Based on the prices they quoted, it's cheaper than what I bought at the various stores last year.

I agree with everyone else on this thread. I did it for convenience the last two years. I found out if I don't time it exactly right, my trip to Target for school supplies will leave me missing a few items. Ordering the kit means I don't have to make sure I shop early enough or go to multiple stores.
Our school has the kit mailed directly to the house, not the school. No issues for us.

We use a different service, but exactly the same premise, at our elementary school in MD. We (the PTA) don't run it as a big fundraiser, so we don't mark up the prices too much, but it is very convenient for parents who don't want to shop for the supplies. Having multiple kids I can tell you it is a bit more, but then it's done and we don't have to go to multiple places to get the supplies - and you get exactly what you need and not more or less.

Our school used it last year. I take advantage of the convenience because I have four kids ages 7 and under, and I just can't take everyone out and comparison shop and stay sane!!! I have friends who have compared the prices to other places, and I think they say it is cheaper to buy your own supplies, but not significantly cheaper.

Also, if I recall correctly from last year you can click to buy your box/kit then delete supplies you may already have on hand. I may be doing that this year because my son came home with three unopened packs of index cards. If they are on his list again, I will remove them from this year's purchase.

our school is using it for the first time this year. It does give a kickback to the school. I was told you don't have to buy everything on the list there if you don't want. But it should make tracking down the specified "yellow pocket folder without grommets a bit easier."

It is not cheaper. But it definitely saves time than tracking down the two dozen items they all seem to want. It is very easy and smooth. Once you paid, you don't have to worry a thing.

We found it cheaper to get our supplies from amazon & staples. Many used the Schooltoolbox site, which was very convenient and gave a contribution to the PTA (I think 10% of proceeds).

Our DCPS elementary school is promoting this school tool box site where we can order all the supplies for next year and they will be sent to the school directly.

Has anyone used this before and did it turn out to actually be cheaper than buying the stuff directly? And did the school get it to your kid? (I worry that's where it will all fail...)

https://www.schooltoolbox.com