Survey: Most will cut back on back to school

If given the opportunity most shoppers would save - even back to school shoppers. That's the takeaway from new data out from Crucial.com which indicates more than half (57%) of back to school shoppers won't buy a new computer this year. The survey also indicates more than three-quarters are focused on saving money, even on school supplies.

by Kristina Knight

The Crucial.com Back to School Shopping Report finds:

• 82% of BtS shoppers are 'very concerned' with saving money
• 82% say they'll clip coupons to save
• 61% say they'll 'try to fix' slow/ailing computers this year rather than buy new
• 58% say computers should last 5 years

"The results of the survey delivered an underlying theme: most Americans seek to be as frugal as possible, but struggle to do so," said Ed Walker, Crucial E-Commerce Marketing Manager. "It's not surprising consumers are seeking to make computers and various mobile devices last as long as possible, given their expense. When back-to- school season arrives, it can make a lot of sense for families to extend the life and performance of their existing computers, rather than spend hundreds of dollars on new ones."

Meanwhile, a new report out from Dell and Harris Interactive indicates technology is playing a significant part in the communication of families. Their data shows smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices are helping parents and children stay connected. For example, their data indicates about half of parents (55%) say they 'talk to' their children less - but they are texting and emailing more. Other interesting findings include:

• More than three-quarters of parents and teens say it's easy to 'stay connected to family' because of tech devices
• 4 in 5 parents say they'll text with college-bound kids, 62% say they'll video chat
• 64% of parents and 75% of teens say they prefer 'one device to take them through daily life'

As for tech purchases more than half of college- bound students say they'll buy a laptop before leaving for school; about half say they have 'all the purchasing influence' for these buys.

Image via Shutterstock

Tags: back to school, back to school shopping, Crucial, Dell, ecommerce, Harris Poll