Long gone are the days when a pencil and eraser were all kids needed to begin a new school year. Considered one of the busiest shopping seasons of the year, back to school is now synonymous with new fashions, accessories and more – all of which can add up and put a strain on parents' pocketbooks. A recent poll by Ebates.ca, Canada's leading cash back shopping site, reveals the majority of parents (65%) plan on spending at least $100 per child. The top purchases? Clothes, shoes and school supplies. However, 21% of parents say they'll also be adding electronics to their shopping cart.
"At this time of the year, many retailers offer savings on school supplies, including computers and tablets," says Adrienne Down Coulson, General Manager, Ebates Canada, and a mom of two. "At Ebates.ca, we've compiled a list of money-saving tips that we're excited to share with parents before they start their back to school shopping."
Ebates.ca budget-friendly back to school shopping tips include:
- Shop online: Time is money! Join the 50% of parents who have done back to school shopping online to avoid crowds at the malls and save time and money on transportation. Many retailers also offer free shipping – Ebates.ca has a specific page that lists all free shipping deals across Canada, which can help drive down costs.
- Turn it into a game: Tell your kids to search the web for the best backpack at a target price. If they find a backpack they want that is lower than the specified price, they keep the money saved as a reward. You still get to make the final decisions while teaching them about budgeting.
- Comparison shop: Use the web to comparison shop for your back to school needs. Once your decisions are made, start your shopping trip at Ebates.ca. This way you can ensure you get the best price plus earn cash back.
- Take advantage of sales, promotions and coupons: Ebates.ca members are regularly notified of exclusive sales and promotions so they can save money and earn cash back on their purchases. These reminders are ideal for the 89% of parents who indicate sales are the biggest factor in their purchasing decisions.
"Nearly 40% of parents polled said shopping at this time of year is typically a battle zone between them and their kids. At Ebates.ca, we want back to school shopping to be a positive experience for families," says Coulson. "Make the experience fun by browsing the internet together. Set a budget and let your kids search for their favourite styles and colours."
