Whether your kids are back in school or getting ready to go back, it’s up to you to make sure they’re supplied with everything from pencils and rulers to sweaters and shoes. While school shopping can be exciting, it’s important to have a game plan to help you save time and money.

First, check with your child’s school for a list of required supplies and/or apparel and sort through last year’s supplies and clothes to see what you can still use. Then, shop around to determine which retailers have what you’re looking for at the best prices. Your Better Business Bureau offers some additional tips to help you shop wisely:

Know store refund policies. Find out if retailers give refunds, issue store credits or consider all sales final and whether there are special policies for sale and clearance items.

Keep original packaging, including parts and price tags. Many retailers won’t accept returns on items such as electronics or similar products unless they’re intact and in their original packages. And, health regulations may prohibit returns of certain apparel.

Ask about restocking fees. Some merchants charge restocking fees — sometimes as high as 20 percent of the original cost — on returns of electronics products or large-ticket items.

Shop smart online. Find out physical locations and phone numbers of online merchants and determine if merchandise can be returned to local stores or must be shipped back. Be sure websites are secure before entering personal information, pay with a credit card so you can dispute charges, if necessary, and get shipment tracking numbers.

If you’re purchasing a computer for your child, determine his or her needs, what the computer will be used for and hardware/software requirements. Contact the school or university and find out what type of computers other students are using. Ask merchants about warranties and what you’ll have to do if the computer breaks down.

As always, check businesses and offers out with your BBB before signing anything, paying money upfront or providing personal or financial information. Visit www.bbb.org or call (937) 222-5825 or (800) 776-5301.

John North is president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau.