As the back-to-school season approaches, parents and students are gearing up for the annual shopping spree. Whether you prefer in-person shopping or browsing online, staying informed and prepared can make this busy time more manageable and cost-effective. Here are some tips to help you navigate back-to-school shopping.

Before determining what students may need for the year, set a budget. Planning ahead as much as possible will help keep expenses to a minimum and help everyone involved stay on task.

BBB recommends the following tips when looking for school-related items, either in person or online:

1. In-person shopping

• Create a shopping list. Before heading to the store, make a list of items you need. This helps you stay focused and avoid impulse purchases.
• Shop early. To avoid crowds and ensure you get the best selection, start your shopping early in the season.
• Compare prices between retail stores, save coupons, sign up for email alerts, and redeem any cash-back or rebate offers. This will help you get the best deals and stay within budget.
• Check store policies. Be aware of return policies, especially for electronics and clothing, in case you need to make exchanges or returns.

2. Research big-ticket items

• Read reviews. Look for reviews from credible sources to understand the pros and cons of different models.
• Check specifications. Technology has become more prevalent over the past four years whether your children learn in person at school or online from home. When buying new equipment, check with your child's school to learn about any technical requirements and determine if any changes are necessary to the home's high-speed internet. Before purchasing an expensive laptop, tablet, or computer accessory, research the brands, warranty, customer reviews, and prices at various stores to ensure the best deal. Also, look up the retailer's reputation on BBB.org.
• Look for student discounts. Many tech companies, such as Dell (a BBB Accredited Business) offer discounts for students. Verify eligibility and take advantage of these savings.

3. Shop smart with sales and tax-free weekends

• Plan ahead. Mark your calendar for upcoming sales and tax-free weekends. These are ideal times to buy school supplies, clothing, and electronics without paying sales tax.
• Make a priority list. Decide which items are most crucial to purchase during these sales to maximize your savings.
• Combine discounts. Look for opportunities to combine store sales with manufacturer rebates or coupons.

4. Asking for discounts

• Don't hesitate to ask. When shopping in person, inquire if there are any available discounts, especially for bulk purchases or floor models.
• Leverage loyalty programs. Sign up for store loyalty programs which can offer exclusive discounts and points on purchases.
• Use student IDs. Some store discounts are available to students with either a ".edu" email address or a student ID. If you're a student or have a student in your family, ask if there are any student discounts available.
• Visit school supply drives. Many communities and organizations host school supply drives where you can either donate or receive supplies. Check with local schools, community centers, or non-profits.

5. Consider buying in bulk

• Team up with other parents. Consider pooling resources with other parents to buy supplies (like paper towels, tissues, wipes, hand sanitizer) in bulk, which can be more cost-effective.
• Warehouse stores. Check out warehouse clubs like Costco or Sam's Club for bulk deals on school supplies and snacks.

6. Shop wisely and safely online

• When shopping online, be wary of "clickbait" ads that feature items that imply that you may want or need them based on your search history. Scammers could be trying to drive you to a different website to steal personal information potentially. Take note of the ad and go to the store's website by directly typing into the search bar. Note the website's privacy policy and contact information, and always use a credit card when purchasing.
• Shop on reputable websites. Ensure you are purchasing from well-known and trusted websites. Look for HTTPS in the URL.
• Use secure payment methods. Opt for secure payment methods like credit cards or payment services that offer buyer protection.

By following these tips, you can make your back-to-school shopping experience smoother, safer, and more economical. Whether you’re shopping for essentials or splurging on big-ticket items, a little planning and research can go a long way in ensuring you get the best value for your money.

For more information or further inquiries, contact the Wisconsin BBB at www.bbb.org/wisconsin, 414-847-6000 or 1-800-273-1002.