10 Ways to Save on In-Store Back-to-School Shopping

What happens if the item goes on sale right after you buy it? Head back to the store with your receipt and ask for a price adjustment. Each store has different policy when it comes to price adjustments. Typically, the store will only offer the adjustment within 15 to 30 days after your initial purchase.

4. Price matching doesn't end after your purchase has been made

This happens all the time: You purchase something and then come across another retailer that sells the same item for a lower price. Believe it or not, there's a strong chance the more expensive retailer will go the extra mile to keep you in their store.

"If you're unwaveringly loyal to your favorite store, you don't have to forsake them for a better deal. Instead, see if they have a price matching policy. Some stores will provide you with a retroactive credit when you show them a competitor's ad listing a lower price on the identical item," says consumer savings expert Andrea Woroch.

5. Be the second to 'open the box'

The major electronic stores usually have a section of the store devoted to "open-boxed" items -- which simply mean that someone returned the item, the box is opened and the store can't sell it as a new item anymore.

"These products have the same warranty as the new product -- perhaps another customer bought the item, but didn't like it. On average, you'll save 20%, though I've seen these items discounted as much as 40%," says Pavini.

6. Take a tax holiday

Take a look at your receipt the next time you make a purchase and unless you live in a state with no sales tax, you'll notice how substantially sales tax adds to the amount you spend.

That's why it's time to start looking for tax holidays.

"During the month of August, some states, like Texas and Florida, offer tax holidays on clothing and school supplies, and clothing items that cost under $100 each, you can purchase tax-free," advises Pavini.

Visit TaxAdmin.org to see if there are any upcoming tax holidays in your state.