60+ best back-to-school deals for students on a budget | Amznusa.com

Back-to-school season is in full swing. We’re ready for new backpacks filled with freshly sharpened pencils and clean, colorful folders. Unfortunately, the older you get, the less fun (and more expensive) shopping gets — like spending over $100 on a calculator. However, plenty of back-to-school deals are here to bring oodles of savings on laptops, headphones, and more.

All the big retailers are hosting back-to-school sales, including Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and more. You’ll find savings on the small stuff, like colored pencils for just $0.99, or hundreds of dollars off laptops, including the M3 Apple MacBook Air.

Best laptop deal

Why we like it

Read Mashable’s full review of the Apple MacBook Air (M3).

The MacBook Air with M3 chip is a great college laptop — especially if you’re on a budget. It comes in a light package, weighing 2.7 pounds versus a MacBook Pro’s 3.4 pounds, but it holds the same M3 processing power as the Pro. During back-to-school season, find the M3 MacBook Air for under $1,000 at Best Buy. It’s down to $899, an 18% savings and $200 off. (Note that you can save an extra $50 with a paid My Best Buy membership, matching its all-time low from Prime Day.)

More laptop deals

Acer Chromebook 315, 15.6-inch (Intel Pentium N6000, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD) — $219 $349 (save $130)

Acer Aspire 3 (AMD Ryzen 3 7320U, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) — $299.99 $329.99 (save $30)

HP 17.3-inch laptop (Intel i3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $369.99 $549.99 (save $180)

Dell Inspiron 15 touchscreen laptop (Intel i5, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $399.99 $629.99 (save $230)

Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 touchscreen laptop (AMD Ryzen, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $479.99 $729.99 (save $250)

HP Envy 2-in-1, 16-inch touchscreen laptop (AMD Ryzen 5, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $499.99 $849.99 (save $350)

Asus TUF Gaming A15 (AMD Ryzen 5 7535H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $599.99 $699.99 (save $100)

Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M1, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $649 $699 (save $50)

Lenovo Yoga 7i, 14-inch (Intel Core Ultra 5 125U, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $719.99 $999.99 (save $210)

Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $799 $999 (save $200)

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x Copilot+, 14.5-inch (Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $999.99 $1,199.99 (save $200)

HP Spectre x360 14t-eu000 (Intel Core Ultra 5 125H, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,099.99 $1,449.99 (save $350)

Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,299 $1,499 (save $200)

Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M3, 18GB RAM, 512GB SSD) —$1,699 $1,999 (save $300)

Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M3, 36GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $2,399 $2,899 (save $500)

Best headphone or earbud deal

Why we like it

If you’re headed to college, you need a pair of headphones to accompany you so you can listen while walking across campus to class or focusing during a library study session. A pair of noise-cancelling headphones is especially important when you’re dealing with noisy roommates. Luckily, Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are a phenomenal option that have dropped under $200.

Tested by our sibling publication, PC Mag, the Sony WH-1000XM4 earned their Editors’ Choice pick for striking the right balance of stellar noise cancellation and audio that satisfies even the pickiest audiophiles. Normally $348, the Sony WH-1000XM4 are down to $198 at Amazon. That gives you 43% off for $150 in savings.

More headphone and earbud deals

Soundcore by Anker A20i earbuds — $18.98 $29.99 (save $11.01)

JBL Vibe Beam earbuds — $29.95 $49.95 (save $20)

JBL Tune Flex earbuds — $49.95 $99.95 (save $50)

Soundcore by Anker P40i earbuds — $49.99 $69.99 (save $20)

Skullcandy Hesh Evo headphones — $59.88 $104.99 (save $45.11)

Samsung Galaxy Buds FE — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)

Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) — $79.99 $129 (save $49.01)

Beats Studio Buds — $99.99 $149.99 (save $50)

Sony LinkBuds S earbuds — $128 $199.99 (save $71.99)

Beats Solo 4 — $129.99 $199.99 (save $70)

Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) — $139.99 $169 (save $29.01)

Jabra Elite 8 Active — $149.99 $199.99 (save $50)

Beats Fit Pro — $159.99 $199.99 (save $40)

Beats Studio Pro — $179.99 $349.99 (save $170)

Bose QuietComfort headphones — $249 $349 (save $100)

Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds — $249 $299 (save $50)

Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones — $349 $429 (save $80)

Best school supply deal

Why we like it

It’s a rite of passage to get your hands on a clunky graphing calculator for high school math. Luckily these days, the new generation of TI-84s are slim, sleek devices with colorful graphics. Ahead of the school year, get the Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE for just $99, saving you $51 for 34% off.

