Back-to-school season is not just for students—it’s also one of the best times for professionals, educators, and remote workers to stock up on essential office supplies. If you time your purchases wisely and use the right strategies, you can score major savings on everything from notebooks to tech upgrades. Here’s how to maximize your back-to-school supply shopping.

1. Start Shopping Early
   Retailers like Staples, Office Depot, and Walmart Business start rolling out deals in mid-July. Shopping early ensures better selection on in-demand items like organizers, file folders, and tech accessories.
2. Use Cashback Apps to Stack Savings
   Platforms like Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta offer cashback on top of store discounts.

• Shop discounted gift cards through Fluz.
  
• Activate Rakuten before checking out.
  
• Check Ibotta for limited-time rebates.
  

3. Watch for Tax-Free Weekends
   Many states hold tax-free shopping holidays in late summer. If you’re buying big-ticket items like printers, computers, or bulk office supplies, shopping during these weekends can save you an extra 6%–10% depending on your location.
4. Focus on Core Essentials First
   Prioritize basic supplies before diving into extras. Essentials typically include:

• Notebooks, binders, and folders
  
• Pens, markers, and highlighters
  
• Printer paper and sticky notes
  
• Tech accessories like chargers and keyboards
  

5. Shop Online Clearance Sections
   Retailers often mark down back-to-school supplies as early as September. Check online clearance sections at Staples Clearance and Office Depot Clearance Deals.
6. Buy in Bulk to Maximize Discounts
   Items like printer paper, pens, and notebooks are significantly cheaper when purchased in multi-packs. If you work in a small office or collaborate with coworkers, consider pooling orders to unlock larger bulk savings.
7. Use Store Loyalty Programs
   Joining programs like Staples Rewards or Office Depot Rewards can earn you additional points or exclusive coupons on top of sale prices.
8. Set Price Alerts for Tech Deals
   Use price-tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel to monitor price drops on laptops, tablets, printers, and other electronics often discounted during the back-to-school season.

Key Takeaway:
Back-to-school season offers unbeatable opportunities to refresh your workspace supplies while keeping costs low. By combining store sales, cashback apps like Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta, and strategic timing, you can stock up efficiently and affordably for both work and home offices.