School supplies: how to get everything for school at a good price
First the list, then the shopping
Getting ready for school most often stalls not on money but on mix-ups: the bag is bought, and then the teacher asks for notebooks with a particular ruling, a pencil box with two sections and a folder for craft work. So before ordering, get the list from the class teacher. For a first-grader it is usually longer than it seems: writing practice books, a drawing book, paints, modelling clay, a cover for the desk, spare shoes.
It is better to order the list as one set: sellers count a volume discount and one delivery instead of five.
What to put in your request
- what you need — backpack, pencil case, stationery, notebooks or a full first-grader's set;
- child's class and height — the size of the backpack and the uniform depend on them;
- child's gender — if the design matters;
- quantity — for example, 20 square-ruled notebooks and 10 ruled, or a pasted list;
- features — ergonomic back, reflectors, the print you want;
- brand or series, if you have already chosen;
- new or used — textbooks and uniform are often taken used;
- city and delivery method and budget, if you want to name it.
“I'm getting a girl ready for year 1, height 122 cm. I need: an ergonomic backpack with a pencil case and a shoe bag, 20 square-ruled notebooks, 10 ruled, writing practice books, a drawing set. Courier delivery to Ipoh, budget up to RM 390.”
What to look at when comparing offers
Sets are hard to compare by eye, so check item by item: how many pages in a notebook (for example 24, 48 or 96), the paper weight, whether the paint set has a brush, whether the pencil case is empty or filled. A cheap set with nine items may turn out dearer than a full one if you must buy half of it separately.
For a backpack, ask about the weight when empty, adjustable straps and a firm back. For stationery, ask whether the modelling clay and paints are certified safe for children.
Don't buy extras
Teachers often ask for something specific: notebooks with a set number of pages, a spiral or a glued sketchbook, fragrance-free clay. Put the details from the list in the request, otherwise the offers won't be comparable and you will have to exchange some items.
How it works on BlaBlaPrice
You write one request and sellers of school goods reply in the chat with offers: what exactly is in the set, the price, delivery. It is free for buyers. Create a request and BlaBlaPrice shows the best offer first, judged on what it contains, with reviews of the seller next to each. Sellers see their place among the others and often improve their terms. Your phone number stays hidden until you choose a seller. Details are on the “How it works” page.
Your child will need other things too: look at the Baby & Kids section, for example children's clothing or children's shoes. School shoes are best bought together with the list. Before buying, compare sizes and your school's requirements, so you don't buy twice.