More school supply deals

Crayola Kids Crayons (24 count) — $0.50 $1.49 (save $0.99)

Elmer’s Washable School Glue Sticks (two pack) — $0.50 $1.39 (save $0.89)

Crayola Broad Line Markers (10 count) — $0.99 $2.59 (save $1.60)

Crayola Kids Pre-Sharpened Colored Pencils (12 count) — $0.99 $1.99 (save $1)

BIC Brite Liner Highlighters (five pack, assorted) — $1.79 $2.19 (save $0.40)

BIC Brite Liner Pastel Highlighters (12 count) — $6.37 $15.43 (save $9.06)

Paper Mate Ink Joy Gel Pens (six pack) — $6.39 $10.99 (save $4.60)

Sharpie S-Gel Gel Pens, 0.7mm (12 count) — $8.99 $16.99 (save $8)

Crayola Mini Twistables Crayons (50 count) — $8.99 $10.99 (save $20)

Crayola Construction Paper (two pack) — $11.49 $14.99 (save $3.50)

Amazon Basics Woodcased #2 Pencils (150 count) — $12.00 $16.82 (save $4.82)

Crayola Ultra Clean Washable Markers (40 count) — $12.49 $20.09 (save $7.60)

Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens, 0.7mm (24 count) — $14.98 $19.97 (save $4.99)

Sharpie School Supplies Variety Pack (31 count) — $17.02 $21.26 (save $4.24)

Sharpie Permanent Markers, fine point (36 count) — $18.39 $21.89 (save $3.50)

Casio FX 9750GIII Graphing Calculator — $59.99 $64.99 (save $5)

Best backpack deal

Why we like it

No matter your age or grade level, you need a backpack. Herschel Supply Co.’s 26-liter Classic XL Backpack is a roomy and minimalist option that has one main compartment with a floating laptop sleeve, a front utility pocket, and a side water bottle pocket. It retails for $65 on Herschel’s website, but Amazon has it on sale for $29.98. That’s a savings of 54%, or just over $35.

For younger students, the slightly smaller Herschel Classic Backpack (no “XL”) was also on sale at Amazon at the time of writing.

More backpack deals

Amazon Basic Laptop Backpack — $26.11 $30.72 (save $4.61)

HP Campus XL Marble Stone Backpack — $29.99 $39.99 (save $10); buy one, get one free

Under Armor Hustle Sport Backpack — $33.75 $45 (save $11.25)

Adidas Excel 6 Backpack — $39.99 $60 (save $20.01)

Under Armor Hustle 6.0 Backpack — $22 $55 (save $33)

Herschel Supply Co. Classic Backpack — $46.20 $55 (save $8.80)

Lululemon Everywhere Backpack — $54 $78 (save $28)

Best dorm deal

Why we like it

If you’re headed off to college, your shopping cart is likely exploding with new bedding, towels, and more. But there’s one item we’re begging you not to skip: A mattress topper. Dorm room mattresses are essentially plastic bags full of stiff metal springs guaranteed to give you a terrible night’s sleep, but that’s nothing that several inches of memory foam can’t fix. Casper’s Comfy Mattress Topper is a favorite and is pricey at $219, however, during its summer sale it’s 20% off and down to $175.20. Those $43.80 are some sweet savings — letting you sleep even more peacefully.

