(BPT) - With the school year underway, this can be an exciting time for students and parents, but it can also be a source of financial stress. According to the National Retail Federation, the back-to-school season is the second-biggest shopping season of the year, and a recent study showed that the average parent’s spending per student is expected to be higher than ever this year.
Fortunately, Amazon offers a convenient online shopping experience and a wide selection of everything you need this school year, without breaking the bank. In fact, a recent study from ecommerce analytics firm Profitero found that Amazon has the lowest prices on school products, on average 10% less than other retailers. Here are a few tips for parents to save time and money this school year:
1. Qualifying customers can sign up for Amazon’s discounted Prime membership.
Did you know that Amazon offers a discounted Prime membership option for qualifying EBT and government assistance recipients? Qualifying customers can access all of the shopping, savings and entertainment benefits of Prime for just $5.99/month — that’s half the price of a regular Prime membership. This includes benefits like fast, free delivery, unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Prime Video, access to more than 3,000 books and magazines with Prime Reading, exclusive discounts and more. Prime members can also access prescription savings at more than 60,000 participating pharmacies in the U.S. To learn more about Amazon’s discounted Prime membership, sign up for a membership, or start a 30-day trial, visit www.Amazon.com/Qualify.
2. Shop with cash
Purchasing items with cash can help you stick to your budget, as it makes you more conscious of what you’re spending. The great news is, you can still use cash even when shopping online with Amazon, and skip using a credit or debit card. With Amazon Cash, you can simply visit one of thousands participating store locations to add money directly to your Amazon balance, then use that to shop on Amazon.
3. Take advantage of discounts on recurring orders
From germ-fighting hand sanitizers and disinfecting wipes to child and personal care items like toothpaste, diapers, and more, you can save on countless everyday essentials throughout the school year. With Amazon’s Subscribe & Save option, you can subscribe to the items you frequently buy and have them shipped to you regularly. You'll not only save up to 15 percent on these purchases, but also save time and energy going back and forth to the store. Plus, Prime members can unlock up to 20% off diapers, baby food and more when you set up five prescriptions per month.
4. Be a bargain shopper
Everyone loves a good deal. For those bigger school purchases, check out Amazon Renewed, where you can find like-new, certified refurbished products at hefty discounts. Pre-owned products on Amazon Renewed have been inspected and tested by qualified suppliers to work and look like new, and come with the Amazon Renewed Guarantee. You’ll find everything from smartphones, laptops and tablets, to office products, and even game consoles for a bit of fun after the homework is done.
5. Shop later to score deals
Don’t fret if you still have items on your school shopping list — you can take advantage of deals and savings from Amazon throughout the year. You can track the best deals on Amazon with Lightning Deals, with daily offers to help you save money. Lightning Deals allow you to find the best prices on items you need, want and love. You can also sign up for ‘watch a deal’ alerts, so you'll never miss out on a discount! Prime members get early access to Lightning Deals and will found thousands of exclusive discounts and member savings.
With a bit of planning and preparation — and Amazon on your side — your family and budget will both be set up for a successful school year.
