GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – Parents and students expect to spend more than ever on back-to-school shopping this year. The Better Business Bureau says there are some important things to keep in mind that can help save you money.
“Do an inventory of your home and see what you have that you can reuse from last year,” said Susan Back of the Better Business Bureau.
Bach says it is also important to do research and look for sales. If shopping online, making sure the website is secure is a must to avoid being scammed.
“Make sure the URL address starts with https and that there is a lock symbol.”
Bach says one thing that often gets missed is asking about student discounts for bigger items. She says sometimes they are advertised.
“Even if you don’t even see an option for a student discount, don’t be afraid to ask even if you are walking into a big box store.
It is also important to be careful of what information you enter online.
“Be wary of any website that asks for your child’s personal information.”
She says giving that out could lead to your child becoming a victim of identity theft.
Other tips for back to school shopping.
- Make a list: You can either wait for the school supplies list to come out, or start shopping without it. Even if you don’t have the exact list, you should have an idea of what to purchase regarding school clothes and basic supplies. Jot everything down on a list and stick to it! Impulse buying can jack up your overall total in a hurry.
- Research big ticket items: Before purchasing that expensive laptop, tablet or dorm refrigerator, be sure to do your research. Research the brands, warranty, customer reviews and the prices at various stores to be sure you’re getting the best deal. Also, find the retailer on BBB.org.
- Look for the sales: Compare prices between different retail stores, save your coupons, sign up for email alerts and redeem any cash-back or rebate offers. This will help you get the best deals, saving you a nice chunk of dough.
- Shop in bulk: Some teachers ask parents to buy bulk items for the entire classroom to use throughout the year. Talk with other parents about what they’re getting, and see if you can all split the cost.
- Know the return policies and save your receipts: Kids can be fickle. They can love a new shirt yesterday but hate it today. Ask about return policies before making your purchase. Be sure to save your receipts just in case you have to return the item later.
Shop safely online
- Look up the website’s privacy policy and contact information. If it is not clearly listed, or they only have an email as the point of contact, take that as a big red flag and shop elsewhere.
- Do your research. An unknown website may offer a similar product at a lower price. The lowest price isn’t always the best route. Check for user reviews and badges for consumer protection agencies.
- Be sure to use your credit card instead of your debit card, as credit cards not only provide additional protection, but it’s also easier to dispute a fraudulent charge.
- If you’re buying supplies through a website like Craigslist, make sure you don’t wire money to someone you’ve not met. Use PayPal if possible, but if you are using cash, make sure you meet in a public place and bring a friend.
- If you use Facebook you know banner ads are all over the place and many ads are even catered to what you like. Some of them, however, are just click bait ads to drive you to a different website where you could potentially be asked to input personal information. Take note of the ad and go to the store’s website directly.
