Bargain Hunting Strategy for Homeschool Curriculum
Are you a mama on the prowl for the best deal on homeschool curriculum?
I too am a deal hunter and I live for getting a bargain! Saving money in our homeschool is a must for us right now as we don’t have a lot of wiggle room in our budget.
After years of homeschooling, I have curriculum hunting down to a penny-pinching science! Follow my tips below and you too can homeschool without sacrificing your wallet in the process!
Make a Dream List
The first step in saving money on your homeschool curriculum is avoiding frivolous spending – or “shiny new curriculum syndrome.” Simply make a list of every curriculum you will need in the coming year. I keep a separate list of curricula that I need to research more, so I don’t accidentally buy anything we won’t use.
Once you have a list, ONLY buy curriculum on the list. That way you can ensure you won’t waste money on things you haven’t researched, thought about, and prayed over. Even if the curriculum you think is best for your family is expensive, write it on the list!
Put it in your Amazon Cart
The next thing you should do is check Amazon! While every curriculum on the market is not on Amazon for purchase, you might be surprised at what they do have. People are able to sell their used books and curriculum on there, so you might find a steal on a used curriculum from your list.
If the curriculum you are hunting is on Amazon, put it in your cart! Then let it set there. This way you are able to track any price changes. If a better deal pops up, you can see that in your cart. Don’t be tempted to buy it if you don’t need it right this minute. Waiting is the key to getting the best deal! Especially if you are able to buy in the off season (November – February).
Follow the Search on eBay
Even if the curriculum is not on Amazon, chances are you can find what you are looking for on eBay. Search using various terms for the curriculum, then follow the search phrase that brings the most hits. Once you are following the search, you will get notifications if any new items are listed under those search terms.
You can also adjust the settings to see sales that have already gone through to get an idea of what other homeschool mamas have paid for the same curriculum in the past. Wait until you find an auction that has exactly what you are looking for at a reasonable price then get ready to bid at the last minute! I have bought an entire curriculum (full Sonlight core) that sells for over $800 for less than $100 with shipping included this way!
Check other Used Homeschool Websites
There are lots of other websites you can search through for used curriculum. I have gotten some amazing deals by using Homeschool Tree and Homeschool Classifieds. Make sure you contact the seller if you have any questions, and to make sure they are responsive.
You will also need to be careful when sending payment. I only feel comfortable sending money with Paypal because they have buyer protection. This ensures you aren’t paying for a curriculum that you might never receive or may arrive damaged. Just be certain you are sending funds as “Goods and Services” and NOT as “Friends and Family.” The Friends and Family option nullifies the buyer protection.
Check Locally
Lastly, check around your area! We have lived in places where there is a family library that has a used curriculum consignment area. Other places have yearly homeschool curriculum sales within homeschooling groups. These are usually very welcoming to newcomers.
You’d be surprised what you can find at thrift shops and yard sales too! Sometimes I have paid 25 cents for a curriculum that I was getting ready to buy new for $50!
Don’t forget if you bought a curriculum as a bargain, then you are able to bless another homeschool mama with it when you are done! <3
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Tiffany
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