Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are some tips on how to find deals, stay on budget, avoid the crowds and look for offers using a digital browser extension like Citi ShopSM.
Know that back-to-school sales start early
Many stores start back-to-school promotions well before the first day of school. Start your shopping early to take advantage of better selections and prices before the crowds arrive in late summer.
Have a back-to-school shopping list
Spend some time making a clear and concise shopping list before heading out to the store or even before shopping online. Some schools may provide parents with a supply list for each grade. Use this as a starting point to guide your shopping and avoid unnecessary purchases.
Set and stick to a budget
One of the easiest ways to save money during back-to-school shopping is by making a budget. Divide your list into multiple categories like clothes, electronics and general supplies, and set a dollar amount you’re willing to spend on each. Don’t forget to leave yourself some room in each category to account for items you forgot.
Find coupons and offers to save even more
Technology has made it easier than ever to score deals on back-to-school essentials. Installing a browser extension like Citi Shop can help eligible Citi® credit cardmembers automatically find and apply coupons across thousands of online retailers. Enrolled cardmembers who use the extension can also activate available offers and complete their purchase to receive statement credits.
Compare prices across retailers
While many stores might offer the same products, their prices can be different. Compare prices across retailers to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
The price of bigger-ticket items may shift quickly. Sometimes the most convenient retailer doesn’t actually have a lower price, so do your research before checking out.
Decide on online or in-person shopping
Whether you shop online or in person is often a matter of personal preference. There are benefits to each style of shopping.
Shopping online gives you access to a variety of products, brands and deals, and you can do it anytime, not just during business hours. But the number of choices might be overwhelming, and you won’t be able to check the quality of the products until they arrive at your doorstep.
Going to a store allows you to try on clothes, shoes and backpacks before you buy. Store employees might be able to give more personalized recommendations, and there might be items on clearance that are cheaper than online. However, going in person may mean dealing with crowds and taking more time to find an ideal offer or deal, and there’s no guarantee a product you want will be in stock when you arrive.
Research back-to-school sales in advance
Subscribe to retailer emails and stay aware of local sales throughout the year to be one of the first to know about great deals. By planning ahead, you can know when and where to shop for maximum savings. That way, you can go into the new school year knowing you’ve found great deals and prices.
Disclosure: This article is for general educational purposes. It is not intended to provide financial advice. It also is not intended to completely describe any Citi product or service. You should refer to the terms and conditions financial institutions provide for various products.
