Q. Summer and play time are gone; what advice does BBB provide in preparing my kids for school?
A. Parents and students expect to spend more than ever on back-to-school shopping this year, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey, www.nrf.com. If you – or a student in your life – are shopping for books, clothes, school supplies, backpacks or other items; be sure to keep these tips in mind. The Better Business Bureau offers the following advice on how to shop smart for back-to-school or back-to-college purchases:
» Before leaving the house. Start your back-to-school shopping by creating a list. Jot down everything you need and stick to the list! Impulse buying can increase your overall total in a hurry. Then, shop your home before heading to the store. You may already have some of the items from last year. Why purchase the same thing twice?
» Research big ticket items. Before purchasing that expensive laptop, tablet or dorm refrigerator, be sure to do your research. Research the brands, warranty, customer reviews and the prices at various stores to be sure you’re getting the best deal. Also, look up the retailer on BBB.org.
» Ask for student discounts. Many stores and software companies offer discounts to students that have either an .edu email address or a student ID. Even if you don’t see a discount advertised at the store, it doesn’t hurt to ask.