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Ashley Hayes ReportingKids have returned to school and already most of them are anxiously awaiting their first day off on Monday, Labor Day.
This year a few Utah schools started off the first day a little differently. Instead of students bringing their own supplies, many grade schooler' had them already there and waiting. That's because a Utah company is taking the shopping out of back to school.
Red Apple School Supply is a young company whose concept of bringing school supplies directly to the classroom is catching on.
As students gear up for algebra and trig classes, parents at Rowland-Hall St. Marks school have found a solution to their own practical problem. They've discovered a way to buy back to school supplies without spending a lot of money or ever stepping foot in a store.
Jeff Haines, Red Apple School Supply: "It's better than one stop shopping. It's really no stop shopping. It's from the comfort of their own homes. Sign a form, fill out a check, and they're done with school supply shopping."
Red Apple School Supply is a Utah company. Through a PTA or parent organization, the business provides students with school supplies specific to their teachers' lists.
Ordered through the school, it's tax free.
They take the orders in the spring and the personalized boxes are waiting for the kids on the first day of school. Parents say it eliminates the confusion of trying to read teachers' minds.
Karen Miller, Mother of Two Middle School Students: "Sometimes they put things on there you're not quite sure what they mean. Did they mean fine point Sharpie, or extra fine point? Exactly what do they mean by that?"
Julie Shipman, Mother of Three: "At eight o'clock last night I ran to Office Max, spent a good hour at least trying to figure out everything on the list, and it was really crowded."
Parents say the service saves them time from driving store to store, looking for different supplies. But there's also an advantage for the schools that participate.
With a prepaid order the school receives a credit percentage for bulk supplies. Some schools take it a step further by using the service as a fundraiser and increase the price parents pay for the boxes.
Haines: "Equivalent to the prices at an office superstore."
The calculators and pencils at Rowland are boxed, lined up and waiting for use. Now if only there was a quicker way to solve those equations.
Red Apple sells boxes to schools throughout the country. The concept is catching on and other school supply companies are beginning to offer similar products.
