TopCashBack.com conducts back-to-school shopping survey

According to a recent survey conducted by TopCashback.com, the USA’s most generous cash back site, 80 percent of Americans are shopping back-to-school sales this year.

The survey polled a cross-section of 2,482 adults, aged 18 and over.

While Supplies Last…

Are you shopping for back-to-school supplies this year?
• Yes (59 percent)
• No (41 percent)

(if yes) Do you expect to spend more or less than last year on back-to-school supplies?
o More (53 percent)
o The same as last year (29 percent)
o Less (18 percent)

(if yes) How much do you typically spend per child on back-to-school supplies?
o $50 to $100 (35 percent)
o $101 to $250 (26 percent)
o Less than $50 (23 percent)
o $251 to $500 (11 percent)
o $501 to $1,000 (Four percent)
o More than $1,000 (One percent)

When do/did you typically start shopping for back-to-school supplies?
• Late summer (37 percent)
• Throughout the year (32 percent)
• Middle of summer [peak season] (26 percent)
• Once school ends [late spring/early summer] (Five percent)

“Class” From the Past

Did you ever start/participate in a food fight?
• No (90 percent)
• Yes (10 percent)

Did you ever fall asleep in class?
• Yes (52 percent)
• No (48 percent)

Do you still keep in touch with anyone from high school?
• Yes (70 percent)
• No (30 percent)

From a new laptop to new clothes, back-to-school shopping can get pricey. Here are four ways to save on supplies, electronics and more from Rebecca Gramuglia (she/her), consumer expert at TopCashback.com.

• Stack your savings. Back-to-school sales have begun, and it’s important to take advantage of all opportunities to save — beyond the discounted sale price, if possible. Once you’ve made your shopping list, look to see what store has the lowest cost for each item. Check for any coupons or special offers associated with the item(s) to make sure you’re getting the best price.

o Pro-tip #1: Using the right credit card can help increase your savings even more. Review your credit card’s terms to determine which spending category can give you the most cash back or rewards, and be sure to use it when shopping for those items.

o Pro-tip #2: Take advantage of student discounts at stores like American Eagle and Apple. Bring along your student ID when you shop and ask if the store offers student discounts if you’re unsure. You can also use programs like UNiDAYS and StudentRate to gain access to exclusive student discounts online.

• Opt to shop online. Shopping online can save you both time and money. In addition to any coupons or discounts you may find, using a cash back site, like TopCashback.com, can help you earn a percentage of your money back on qualifying purchases from back-to-school retailers like Amazon, Staples and Old Navy. And if you install TopCashback’s free Browser Extension, you’ll be notified right in your browser when shopping on sites that offer cash back and coupons. That way, you won’t miss opportunities to save.

• Reuse whenever possible. Spending money on new backpacks or folders each year can get expensive, so try to reuse what you can. Before shopping, round up all of your school supplies and check off all the items on your shopping list that you already own. Take note of which items are too damaged to reuse and look for a more durable version of the item when you shop so you can reuse it next year. If you need textbooks, consider renting or buying them used from sites like Textbooks.com and ThriftBooks.com to save money and be more eco-friendly.

o Pro-tip: Get crafty! Try turning old supplies into new ones by decorating them with stickers, pins and keychains.

• Save money on gift cards. If you can’t find a discount on back-to-school goods, look for savings from TopCashback Gift Cards, which offers cash back on gift cards at over 300 retailers, including Big Lots, Groupon and Bed Bath & Beyond.