«It is better to buy office supplies at the end of the school year»
The set for September 1 has become more expensive. The most popular school supplies before the new school year have increased in price by an average of 8%, to 6.4 thousand rubles, the company ATOL reported. But this is only an average. If we take individual goods, some have increased in price by 20-30%. What factors lead to price increases? What is the best course of action for parents: to buy a school set in the summer or at the beginning of the school season, because after September 1, a number of items will probably become cheaper? What can you save on when getting your child ready for school? What can the state do to ease this parental burden?
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Prices for goods and services are generally rising, which is reflected in the cost of school supplies. Before September 1, the demand for these goods increases sharply, which, in principle, happens every school season, allowing sellers to raise prices. According to ATOL, the median price of a school diary increased by 13%, to 313 rubles, and a set of notebooks — by 10%, to 407 rubles. A set of a pair of glue sticks has risen in price by 27%, to 165 rubles, and a set of colored pencils — by 19%, to 320. The cost of raw materials used to produce school supplies may also increase.
Member of the Council for financial, industrial and investment policy of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Anna Vovk told MK how much it will cost parents to send their children to school.
— If we talk about the average temperature in the hospital, then yes, I agree, but if we look at specific parameters, then no. The fact is that this year, currency transactions have become much more expensive and the currency itself has changed its rate. It turns out that those goods, consumer goods, that we received from China or through transactions through China, have become 10-20% more expensive. If we talk about specific goods, then the price increase affected household stationery to a lesser extent.
— There are many factors. In particular, this is the cost of a commercial loan, which has become unattainable for many companies over the past year. If last year the refinancing rate was quite low, now it is 18%. Last year, small and medium businesses could get a commercial loan at 13-15%, and today — at 20-24%. This has had a sharp impact on the price of the final product.
— If financial resources allow, it is advisable to purchase office supplies immediately after the end of the school year, since demand declines at this time. There is no such rush at the end of May — beginning of June. In August, beginning of September, everything is the opposite: demand is very high, so prices rise. I think that everything necessary for school should be purchased evenly throughout the year.
— Concessionary coupons and some payments for the purchase of stationery for certain categories of citizens are necessary. In general, if the state is serious about the social security of children and students, then it is necessary to make free breakfasts in elementary schools. You can also introduce a centralized purchase of the most essential things for first-graders: erasers, pencils, pens, notebooks, drawing albums, paints, brushes. This is the very necessary set from the state that can be stored directly in school classrooms.
How to save money when getting your child ready for school? Practical advice from an expert.
Artem Deev, head of the analytical department of AMarkets:
“To save money, you need to follow the following principles. First, make a list of the necessary goods and determine the budget. Second, watch for sales in stores. Buying goods in bulk can be more profitable, especially if you buy several identical items. Be sure to check what can be used from old school supplies. It is not necessary to buy branded items: as a rule, they are enough for only one school year. Do not forget about online shopping: sometimes the same product can differ in price. Thus, online shopping becomes much more profitable, since online stores have a lower markup.»