It is time to add the office supply stores. Stop! Do not run to Wal-Mart with that back to school list! Over the next 6-8 weeks, you will find Staples and Office Max offering some crazy good sales. 1c crayons, pencils, 5c protractors, compasses, markers, 10c filler paper, FREE back packs...yes, I said FREE back packs. I will explain in a second.
You NEED to sign up for both of these store's rewards programs. NOW! And if you're a teacher, even a Sunday School teacher, sign up for Staples Teachers rewards program.
Back to those back packs. For the past 2 years, both stores have done this deal. Buy a Jansport or other high quality back pack. I am not talking about the ones you get at Target or Wal-Mart for $10, and then have to replace in 3 months because the bottom has ripped out of them. These are the back packs that could theoretically last for YEARS. You will pay cash for this back pack. At the end of the following month, your reward...100% of the purchase price...will arrive in your e-mail. This reward can be used on anything in the store or online. With my rewards, I have bought computer office chairs, digital cameras for $2.00ish.
About once a year, you can get an entire BOX of printer paper from Office Max for free with their rewards program and around Christmas, Staples will be giving away TONS of AAA and AA batteries for free with the rewards program.
Staplesalso has a rebate program. Their program is quite simple since you can enter the information online. You will get a check in about 6 weeks which you can deposit in your account and spend anywhere.
Happy back to school shopping!!!