Whether you work from home and buy your own office supplies or buy school supplies for your children, you buy supplies. If you are an artist either as a profession or hobby, you need supplies. Back-to-school sales account for the second-largest seasonal shopping period. Nowadays, we not only see back-to-school sales but also back-to-college sales. In 2016 consumers spent $75.8 billion on supplies such as pens, paper, clothing, laptops, etc.

When is the best time to buy school supplies?

Most of us have a need for typical school supplies such as pens, pencils, paper and paper clips. As a consumer, I know that during the year most of these items are expensive and need to wait until the back-to-school sales. Delaying until the sales can save me a minimum of 50%. For example, a 70 Sheet spiral notebook can cost anywhere from 79 cents to over a $1. During a back-to-school sale, I am able to get one from 10 to 25 cents apiece. Typically, I can buy enough to last until the next sale and still have a cost savings.

What supplies should I buy?

Aside from the routine pens and paper, it is a good time to restock folders and binders. If you have a need for more filing space and need a small 2-drawer filing cabinet, now is the time to shop for one. Need a shredder? Buy one during the back-to-school sale. Everything from desk organizers to planners, staplers and staples, paper clips and more are typically marked down during this sales event.

Need a new tablet or laptop? Perhaps you are in need of a new desktop computer or printer. Not only can these items be purchased on sale at a department store or an office supply store but also an electronics store or even online.

Need clothing? Not only do school children get new clothes for school, so do college students. Take advantage of the Back-to-School Sales event.  Discount stores, department stores, clothing stores, thrift stores and even resale shops  mark down price tags resulting in savings.

Need snack items? Grocers and other retailers will place many items on sale so that students can have them handy at school or in the college dorm.

Where are the best places to buy supplies?

With the Back-to-School sales event, most retailers take part in sales. To get the most savings, check out grocers, department stores, office supply stores and even home furnishings or home decor store.