More dorm deals

Levoit Core Mini-P Air Purifier — $44.99 $49.99 (save $5 with on-page coupon)

Linenspa 3-inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper — $51.17 $72.99 (save $21.82)

Keurig K-Mini — $59.99 $99.99 (save $40)

Keurig K-Express — $69.99 $89.99 (save $20)

Lucid 4-inch Bamboo Charcoal Memory Foam Mattress Topper — $82.65 $94.99 (save $12.34)

Black + Decker Digital Microwave Oven — $84.99 $99.99 (save $15)

Laura Ashley Twin Bedding + Towel Set — $99 $124.98 (save $25.98)

InterDesign Bathroom Storage Bundle — $99.99 $117.25 (save $17.26)

Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty — $155.98 $239.99 (save $84.01)

GreenPan Valencia Pro Cooking Set — $160.97 $299.96 (save $138.99)

Shark Matrix Robot Vacuum RV2300 — $199 $299.99 (save $100.99)

Best Apple deal

Why we like it

If you want to save on Apple products, our usual advice is to buy anywhere but the Apple store, as they rarely have sales. That is until back-to-school season rolls around. The Apple Education Store lets students and teachers save on Apple devices. Before September 30, with the purchase of a MacBook or iPad you’ll receive a gift card worth up to $150. Plus, when shopping in the Apple Education Store, you’ll benefit from education pricing that saves you an extra $100 on devices.

More Apple deals

Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) — $79.99 $129 (save $49.01)

Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) — $79.99 $129 (save $49.01)

Apple AirTag (four pack) — $72.99 $99 (save $26.01)

Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) — $139.99 $169 (save $29.01)

Apple iPad, 10.2-inch (A13 Bionic, WiFi, 64GB) — $229.99 $329.99 (save $100)

Apple AirPods Max — $449 $549 (save $100)

Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $799 $999 (save $200)

Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,299 $1,499 (save $200)

Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M3, 18GB RAM, 512GB SSD) —$1,699 $1,999 (save $300)

Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M3, 36GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $2,399 $2,899 (save $500)

 It’s time to head back to school but before doing so, you need to stock up on the essentials. Shop back-to-school deals at Amazon, Best Buy, and Apple. 

The Amazon Marketplace: Empowering Sellers and Shaping Consumer Behavior

The Amazon Marketplace has emerged as a powerful force in the global economy, redefining how businesses operate and how consumers shop. Since its launch in 2000, Amazon Marketplace has grown into one of the largest online marketplaces in the world, with millions of sellers and an even larger base of customers. This platform has not only democratized e-commerce, providing opportunities for businesses of all sizes, but it has also significantly influenced consumer behavior. This article explores how the Amazon Marketplace empowers sellers and shapes consumer behavior.

Empowering Sellers: Opportunities and Challenges

The Amazon Marketplace has opened up unprecedented opportunities for sellers, from individual entrepreneurs to large corporations. One of the most significant benefits for sellers is the access to Amazon’s vast customer base. With over 300 million active users globally, Amazon provides a ready-made audience for sellers, eliminating the need for extensive marketing efforts to drive traffic to their products.

Lower Barriers to Entry

One of the most profound ways Amazon empowers sellers is by lowering the barriers to entry into the e-commerce space. Traditionally, setting up an online store required significant investment in website development, payment processing systems, and logistics. Amazon Marketplace simplifies this process by providing a platform where sellers can list their products, handle transactions, and even manage shipping through Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service.

FBA, in particular, has been a game-changer for many small and medium-sized businesses. It allows sellers to store their products in Amazon’s warehouses, where Amazon takes care of packing, shipping, and even customer service. This service not only reduces the logistical burden on sellers but also ensures that their products are eligible for Amazon Prime, which can significantly boost sales.

Global Reach

The global reach of Amazon Marketplace is another significant advantage for sellers. With Amazon’s presence in numerous countries, sellers can tap into international markets with relative ease. Amazon’s Global Selling program enables sellers to list their products in multiple countries, allowing them to expand their customer base far beyond their home market. This global reach is particularly beneficial for small businesses that may not have the resources to enter international markets independently.

Data and Analytics

Amazon provides sellers with valuable data and analytics tools that can help them optimize their listings and marketing strategies. Through the Seller Central dashboard, sellers have access to detailed reports on sales, customer behavior, and advertising performance. This data-driven approach allows sellers to make informed decisions about pricing, inventory management, and advertising, ultimately leading to better business outcomes.

