How to Buy Inexpensive School Uniforms
- 1). Look for uniforms on online auction sites. Look specifically for gently used items with clear pictures in the listings. Search auctions in the "Clothing, Shoes & Accessories" category using keywords such as "school uniforms" with "Price + Shipping: Lowest First" selected. Narrow your search by selecting the "Uniforms," "Boys" and "Girls" subcategories. Don't rule out "Men's Clothing" and "Women's Clothing," especially when shopping for older children. Look for miscategorized, misspelled and misdescribed items. Scrutinize pictures carefully and communicate with the seller to be sure you know what you're buying.
- 2). Check with friends and family to see if they have any school uniforms that their children have outgrown. Ask them if they have clothing that fits the description provided by your child's school, rather than asking them for "school uniforms." Offer a modest payment for the clothing.
- 3). Look for garage and estate sales that are selling children's clothing. Check local newspapers weekly, or search the classified ads on their website. Use an online mapping service to map out your garage sale route to save on gas.
- 4). Search your local Craigslist for "school uniforms." If you get too many results, click the "only search titles" checkbox. Contact the seller and ask them to send pictures by email if the listing doesn't have any. To save money on gas, deal with sellers who live near your home or who are willing to meet you halfway.
- 5). Look at your local discount store. Look in the children's clothing section, and also look near the school supplies.
- 6). Check your local newspaper's advertising inserts for bargains on school uniforms. In some cases, you can get better prices in department stores than you can in discount stores, so don't rule them out.
- 7). Shop on your local store's tax holiday. This takes place around the middle of August in most locations.
Source...