Staples Deal Scenarios for 14 August 2011 - 20 August 2011

My friends have been wondering how it is that I make the most out of my shopping adventures.  The easiest one for me to "teach" them is with Staples since there are no coupons involved.  Rebates are involved, but Staples's Easy Rebates are well, easy!

So here are my scenarios for the week:  (Note that since the Extreme Deals only run from Sunday - Wednesday, that all of my trips will be made between those days.) 

Extreme Deal: (limit per transaction) ENDS WEDNESDAY

• Composition notebooks - $0.10 each, limit 3 w/ minimum $5.00 purchase

Rebates: (limited per household)

• Hammermill Copy Paper : $0.50 

($6.79 regular price - $1.80 instant savings - $4.49 easy rebate = $0.50 each) limit 2

• Epson heavyweight 8.5” x 11” photo paper (matte), 50/pk : $0.50

($12.99 regular price - $2.00 instant savings - $10.49 easy rebate = $0.50 each) limit 1

• Zebra Cadoozles 0.7mm mechanical pencils : FREE

($5.00 regular price - $5.00 easy rebate = FREE) limit 1 

Sale Items: (limited per transaction)

• Wescott Preferred 7” scissors : $0.50

($6.29 regular price, on sale for $0.50 each) limit 2
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Trip 1:

• Zebra Cadoozles : $5.00
• Composition Notebooks: $0.10 x 3 = $0.30
• Wescott scissors: $0.50 x 2 = $1.00

TOTAL:  $6.30 - $0.95 (15% discount w/ back to school card) - $5.00 rebate = $0.35
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Trip 2 + 3:

• Hammermill Copy Paper : $4.99 ($6.79 regular price - $1.80 instant savings)
• Composition Notebooks : $0.10 x 3 = $0.30

TOTAL:  $5.29 - $0.79 (15% student discount w/ back to school card) - $4.49 rebate = FREEEEEEEEE!  :)
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Trip 4:

• Epson Photo Paper : $10.99 ($12.99 - $2.00 instant savings)
• Composition Notebooks : $0.10 x 3 = $0.30

TOTAL:  $11.29 - 1.69 (15% discount w/ back to school card) - $10.49 rebate = FREEEEEEEE!  :)
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** Keep in mind that these are prices AFTER rebates.  Therefore, you’ll be making a small “investment” out of pocket at each transaction.  Rebate checks take 4-6 weeks to arrive in the mail.  For the Extreme Deals, make sure to hit the $5.00 minimum.  I usually use the rebate items, but you can use the sale items too.  The scissors weren’t necessary during these trips, but I just wanted them.

** Also keep in mind that items that I do not end up using (or even needing) are donated to local schools and friends who need them throughout the school year.  If I find I good deal, I will take advantage of it but at the same time, share the love.  There's no point in hoarding these items if you're not gonna use 'em.

Happy shopping and hope y'all stock up a good amount of supplies for the school year.  :)

UPDATE: (24 August 2011)

Not the most up-to-date picture of my stock, but this is what you can get if you know how to stack up your deals.  :)  Some of the local schools will be very happy people once items are donated... I hope.  :)