How to Save Money on Back-to-School Supplies - Photo by Andres Nieto Porres |
As our state's annual tax holiday was approaching in early August one year, I asked this friend if she would be shopping for back-to-school supplies on those days. She simply made a face and said that she would be shopping at another time. That caused me to take a closer look at tax holiday deals with a bit more caution.
Perhaps the lawmakers created tax holidays with good intentions. Many folks on a tight budget have already spent tax refunds by the time school is ready to start while others face severe cutbacks with job loss or loss of unemployment benefits. Each year the public schools in our area publish a list of must-haves for each grade. I have three children in school. You are not alone if you feel those financial pains.
Back-to-school Tax Exempt Days - Photo by Marlith |
Many businesses also look forward to tax holidays. They know that customers may come in droves to purchase back-to-school supplies during that time. Some companies may increase prices just in time for those tax-free days. If the demand is going up, they seem to think that perhaps this would be a good time to increase resulting profits. The customer is often unaware of this increase, assuming that prices have simply gone up from the previous year. Do your summer homework. Research prices about three or four weeks before the tax holiday. Compare them to those during the tax holiday. It might be an eye-opening experience.
Items eligible for the tax holiday typically must be purchased on those days in order to qualify. Some of the higher ticket items in particular suddenly are in short demand on tax holidays. The solution? Research your state's requirements and see if layaway items qualify. If the store offers a layaway option, you can beat the crowd and have that item available with some pre-planning. Ensure that you understand all of the requirements for a layaway option – fees might be more than the tax. You might be able to purchase items online, but again check to ensure that online items qualify for the tax holiday and that you aren't getting burned with shipping fees.
If you are willing to spend some extra time shopping for clothes and sports equipment in particular, you may find cheaper deals by going green. Some friends might be more than willing to give you clothes their kids have outgrown for a very low price or perhaps even for free. Consignment and thrift shops may offer excellent deals, but the selection often dwindles quickly during the back-to-school tax holiday season. Check all used items to ensure that zippers zip, snaps snap, and that they are in good condition if you are going that route. You might be surprised at how many people donate broken, soiled, and stained items or items in severe disrepair for others to buy.
Save Money Shopping for School Supplies - Photo by Maurice07 |
Perhaps some of these tips may help shoppers to be a bit more savvy when looking for back-to-school items. Saving money is a necessity for many people, and back-to-school shopping can take a big bite out of the budget. Don't let a sales tax holiday take a bigger bite than necessary.
Readers may also wish to see:
- How to Find Money-Saving Tips for Fun Summer Activities
- Free Books and So Much More at the Local Library
- Great Low Cost Gift Ideas for Friends and Family Members
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