How Consumers can save on Back to School Costs

Teri Ann Renee Paisley, Gleaner Online Writer

I know it might seem to be too early to consider this but the strain consumers feel when preparing for the new school year can be alleviated. The most stressful thing for consumers at this time besides paying those auxiliary fees is purchasing the books on the book list. These lists seem endless even for those attending primary school.

Parents often do a mad rush to bookstores at this time of the year as they try to buy all the books for their children on those lengthy book lists.

Their children often go to school with heavy book bags only to be disappointed that the books that their parents bought will not be used until later in the year and sometimes not at all.

Check with Ministry before buying textbooks
The Minister of Education has urged parents to check The Sunday Gleaner on August 4, 2013 for the Ministry’s book list guide or consult its website.
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It is very unfortunate that consumers don’t understand that the best thing to do is to communicate with teachers at the school when possible before purchasing any textbooks.
Especially at the high school level, many texts are supplemental and sometimes are not heavily used in classes.
The teachers can therefore advise parents before they buy which books are mandatory and will be used in the first term.

So are parents to disregard the book lists?
Of course not, but why not try and source the books from relatives or friends who have passed through that particular grade?

In fact, one enterprising person has posted on their facebook page a list of books he needs for his son in the hopes that someone will be able to help him acquire them.

School supplies are essential so check out places that sell them in bulk. It makes sense to stock up on pens, pencils, erasers and notebooks for the school year.

As the new school year approaches, there are usually specials being offered in the bookshops.

On my visit to both Sangsters Bookshop and MegaMart there were several aisles devoted to school supplies. I especially liked the pen, ruler, eraser, sharpener and pencil case set at MegaMart in a variety of colours for only $90.00.

Consumers can also save money by having uniforms adjusted for the new year instead of buying new ones, providing of course that this can be accommodated.

So how are you going to save on back to school costs? Let me hear from you

Tags: savings, school, summer