Yes, I know, I know - Summer is here! What am I doing posting about school?! Well, if you want to save some cash for the upcoming fall, you need to start thinking school now (or a few months ago!), and all of the supplies that go with it. I am buying school uniforms for the first time. I am used to getting hand-me-downs, buying my kids clothes used, on clearance and in the off season for the next size up, thereby saving a ton of cash. To say I have sticker shock on these uniform prices is an understatement! One can argue that having uniforms is actually saving money for families. Afterall, back to school shopping is made simpler, perhaps needing a new pair of shoes, some undergarments, socks, and uniform pieces to last a week (or 2 if you are buying for cold and warm seasons). Considering most families do weekly laundry at least, and that uniforms are usually higher quality, less clothing items will probably be purchased. That being said, I still like to save as much as possible. Even in my small bit of experience uniform shopping, I've already picked up on a few money saving tips I'd like to share.
1) Buy Used: Ask your school if they offer a used uniform sale. I was able to score 2 pairs of name brand pants and 2 shirts for a total of $6! All the proceeds went back to the school. If your school does not have used uniform sales, see if you can network with some other parents and work out a deal to get or purchase some hand me downs from them.
2) Shop Off Season: If your school allows you to shop stores with uniform departments for basic clothing pieces, do it! Old Navy, Lands End, JC Penney, and Target all have some great options, and are usually less than uniform companies. If you can use something without a logo, go for it! I found some basic pants and shorts from Old Navy in the Spring on Clearance. There are not too many people shopping for uniforms at the middle/end of the school year, so enjoy the savings! Be sure to estimate some growing room in sizing. If you find a particularly great deal, stock up. Also be sure to note this on your calendar for next year so you can enjoy the savings then. If shopping online, be sure to check www.retailmenot.com for coupon codes to enter at checkout and save even more.
3) Uniform Company Sales: Call the uniform company to see if they offer any sales. They might do sample sales or internet specials. Be sure to make sure the specials are on pieces your school has approved. I found a plain fleece jacket for half the price of the logo jacket and a sweatshirt for $3. Too bad the sweatshirt did not come in the size we needed, but deals are out there! Also check www.retailmenot.com to check for coupon codes on their site.
4) Visit the Uniform Showroom In Person: If your uniform company is in reasonable driving distance, go there in person. You will save shipping costs and be able to try on clothes to get the right size. If it's a bit of a drive, try to combine errands and visit other stores in the area to save on gas. Be sure to ask again if they have any sample sales or deals on imperfect pieces!
5) Keep Checking Online Sales!: You never know when a deal might pop up! I just scored a fleece hooded sweatshirt on Kohl's website in one of the approved school colors (and an approved non-logo item) for under $14 shipped! This was such a steal because who is shopping for fleece in summer?!
6) Buy with Siblings in Mind: If you've got a sibling following in your eldest kids footsteps, be sure to take great care of the clothing and save it for them. This is so easy if you've got siblings of the same gender. Even for brothers and sisters, a few items are most likely still interchangeable like polo shirts, t-shirts and sweatshirts.
7) Keep Learning!: I just learned 3 more tips from the Life Your Way Blog, including search eBay, choose darker colors and be a a minimalist.
8) Sell Uniforms: When your child grows out of the uniform, sell it or donate it to your school used sale. You'll be decluttering your home and perhaps making a few bucks back as well.
Happy Saving!
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