“If you fail to plan, you’ll plan to fail” is what shopping smart on your state’s tax-free days is all about. Carefully planning your shopping strategies and knowing all of the rules will help you shop smart and SAVE BIG. If you master these eight tips and tricks, your state’s tax-free shopping days will provide you many savings opportunities – we guarantee it!

1MAKE A LIST!
Since tax-free days only happen once a year, it’s important to write down everything you need to purchase so that no item is overlooked. Try hard to hold off purchasing high ticket items like computers, electronics and furniture until your state’s tax-free shopping days, because purchasing high ticket items on tax-free days will produce the most savings for you.

2KNOW THE RULES.
Since each state has its own set of rules about which items will be tax-free, reading all of the fine print and understanding your state’s rules is extremely important. Some states allow all electronics to be tax-free, while other states specify certain electronics that qualify for tax-free savings. In order to maximize your savings, obtain your state’s list of eligible tax-free items and check this list against the list that you have prepared. HAS YOUR STATE SET DOLLAR LIMITS? It’s important to know your state’s dollar limit restrictions so that you can plan accordingly.

3SELECT YOUR MERCHANDISE BEFORE THE TAX-FREE DAYS.
Many stores will let you select your merchandise before the tax-free days and will process your payment on the tax-free days. Visiting the store before the tax-free holidays will help you avoid the crowds and make sure that the merchandise that you want is not sold out.

4PLAN YOUR ROUTE.
Remember, tax-free shopping only happens once a year. Plan your shopping route so that you are able to make the most of this day. Make sure that you shop for your most expensive items first because purchasing these items on the tax-free holidays are going to save you the most money.

5BE THE FIRST ONE THERE.
If your store will not hold items in advance for you, make sure that you are one of the first shoppers at the store so that you’ll get the best selection and you won’t miss out on popular deals that sell out fast. If purchasing one particular item is important to you, make sure that you are the first one at the store so that you won’t be disappointed.

6CHECK OUT TEENFREEWAY’S LIST OF TAX-FREE HOLIDAYS.
If you’re planning to visit friends or family living in other states, check their state’s tax-free holiday schedule so that you can “double dip” with the savings. Another state might offer different bargains than your state and knowing this in advance will save you money.

7BE A COUPON DIVA!
Many stores will offer special coupons during tax-free days. Using these coupons will provide you with EVEN MORE SAVINGS! Coupons will most likely be found on retailers’ website and/or in your local newspaper.

8DON’T PURCHASE PRODUCTS UNLESS YOU REALLY NEED THEM!
We all know that amazing deals are very, very, very hard to pass up. During these tax-free days, it is important to BE STRONG and shop smart! Even if you see some amazing deals, only make purchases if you need the merchandise!