Timing is everything when it comes to saving on office supplies. Whether you’re outfitting a classroom, restocking your business, or refreshing your home office, knowing when to buy can lead to major savings. Certain times of year consistently offer better prices, more promotions, and increased cashback opportunities.
Here’s a breakdown of the best times to stock up—and how to get the most value from every purchase.
- Late summer: Back-to-school sales
August is one of the most cost-effective times to shop for basic supplies. Even if you’re not in school, retailers like Walmart, Target, and Staples offer deep discounts on pens, paper, folders, and other essentials.
This is also the perfect time to combine store promotions with digital savings. Use Rakuten, Ibotta, or buy a Staples gift card with cashback via Fluz to compound your savings.
- January: New year, new organization
January brings sales focused on productivity and office organization. Look for deals on planners, calendars, filing systems, and desk accessories. Retailers like Office Depot and The Container Store often run sitewide promotions aimed at organizational tools.
If you’re planning larger purchases, such as office furniture or storage systems, use cashback platforms and gift card discounts to save even more.
- April: Tax season markdowns
As tax season wraps up, some stores offer promotions geared toward business owners and remote workers. Look for markdowns on shredders, storage drives, file cabinets, and office chairs.
You can find helpful tax-time savings guides from NerdWallet or shop deduction-friendly categories at retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.
- November: Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Late November is ideal for scoring major deals on tech, printers, ergonomic accessories, and furniture. Be prepared: popular items can sell out quickly. Focus on big-ticket supplies like monitors, standing desks, and routers.
Check for price-matching policies and consider earning cashback with a Best Buy gift card through Fluz to unlock added savings during these high-volume events.
- March & September: End-of-quarter clearance
Businesses often refresh inventory or close out seasonal promotions at the end of Q1 and Q3. These quieter times can bring discounts on overstocks and discontinued office supplies. Keep an eye on office-specific retailers and subscribe to email lists to catch flash deals.
- Holiday weekends: Bonus discounts
Three-day weekends like Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day typically bring sitewide office supply sales. These are great times to buy both essentials and luxury upgrades like chairs and organizers.
You’ll often find stackable offers on top of sales—especially when using apps like Fluz or browser extensions from Rakuten.
Final tips for maximizing your timing
- Compare unit pricing even during sales—bulk isn’t always cheaper
- Set price alerts on items using tools like CamelCamelCamel for Amazon or Honey
- Buy gift cards through cashback apps right before purchase to avoid value loss
- Track seasonal inventory cycles for your preferred retailers
By aligning your purchases with peak sale windows and leveraging cashback platforms, you can stock your workspace for less—year after year.
