Consumer watchdog urges schools to keep costs down for parents on  uniforms and devices

Requiring parents to purchase bespoke back-to-school items from exclusive suppliers can stifle competition and drive up the cost for parents, the CCPC said.

Uniforms should be as generic as possible to keep costs down for parents, schools have been told in new guidance recommending against branded uniforms, “bespoke” back-to-school items and exclusive suppliers.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has written to all schools about its concerns back-to-school arrangements could harm competition and increase costs for families.

The consumer watchdog is particularly concerned about the purchase of school uniforms and devices such as laptops or tablets, urging schools to review any current exclusive supplier arrangements.

“Back-to-school costs are a source of stress for many families and thus undoubtedly one of the many issues of concern to boards of management and schools across the country,” the CCPC letter said.

“Unfortunately, decisions made by schools regarding uniforms and devices can sometimes limit the ability of families to shop around and so increase costs for families."

Requiring parents to purchase bespoke back-to-school items from exclusive suppliers can stifle competition and drive up the cost for parents, it added.

The CCPC has received multiple complaints from families who feel they have no choice but to pay above the odds for substandard uniform items.

Allowing parents and guardians to shop around for generic school uniforms encourages businesses to compete on price, quality and service, and “will ultimately deliver better value for families”, it added.

Many exclusive supplier arrangements that schools currently have in place for uniforms “are simply the result of long-standing practice”, the letter said.

“We urge schools to review these arrangements and ensure that preferred suppliers are appointed on the basis of a competitive process.”

While there are practical considerations when it comes to purchasing mobile devices like a tablet or laptop, some parents have raised concerns after paying higher prices with required suppliers.

Parents have also expressed concerns about being forced to buy non-essential products such as a protective case or device insurance as part of a bundle when they buy a device, it added.

“It is important that when schools appoint an exclusive supplier for devices, this is underpinned by a competitive process," the CCPC said.

“We recommend that schools communicate to parents the steps they have taken to ensure value for money in any exclusive arrangements.”

Back-to-school can be an expensive and stressful time for families, said Úna Butler of the CCPC. 

"By promoting competition among suppliers, schools can help to reduce costs and deliver good value."

By having branded uniforms and exclusive suppliers, schools can unwittingly suppress competition between businesses and drive up prices.

The CCPC recommends schools appoint multiple suppliers and avoid exclusive suppliers.

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"Where a specific supplier needs to be appointed, schools should regularly review their arrangements to ensure that the supplier is offering the best mix of quality, price, and service to parents and guardians.”