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- 1). Order online. Buying online can save you money on school supplies in several different ways. Purchasing via the Internet means that you have access to thousands of potential suppliers rather than a few local sources within driving distance. A store that's two states over but has an excellent discount on glue sticks or pencil erasers can ship to you directly. If the list from which you are working does not ask for a specific brand, you can often find different brands at lowered prices. Buying online also allows you to work with warehouse stores that have large amounts of items. An item may be full price in the store but be listed at a discount on the web.
- 2). Buy from a pre-approved list. Many, if not most, schools have a list of items that each student must have on hand before school starts. The list may include dozens of different items in various sizes. Schools will work with a specific supplier who can offer all the items in question in a single order. The supplier often offers a discount to those who purchase all the items on the list. Contact the store in question before you place an order. Make sure that the item you buy is the kind specified on the list. A store may run out of certain popular supplies and then decide to substitute a different brand or color instead.
- 3). Purchase with others. Contact your child's classmates. Find out what they've purchased for fall classes and what they haven't bought yet. Organize a shopping trip to buy the items. Buying in bulk can help you get items at a discount. Consider making your purchases online. Designate one person to receive all the items in question. When the supplies arrive, you can divide up the materials between each student. Make sure that any list you have is accurate. If you are shopping for more than one grade, make sure that each group of items is divided appropriately.
- 4). Buy in non-traditional places. Purchase items wherever you see them rather than in traditional places. A drug store might have pencils on sale. Grocery stores can be a source of paper. Walk in the dollar store or the office supply store. You may find discounts throughout the summer and be able to get all your supplies well before your child goes back to school.
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