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TruMark Financial Blog
August 16, 2018

Back-to-school shopping hacks

Save big this season with our handy list of back-to-school shopping hacks:

Plan to shop five times

To take full advantage of sales and clearance events throughout the summer, plan on making five shopping trips this season, or shop multiple locations to get the best prices when they are offered.

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.

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.

Shop the dollar store

Before you hit the regular stores, shop for real bargains at dollar stores.

Buy designer backpacks online

Check out online sites for fantastic deals on designer backpacks. Make sure to allow enough time for delivery.

Use manufacturer coupons

Check out circulars and coupon sites for manufacturer coupons from supply companies.

Decode price tags

Here’s how these popular stores mark their lowest prices:

Shop through a cash back or rewards site

Do all your online shopping through cash-back sites and get 2-4% of every purchase back.

Use the online apps

Have your phone handy when shopping so you can comparison-shop when buying your supplies. If an item is cheaper on online, why buy it at a store?

Sign up for promotional mail

Many sites offer promotional discounts for signing up for their email list or text alerts.

Take advantage of price-matching

Lots of stores offer to match any competitor’s price. Make sure to bring competitor circulars with you when you shop.

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.