How to Save on School Supplies and Avoid Back-to-School Scams
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The first day of school will be here before you know it. School supplies can be expensive, so it makes sense to search for the best prices — just make sure you’re not falling for a deal that’s too good to be true.
Plenty of retailers capitalize on the busy back-to-school buying season with late summer sales. Unfortunately, scammers and untrustworthy vendors may also take advantage of the demand with phishing attempts or ads promoting outrageous deals.
This is a busy time of year, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by back-to-school promotions and advertising. Planning ahead can help you save money and shop safely.
How do I get the best deals on school supplies?
Make a list and set a budget. Your child will likely receive a supply list from school, but you may want to create a personal list for other essentials such as clothes or backpacks. Start by “shopping at home” for leftover supplies from last year. Then determine what you still need and set a budget.
Research big-ticket items. If your child needs a laptop, tablet or other expensive item, research brands, compare prices and review warranties and return policies before buying. Search retailers at BBB.org to see their rating, BBB Accreditation status and customer reviews.
Shop sales and tax-free weekends. Look for sales, coupons and rebates from your favorite stores. You can also save by shopping during a tax-free weekend — Missouri’s tax-free weekend for school supplies is Aug. 1–3, 2025. Remember, not all back-to-school sale items are tax-exempt.
Buy in bulk. Some teachers may ask parents to contribute items like tissues or hand sanitizer for the class. Pooling money with other parents to buy in bulk can save you money.
Check for student discounts. Many stores offer student or teacher discounts on school supplies.
How do I avoid back-to-school shopping scams?
Shop safely online. Comparing prices between retailers can help you find the best deals, but always shop with trusted sellers. If you’re considering a new retailer, check its BBB Business Profile first. Avoid clicking on links in ads or emails, especially those featuring items from your search history. Follow BBB’s online shopping tips to protect your personal information.
If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of social media ads for high-demand items priced at steep discounts. Some brands rarely offer sales — if you see unusually low prices, do additional research.
Use a credit card. Paying with a credit card gives you added protection if there’s an issue with your purchase.
Don O’Brien is the regional director for the Quincy Better Business Bureau. Contact him at [email protected] or (217) 209-3972.
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