Back to school time is right around the corner. AAA says the average Florida family will spend close to $600 per child on back to school shopping and mainly hit local stores for most purchases.
Remember, we now have “Tax Free” Back to School shopping again but only for three days this year, August 5th thru the 7th.
AAA Back to School Shopping Tips:
Shop at Home
Once you create your back to school shopping list, take an at-home inventory. School lists often carry-over items from the previous year, so make sure you aren’t buying multiples of things you already own.
Spread Out Your Shopping
The majority of Florida parents (73%) begin their back to school shopping 1-4 weeks before school starts. Sometimes you will find better deals if you spread out your shopping and begin shopping earlier or wait until school starts. For instance, often times retail stores will have deep discounts on clothing in the fall in order to make room for winter inventory.
Shop Online
Before you buy, pull out your phone. Sometimes you can find a better deal for the item online or at another store. The majority of parents (50%) will use their smartphones or tablets to compare products and prices and about one-third (31%) will use it to make a purchase.
Shop Tax-Free
In Florida the back to school tax-free holiday starts August 5th and runs through August 7th. Parents can skip the tax on clothing under $60 and school supplies under $15.
Use Membership Savings
Membership organizations like AAA offer many instant discounts and rewards* at a variety of retailers. Check out AAA Special Offers for a variety of savings on your back-to-school shopping including:
- Dell™ – AAA members receive an exclusive $50 savings on select PCs priced $499.99 or more August 1 – October 28 using coupon code “Exclusive50off499”.
- Reebok Outlet Stores – Save 40% of regular outlet prices between August 4 – 21, 2016.
- New York & Company – Save 25% on the entire in-store purchase and 10% on in-store purchases at Outlet Stores.
- Payless ShoeSource® – Save $10 on $40 or more purchase of regular and sale merchandise.
- Walmart.com – AAA members can earn up to 4% of their order in AAA Dollars when shopping via AAA.com/dollars. Visit aaa.com/dollars for restrictions and details.
Here’s the AAA survey on back to school purchasing
Here’s the Florida 2016 back-to-school tax tips and guide
