Concern over school expenses drives the purchase of second-hand products.

Concerns about the expenses associated with returning to school have become a constant issue for Spanish families. A recent study conducted by Milanuncios in collaboration with Appnio reveals that an overwhelming 90% of households are anxious about the costs involved in the 'back to school' season. This anxiety translates into a significant change in the way school supplies are purchased, driving an increase in demand for second-hand products and a shift in purchasing priorities. The report indicates that 44% of respondents anticipate an increase in their expenses, with 49% attributing this to the need to acquire more materials. The study details that 26% of families estimate they will spend between 100 and 200 euros, while 22% expect to spend between 200 and 300 euros. This figure aligns with the trend of recent years, where expenses for the new school year continue to rise, directly affecting family economies. Among the most requested products during this period are stationery, which will reach 80% of households, followed by books, which will be purchased by 78%, and backpacks, which 57% of families plan to buy. However, the fear of excessive spending has led many families to consider more economical alternatives, such as purchasing second-hand items. In fact, 55% of respondents view this option as an effective way to cut costs. The reuse of school materials has taken on a new meaning this year. The study indicates that 67% of participants have already resorted to buying second-hand products on previous occasions, and 47% of them estimate saving between 100 and 199 euros by opting for this alternative. Sustainability also plays an important role, with 34% of respondents motivated by the desire to give a second life to products that can still be useful. The market for textbooks has seen a notable increase in demand. According to data from Milanuncios, advertisements related to textbooks rose by 29% in July, while searches for these materials surged by 118%. The average price stands at 27 euros, representing a 7% reduction compared to the previous year, which seems to offer some relief to families in this regard. Searches for high school study books have increased by 177%, while the demand for math books has grown an astonishing 458%. This phenomenon has been particularly observed in regions like the Canary Islands, where interest in textbooks has risen by 393%, reflecting a significant change in family purchasing behavior. When it comes to choosing school products, Spaniards fundamentally value quality and price. 81% consider quality to be the most important aspect, followed by 58% who prioritize discounts and 51% who seek the most economical product. Additionally, more than half of the respondents take their children's preferences into account when making purchases, reflecting a shift in family dynamics regarding education and school supplies. The digital channel remains the preferred method for acquiring school products, with 61% of families opting for the internet for their purchases. Although this figure has experienced a slight decrease compared to the previous year, it remains significant and reflects the trend of recent seasons. The use of mobile devices for these purchases also continues to be predominant, with 67% of families choosing this method over others. Finally, the desire to save is palpable among most families. It is estimated that 43% of households begin acquiring materials during the summer, taking advantage of promotions, while 30% wait for sales to make their purchases. This planned approach not only helps distribute expenses but also allows families to better adapt to the current economic reality. In conclusion, this year's 'back to school' season presents a true challenge for many families in Spain. The combination of rising prices and the need to be more conscious of spending has led to a change in shopping habits, highlighting the importance of reuse and the use of digital platforms in this process. As classrooms prepare to welcome students, families are seeking the best strategies to face this significant expense, prioritizing economy and sustainability in their purchasing decisions.