Typical Savings by Buying School Supplies in Bulk

We've been manufacturing BLU School Supplies brand school supplies and providing them in bulk for a few decades now.  Our partners enjoy significant savings in both money and time. 

Purchasing school supplies in bulk can lead to significant savings—often ranging from 20% to over 50% compared to buying the same items individually at retail prices. The exact savings depend on the type of items, quantity, and source of purchase (i.e. from a retailer vs direct from the manufacturer).

Typical Savings by Buying in Bulk

Item Retail Price Bulk Price (Per Unit) Savings %
Spiral Notebook CR 70ct $2.00 $1.09 each 40–55%
Box of 24 Premium Crayons $2.00 $.84 each 50%
Glue Stick $0.75 $.38 each 40–60%
#2 Pencil (12pk) $3.00 $.84 each 60–80%
Ruler $1.25 $.23 each 40–60%
49-Item PreK-Kindergarten Supply Kit (Pre-assembled) $50–$75 retail value $10.95 each 50–65%

Why Bulk is Cheaper:

  • Economies of scale: Suppliers can offer lower prices when items are ordered in large quantities.

  • Less packaging & handling: Bulk orders are packed more efficiently.

  • Direct from manufacturer: Schools and nonprofits often buy directly from suppliers, skipping retail markups.

Real-World Example:

Let’s say a 62-item deluxe 1st-5th grade school supply kit costs $14.50 in bulk. If purchased individually at retail, the same items might total $25–$40. Multiply that across 500 students, and the organization could save $5,250–$12,750.

Bonus: Time & Effort Savings

In addition to money, buying in bulk also saves:

  • Time (fewer shopping trips)

  • Effort (less individual packaging)

  • Shipping costs (larger shipments are more cost-efficient per unit)

    • Extra Bonus: At Blu School Supplies, all our school supply kits and backpacks ship for free to the lower 48 United States! 
BulkSavings