Guest Author - Meg Grooms

Following is a list of retailers that extend an eduator discount to homeschooling families. Please note that most retailers expect to see proof of homeschooling, which usually means a copy of a previous evaluation or a group membership card. You can even make a school identification card for your family. Each retailer is different, however, call first to get the details. Not all stores in all locations will offer the discount, again, call ahead if there is any question.

You may find that retailers not listed here will provide a discount if you ask. You may also find that local art venues offer discounts, local craft and hobby stores as well as museums. Be prepared to show proper identification, proof of homeschooling, and note that you may be asked to provide further information. Discounts will vary by retailer and location.

Be aware that the sales clerk may not see a product as educational. If this happens, ask to speak with a manager if the products truly are for your child’s education. Plainly, if you are buying a new romance novel, don’t expect the clerk to believe you are buying it for a literature lesson.

Apple
4-15%, limited amount of products per year offered at discount

Barnes & Noble (in-store only, apply for discount card)
10-20% depending on media

Borders Book Store (in-store only, apply for discount card)
10-20%, occasional educator-only special sales

B. Dalton Book Store (in-store only, apply for discount card)
10-20%

Books-A-Million (in-store only, apply for discount card)
10% (if you buy frequently from BAM the frequent reader card may be of more advantage. There is an annual fee for the card but it gives you 10% off everything, including the cafe, and the discount is taken off clearance/sale items & books as well. The educator card is only good on certain items and does not apply to sale/clearance books)

Book Warehouse/The Book Market/Foozles
15%

Jo-Ann Fabric/Jo-Ann ETC
15%, in-store only, apply for educator card

Microsoft
10-40%, only good on academic versions of certain software titles

Wal-Mart - fabric department only
10% off fabric and sewing notions for home economic purchases
(While I have heard from people who assert this discount is real, I have been told by Wal-Mart managers that it does not exist)

Staples
Offers an educational rebate program, 10%-20% of every $100 in purchases

Office Max
MaxPerks program offers cash rebates for in-store and online purchases, up to $500 refunded per year. You can earn more refunds by recycling your computer peripherals and used ink cartridges.

Half Price Books
10%, apply for discount card, in-store only. Stores only available in a handful of states.

Fed-Ex/Kinkos
20% off with educator discount card, in-store and Print on Demand

Michael’s Craft Stores
10%

Hancock Fabrics
10% with educator discount card

Walden Books, in-store only, apply for educator card
10-20%

Discovery Channel Store - 15% with proof of hoemschooling
There are restrictions as to what merchandise qualifies, high-ticket items may not qualify.

Hastings Entertainment
20%


New to Homeschooling?
Take a look at my ebook
Homeschooling With Confidence: A Plain English Guide to Homeschooling in the United States