Have you ever been to a yard sale, or flea market? How are your negotiation skills? Are you willing to ask questions? Are you afraid to take risks? Why do I ask?
Well, because shopping curriculum fairs is very similar to going to a yard sale, flea market, or maybe even a huge outlet (depending on the size of the fair). When you go to these places, you may notice there are some people who will try to talk the dealer into coming down on their prices while others will pay whatever the dealer asks without any questions. Which kind of a person are you?
If you’re the kind of person who is willing to negotiate, and are always looking for a good deal, you should have no problem navigating the playing field to find what you are looking for. There are plenty of annual curriculum fairs held throughout South Carolina. SCHEA hosts a huge convention, usually in June, with more than a couple dozen vendors on hand.
You could easily spend up to $100.00 per subject, even higher depending on the quality of the resource you are looking for.
The cost of curriculum will depend on several factors such as shipping (some ship for free), taxes, size of the vendor, teacher guides (some are included for free), software vs. hardback or paperback copies, color ink (much more expensive than black ink), etc…
Additional services should be figured into your budget. For example, your student may attend classes at a private school, or some other special program. Distance education programs are popular. For example, Bob Jones University offers a HomeSat program where instruction is broadcast into your home over the television. Expense includes a satellite dish, cable hook up, and registration for each course, text books not included.
Used curriculum fairs are held in various locations each year. We will post these events from the Member Center. Support groups should be your best source for finding used curriculum sales in your area.
You can save some money by going to the library, or you can purchase the material you need already packaged up for you. It’s best to research your options, and make a simple chart to keep track of your research while shopping around and comparing prices.
Beware of “Bargain Deals”
Stay away from bargain deals offering several subjects in one book. This may seem like a bargain deal. However, side by side there is no comparison; they may leave out lots of important information.
