BBB: Back-to-school shopping tips – KBSI Fox 23 Cape Girardeau News

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – As you head out to do your back-to-school shopping, a representative from the Better Business Bureau says to look out for online and price scams.

Sydney Waters with the Better Business Bureau encourages reusing gently used school supplies from last year and shopping around before purchasing things like electronics.

“When you’re shopping online it is always good to compare prices,” said Waters. “That will save you money but you want to make sure that you’re using retailers that you can trust. So say you find a new brand that you would like to order a new tablet from this season. Go to BBB.org. Let us be that resource. See if that brand is a new company that just popped up for these deals or if they’ve been in business for a while.”

Waters says to look at customer reviews and return policies before deciding to make a purchase online. If you do make an online purchase the BBB encourages you to use a credit card so you easily get your money if you are caught in a scam.

• Make a list and set a budget. Your child will likely receive a supply list from their school, but you may want to make a personal list for other essentials like clothes or backpacks. Start by “shopping at home” for any supplies left over from last year. From there, determine what you still need to buy and set your budget.
• Research big-ticket items. If your child needs a laptop, tablet or other expensive item, make sure to research brands, compare prices and learn about warranties and return policies before you buy. You can search retailers at BBB.org to see their rating, Accreditation status and reviews from other customers.
• Shop safe online. Comparing prices between retailers can help you get the best deals, but shop with retailers you trust. If you’re considering buying from a new store, check its BBB Business Profile to make sure it has a good track record before you buy. Be wary of clicking on links in online ads or emails, especially those that show items from your search history. Follow BBB’s online shopping tips to keep your personal information secure.
• Shop sales and tax-free weekends. Keep an eye out for sales, coupons and rebates from your favorite stores. You can also save money by doing your back-to-school shopping on a tax-free weekend – Missouri’s tax-free weekend for school supplies is August 2-4, 2024. Remember that just because a store advertises a back-to-school sale doesn’t necessarily mean the items are tax-free.
• Buy in bulk. Some teachers may ask parents to help supply items like tissues or hand sanitizer for the class. You may be able to save by pooling your money with other parents and guardians to buy these items in bulk.
• Check for student discounts. Many stores offer student or teacher discounts on back-to-school items.
• Use a credit card. Paying with a credit card makes it easier to dispute a charge if something goes wrong with your purchase.

Tap here for more back-to-school tips for students and their parents or guardians.