Nine ways to save money on back-to-school costs

It seems just yesterday that schools closed for the summer – the seemingly endless arguments and constant questions of “what are we doing today Mum/Dad” may suggest otherwise – but here we are on the countdown to a new academic year. It is undoubtedly one of the most expensive times of year for parents and even though we know it’s coming, when we add up the costs it can be enough to make eyes water and wallets recoil in horror.

It stands to reason the more children you have, the more those costs mount, but while it’s impossible to obliterate them completely, there are ways to reduce them considerably.

1. Secondhand books

Obviously the earlier you start, the more you stand to gain, but even at this late stage there is still the potential for savings as there will always be those who leave selling their books – the ones that you need – until the last minute.

Many book shops will happily take your old school books too, as long as they’re in good condition and you can either pocket the earnings or use the credit against the books you need (new or second-hand).

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The one thing to be mindful of when buying secondhand books is to make sure you’re getting the correct edition, which can change frequently – something also worth bearing in mind if you’re considering hoarding existing books for a younger sibling further down the line.

2. The parent WhatsApp groups

The much vilified “Mammy WhatsApp groups” can actually be very useful. Crested uniforms (jumpers, polo shirts, tracksuits) remain one of the most expensive parts of back-to-school. If you don’t have the luxury of generic uniforms, you can still avail of bargains on shirts, skirts and trousers in supermarkets. But paying €42 for a primary school jumper can be a bitter pill to swallow.

Parents’ and class WhatsApp groups are a perfect forum for passing on pieces of crested uniform in particular. There is often concern about causing offence if a direct offer of old clothes is made – the group setting makes that offer a little easier and everyone stands to gain.

And while you’re at it, they can be a great place for a schoolbook exchange too.

3. Discount outlets

The potential to make savings in discount outlets is huge, particularly if you can find one that offers the possibility of buying more than one schooling necessity. Kildare Village, for example, has a Clarks shoe shop that offers notably reduced school shoes and runners – which in turn can mean significant savings if there are several pairs of feet to buy for.

Also on site are several sports outlets including Nike, Asics and Puma for runners, sportswear and other school sporting equipment.

4. Do your research in advance

Rather than blindly hitting the shops or defaulting to the usual place or site of purchase, have a look online beforehand and check out the many offers available both online and instore. Three for two deals, free book covering, percentage discounts and free delivery are all common options. It’s just a case of working out the savings involved to know which one works best for you.

5. Ask those in the know

Online parenting forums and groups are a great way to directly target those who are in the same boat as you – and to pick their brains.

Often, coming up to times such as back-to-school, there’ll be entire threads devoted to flagging savings to be made and bargains to be had. And if you don’t spot what you’re on the hunt for – just ask.

The proof in my case is in the good-quality, multi-pocketed school bags I managed to acquire for €12.50, in a shop I’d never have thought of, thanks to the advice of a fellow parent.

6. Keep an eye on the school website

Some schools and parents’ associations hold uniform and book sales thanks to donations made by students who no longer need the items. Also often included in the sales are the contents of the optimally stocked lost property, which is inevitably filled with pieces of uniforms, books and sporting equipment lost throughout the year. Thanks to ignoring the golden rule of labelling everything, these items have no chance of being reunited with their rightful owner.

It’s always worth checking out these sales even if it’s only to acquire a spare jumper, tie or tracksuit top. These are the things, in my experience, most likely to be lost thanks to it being either “too hot”, “too uncomfortable” or because someone “needed to make a goal”.

7. Buy in bulk

Tempting as it may be to see to one child’s requirements at a time, particularly if you’re trying to spread the cost, buying in bulk definitely saves in the long run.

Packets of copies rather than individually purchased ones work out much cheaper and the same applies to stationery. For what it’s worth, you can never have enough pens, pencils, crayons or twistables – so buy the bigger pack or the multi-buy special offer. You can be sure that filled-to-the-brim pencilcase on day one of the new school term will be considerably emptier a few weeks in.

8. Sibling discounts

Back to school is also the time when the afterschool activity notes and texts start rolling in. Depending on the activity, the costs can be considerable, but having two or three children needn’t necessarily mean twice or thrice the price. Certain activities offer progressive sibling discounts, meaning the more children taking part, the higher the discount. If a sibling discount is not advertised, ask. The worst thing that can happen is they say no, or if a discount doesn’t already exist, you may well set the wheels in motion.

9. Registration deposits and voluntary contributions

Some secondary schools, at the time of registration, require a wholly refundable deposit to hold a student’s place. This deposit can be several hundred euro – a significant amount in addition to back-to-school costs.

The operative words here are “wholly refundable”, but difficulty can arise when there is a delay of several weeks or months in receiving the money back and/or sometimes a suggestion that the deposit is surrendered to the school as a donation instead.

In theory, it’s lovely to be in a position to do this, but in reality many parents are already stretched to the pin of their collar. Be confident, and request the refund of your registration deposit, no matter how long it takes.

Similar applies to voluntary contributions. It’s great if you’re in a position to pay the suggested contribution (which can vary hugely across schools) but it’s never worth putting yourself under further financial pressure to pay it. You will not be the only parent in this situation and voluntary means voluntary.