Believe it or not, it’s that time of year. It’s time to start thinking about back-to-school shopping. Without a doubt, you’re seeing back-to-school advertisements everywhere. The deals can be great. Discounts on clothing, electronics, and supplies can save you plenty of cash. But don’t get so drawn into the sales that you forget about buying used as a back-to-school shopping option.
Buying used for back-to-school can save you significantly more money than relying on sales alone. Secondhand items cost a fraction of their original price. While a new backpack might be 30% off during a sale, a gently used backpack could cost 70–90% less than retail. And used items can actually be of a higher quality than sale items.
The same goes for textbooks, electronics, and clothing. Many used items are still in excellent condition when students outgrow or upgrade them after just one school year.
Here's a few things you can do to make used back-to-school shopping easier.
- Make a List
Before you start shopping, create a detailed list of what your student needs. This helps you stay focused and avoid impulse buys driven by back-to-school sales.
- Start Early and Check Often
You never know when used items are going to be put up for sale. The best used items sell quickly, so begin your search as early as possible. Check local thrift stores like Arc’s Value Village, Once Upon a Child, or Old School by Steeple People, consignment shops like Turn Style Consignment, and online marketplaces like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, ThredUp, or Poshmark.
- Inspect Items Carefully
Whether it’s a backpack, laptop, or clothing, always check for significant wear, missing parts, or functionality issues. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or request more photos if you have concerns.
- Bundle and Negotiate
If a seller has multiple items you need, ask for a bundle deal. Many are willing to lower the price if you’re buying more than one item.
Many neighborhoods and schools host swap events or have online groups where families can exchange gently used school supplies and clothes. These events can also be a fun way to connect with others while finding what you need for back-to-school.
In addition to helping you save money, shopping used also promotes sustainability. By reusing items like clothing, backpacks, and electronics, you're helping reduce waste. Teaching kids the value of reuse through back-to-school shopping can instill lifelong habits that benefit both their wallets and the environment.
You may not be able to find everything you need by shopping used, but for some items, the savings will be much greater than shopping for sales. To maximize savings, a combination of buying new items on sale and buying used is the best approach.
Here are some resources to check out as you get ready to send your students back to school.
- Tips for low-waste school shopping
- Guide for great thrifting in Hennepin County
- How to be sustainable when moving in and out of your dorm
- Adopting low-waste lunch habits for the school year
Check out our reuse directory to find resources to help you buy, donate, sell, or repair used items.
Here’s a link to our guide on how to dispose of items that can’t be repurposed, donated, or sold.