Challenges for Sellers

However, selling on Amazon is not without its challenges. The competition on the platform is fierce, with millions of sellers vying for the attention of customers. To stand out, sellers must invest in optimizing their product listings, managing reviews, and running targeted advertising campaigns. Additionally, Amazon’s fee structure, which includes referral fees, FBA fees, and other charges, can eat into sellers’ profit margins, especially for those selling low-margin products.

Moreover, Amazon’s control over the marketplace means that sellers are subject to its policies and regulations. This can be a double-edged sword; while Amazon’s strict guidelines help maintain a level of quality and trust on the platform, they can also be restrictive for sellers. Policy changes, such as adjustments to fee structures or new regulations regarding product listings, can have a significant impact on sellers’ businesses.

Shaping Consumer Behavior: Convenience and Choice

The Amazon Marketplace has not only empowered sellers but also transformed consumer behavior in profound ways. The platform has become synonymous with convenience, choice, and competitive pricing, which are key drivers of consumer decisions.

Convenience and Speed

One of the most significant impacts of Amazon on consumer behavior is the expectation of convenience and speed. Amazon’s streamlined shopping experience, coupled with services like Amazon Prime, has set a new standard for online shopping. Consumers now expect fast, often same-day, delivery, easy returns, and a seamless shopping experience across devices. This has raised the bar for other e-commerce platforms and even brick-and-mortar stores, which have had to adapt to meet these heightened expectations.

The convenience offered by Amazon extends beyond just delivery speed. Features like one-click purchasing, personalized recommendations, and a user-friendly mobile app have made shopping on Amazon almost effortless. This ease of use has contributed to the platform becoming the go-to destination for many consumers, particularly for everyday purchases.

Broad Product Selection

Amazon’s vast selection of products is another factor that has shaped consumer behavior. The marketplace offers a seemingly endless array of products across virtually every category, from electronics to groceries. This extensive selection is possible because of the millions of third-party sellers who list their products on the platform, alongside Amazon’s own offerings.

This breadth of choice has shifted consumer expectations, leading to a preference for platforms that offer a wide variety of options. Consumers are now less willing to visit multiple websites or stores to find what they need, preferring the convenience of one-stop shopping. This trend has also put pressure on traditional retailers to expand their product offerings and improve their online shopping experiences.

Price Sensitivity and Competitive Pricing

Amazon’s pricing strategies have also influenced consumer behavior, making customers more price-sensitive. The platform’s dynamic pricing model, where prices can change frequently based on factors like demand and competition, encourages consumers to compare prices and seek out the best deals. Additionally, features like Amazon’s price tracking tools and the ability to view historical prices have made consumers more aware of price fluctuations and more likely to wait for discounts before making a purchase.

This increased price sensitivity has impacted the broader retail landscape, forcing competitors to adopt more aggressive pricing strategies to stay competitive. It has also led to the rise of price comparison tools and apps, further empowering consumers to find the best deals.

The Role of Reviews and Ratings

Amazon’s review system is another key factor influencing consumer behavior. Customer reviews and ratings have become a critical component of the decision-making process for many shoppers. Positive reviews can significantly boost a product’s visibility and sales, while negative reviews can deter potential buyers. This has led to a culture where consumers rely heavily on the experiences of others to guide their purchasing decisions.

The importance of reviews has also created a new challenge for sellers, who must actively manage their reputation on the platform. This has given rise to practices like review solicitation and even, unfortunately, fake reviews. However, Amazon has taken steps to combat these practices, implementing stricter policies and algorithms to detect and remove fraudulent reviews.

Conclusion

The Amazon Marketplace has had a profound impact on both sellers and consumers, reshaping the e-commerce landscape in the process. By empowering sellers with access to a global customer base, powerful data tools, and logistical support, Amazon has lowered the barriers to entry for businesses of all sizes. At the same time, the platform has transformed consumer behavior, setting new standards for convenience, choice, and pricing.

As Amazon continues to evolve, its influence on the global economy and consumer culture will likely only grow. For sellers, the challenge will be to navigate the complexities of the platform and find ways to stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace. For consumers, the Amazon Marketplace will continue to be a driving force behind the expectations and behaviors that define the future of shopping.