We’ve been having a conversation about Staples changing the system so that teachers cannot purchase class sets of items this year. Some are miffed, others, not so much. Your decision.
For those that will shop at Staples, this week looks like the beginning of the Back-to-School ads. Take the entire family with you, or go back several times, be careful with the Easy Saver Rebate limits!
So those are the good deals this week. Now, how to you maximize for the least amount out of your pocket?
I created a spreadsheet with one scenario to spend $3.30 out of your pocket, after rebates. BUT, if you would like me to create a personal shopping list for you, e-mail me, or send me a Facebook message listing the items you would like. I’ll create a list specifically for you and add it to the spreadsheet, simply print and take to Staples with you.
I will create as many shopping lists as I can crank out to THANK YOU all for your support.
Don’t be shy, send me your lists.
Link to Spreadsheet/Google Docs
I forgot to mention the Staples Teacher Reward program. Earn monetary rewards for shopping. Don’t use for items that are limited such as these posted more than one time.
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#Giveaway #sweepstakes #teachers #education #teaching
Ncteacher4321 says
I didn’t analyze too much of the spreadsheet calculations, but did want to note that the $5 off a $30 in store purchase coupon is not redeemable with any other coupons or instant savings. So, if each item in your spreadsheet has instant savings, or there isn’t $30 worth of products without instant savings then you may not be able to apply the $5 off coupon.
Jennifer K. says
I read that you can only get the deals by presenting a Rewards card – and since there’s only 1 card per address, there’s no point in bringing in your kids or husband this year. Also no point in going multiple times as you can only get the deals once with the card. How does this factor into your savings? Just curious as to if it’s still worth it to make the trip?
Jennifer @ Herding Kats In Kindergarten
Penniless Teacher says
Jennifer–I haven’t heard anything like that. I don’t see that stated on the ad either. I’m afraid to call Staples as that usually results in even more confusion.
I don’t visit Staples until Monday (its 50 miles away), so if anyone can shed light on Jennifer’s question that would be helpful.
Ncteacher4321 says
I went to staples today to get the back to school products. I do not have a staples rewards card, and I was still able to make the purchases at the sales prices. Also, when I mentioned to the sales rep I was a teacher, she said ‘you’ve heard about the new rules for teachers purchases?’ I said yes, she continued on with saying that teachers can still purchases up to 25 of the sale items, HOWEVER the instore quantity limit will get the discount and the remaining quantity will be discounted BUT it will be as rewards points. So, what I take from that is, if I purchases 25 boxes of $.01 crayons and the limit is 4, I get the sales price for the first 4 boxes of crayons then the discount for the remaining 21 boxes of crayons will be applied to my rewards card as rewards points. Once again, I do not have rewards card so I am not sure how it works with the rewards points at Staples.
Penniless Teacher says
That’s confusing & expensive. I hate the rewards on a card/account. I don’t consider that a good deal from any store.
Folks, check with your stores, you never know what they will say….just be super sweet & nice.
I’m going to go in two days and see if I can purchase without a card. If that works, making multiple trips is not our of the question. The store is a half mile from work.
Ncteacher4321 says
Yes, I will also make multiple trips. The only thing that I won’t be able to purchase several times are the easyrebate items (multipurpose paper) because it is one rebate per mailing address. But, I will go back for everything else :o)
Penniless Teacher says
I have the rebates sent home and work:-)