As a consumer, I absolutely loathe having to fight with a crowd to get the merchandise I need, and never is this more true than when shopping for school supplies. My children have not been out of school for a full month yet, and I am already picking up odds and ends for September, when they start their new school year. Luckily, my supply cabinet is well stocked from last year. Since I bought school supplies in bulk last year, there are many items that I do not need to purchase for the upcoming school year. This approach has saved me $50 so far on my back to school shopping. Here is a look at the items that I buy in bulk for the school year, before the rush of back to school shopping begins in August and September.
Composition Books
One of the items that seem to fly off shelves in September is marble composition books. Most teachers in the elementary and middle school grades require them, and I am not a fan of rushing to stores at the last minute to track down all the necessary supply items for back to school. In January, around mid-term, I purchased a bulk supply of composition books. My children needed new books for the second half of the school year, and I purchased extra for the following year. By purchasing in bulk, I received a discount and ensured the supplies my children needed before the rush.
Loose Leaf Paper
Another supply item that my children seem to run through quicker than water is loose leaf paper. Whether it is used for taking notes, completing homework, studying, or the like, loose leaf paper is necessary for my children’s day-to-day education. I stocked up on loose leaf paper last summer when I purchased a bulk amount. I still have a considerable amount in my supply cabinet, and this keeps me from having to purchase it again this year.
Pens, Pencils and Erasers
Another item that my children are always seeming to run out of or lose is writing utensils such as pens, pencils, erasers, and such. I purchased a bulk amount of writing utensils in January. I still have unopened packs of pens and pencils that I will be stocking school bags with this September.
Book Report Covers
Throughout the school year, my children are expected to hand in multiple book reports and research assignments in a well presented manner. To do this, they need to have book report covers in stock. Last summer I purchased a 100 pack of book report covers for $6, and we have more than 75% of the package left.
The Bottom Line
By purchasing in bulk, we not only save in the short-term, but also in the long run as well. By stocking up last year, the amount of items I need to purchase, and the amount of cash I need to shell out on school supplies have both decreased dramatically. For me, buying school supplies in bulk is well worth the effort.
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