Students will soon be heading back-to-school, as the Better Business Bureau serving Alberta and East Kootenay shares some guidance on how to get the best deals and how to avoid shopping pitfalls.
Wes Lafortune said the BBB puts out annual information to help parents navigate the stressful and often dreadful experience of back-to-school shopping.
“Having a shopping list is important because people go into a store and end up buying a lot of extra things they may not need and end up spending a lot more money,” Lafortune noted.
If you’re looking for big items, including laptop computers, take a look at the technical specifications of what’s required, Lafortune explained. “Sometimes there’s very specific requirements around tech equipment.”
And, Lafortune added, keep an eye out for sales and rebates.
“We always recommend people to shop in-person and support your local businesses. What the BBB has found is often there’s even better deals in the brick-and-mortar shops than you can find online,” Lafortune said.
According to Lafortune, using a credit card to pay for items provides some assurance if there’s something you need to return or a transaction you need to dispute later.
“Take a look at the website bbb.org and check out the retailers listed there. There’s thousands of listings, which will tell you about people’s experiences with the particular retailer online and brick-and-mortar,” Lafortune shared.
The BBB recommends the following tips when looking for school-related items, either in-person or online:
In-person shopping
- Shop early. To avoid crowds and ensure you get the best selection, start your shopping early in the season.
- Compare prices between retailers, 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.
Research big-ticket items
- Read reviews. Look for reviews from credible sources to understand the pros and cons of different models.
- Check specifications. 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.
- Look for student discounts. Many tech companies offer discounts for students. Verify eligibility and take advantage of these savings.
Shop smart with sales
- Plan ahead. Mark your calendar for upcoming sales.
- 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.
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.
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 centres, or non-profits.
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 for bulk deals on school supplies and snacks.
Shop wisely and safely online
- When shopping online, be wary of ads that feature items that imply you may want or need them based on your search history. Scammers could be trying to drive you to a different website. 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.
Read more tips at BBB’s Back to School HQ or visit the BBB’s online shopping HQ.
