to buy second hand back-to-school items. The truth is that “fast fashion” - which is cheap trendy clothing produced by mass market retailers - is polluting our planet. This, of course, has serious environmental impacts that we must consider. Buy second hand items by paying a visit to your local secondhand store, thrift shop, vintage or consignment store. You can also find online retailers that sell secondhand items such as Poshmark and Depop. Who knows? You may end up finding a very unique first-day-of-school outfit while reducing your overall carbon footprint and cutting costs. It’s a win-win-win situation!
5. Student Discounts
If you’re a student, you know this better than anyone. There are so many great, exclusive student discounts available at your fingertips. The Student Price Card (SPC) gives you access to over 450 discounts of up to 25% off for $12 per year.
For example, students with a SPC membership get 20% off at H&M! Why not take advantage of the special discounts that are available just for you? You’ll save some extra costs when you’re out shopping for back-to-school supplies, clothes, electronics or other essential items.
Polysleep Takeaway
There are tons of ways to save money while you’re doing some back-to-school shopping. By shopping deals in advance, shopping online, sticking to a budget, doing some secondhand shopping and taking advantage of student discounts, you’ll be pleased by how much you’re saving overall this back-to-school season.
By following these 5 Smart & Savvy Back-to-School Shopping Tips, you’ll rest assured knowing you’re kicking off the school year on the best - and most prepared - foot possible!
Polysleep Has Tons of Great Back-to-School Discounts!
Speaking of great deals and discounts, Polysleep has lots of them this back-to-school season! Check out our full list of exclusive back-to-school promotions at polysleep.ca. With convenient free shipping, fast delivery, risk-free 100-night trial and exceptional comfort, you’ll see why Polysleep is known for our premium quality mattresses in Canada!
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