The Best Time of Year to Buy Office Supplies
If you’re regularly restocking your office, classroom, or home workspace, timing your purchases can make a significant difference. Prices for paper, pens, tech accessories, and even furniture fluctuate throughout the year—especially around seasonal sales and tax-related events. Knowing when to shop can help you stretch your budget without sacrificing quality.
Key Seasons for Office Supply Savings
- Back-to-School Season (Late July – Early September)
Retailers offer deep discounts on core items like notebooks, pens, folders, and planners. Even if you’re not buying for a classroom, this is the best time to stock up on basics in bulk.
- Best for: Paper goods, writing tools, backpacks, storage bins
- Top retailers: Staples, Target, Office Depot
- January Office Clear-Outs
After the holiday rush, many stores run clearance events to make room for new inventory. You’ll find deals on calendars, planners, desk accessories, and organization tools.
- Best for: Calendars, desk sets, storage solutions, discounted overstock
- Look for: Year-end markdowns at big-box retailers
- Tax Season (March – April)
Many professionals are reviewing budgets or preparing deductions during this time. Some retailers offer promotions targeting business owners and remote workers.
- Best for: Printers, shredders, external storage, file folders
- Look for: Business-focused categories on Amazon, Best Buy
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday (Late November)
While tech steals the spotlight, this is also an ideal time to buy office furniture, monitors, and high-ticket accessories.
- Best for: Desks, office chairs, tech gadgets
- Tip: Bookmark deals early—inventory moves fast
- Teacher Appreciation Week (Early May)
Many brands and stores offer exclusive discounts for educators, either in-store or via registration. Great time to stack coupons with store-wide promos.
- Best for: Classroom décor, teaching aids, arts & crafts supplies
- Retailers: Michaels, Joann, Lakeshore Learning
- End-of-Fiscal Year Sales (Varies by Company)
If you’re shopping for a business, corporate suppliers like Quill and Staples often offer volume discounts toward the end of Q4 as offices look to use remaining budgets.
Tips to Maximize Your Savings
- Stack offers: Combine store sales with loyalty programs, credit card perks, or cashback from apps like Rakuten
- Sign up for newsletters: Get early access to limited-time deals and exclusive online coupons
- Buy in bulk: If storage allows, buy once and avoid price hikes later in the year
- Monitor seasonal flyers: Weekly ads often highlight short-term markdowns you won’t see online
Getting the best price on office supplies isn’t just about hunting for coupons—it’s about shopping strategically throughout the year. If you know your supply cycles, you can plan smarter, save more, and avoid last-minute purchases at full price.
