Image by Flickr user ladybugbkt

Update August 6: The madness started at midnight, now go on out and track down a bargain.

Also, NBC News 2 has added a nice video introduction to what's on sale and what isn't, if you're still hazy on that.

First reporting:

South Carolina's annual back-to-school tax free holiday starts this Friday at 12:01 a.m. and runs through Sunday, ending when the clock strikes midnight.

In addition to the waived 6 percent state sales tax, all of the local sales taxes in place throughout Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties will be suspended as well.

As a rule of thumb, if the item could in any way be conceived to be used by a student, it will qualify for the sales-tax break (computers, sheets, shoes, pens; but not cookware, jewelry, and greeting cards). 

According to a survey done by the National Retail Federation, the average family will spend some $606.40 -- and at a 6% tax that's some $36 in savings. 

The Post and Courier has a lengthy piece on the tax holiday, but you can find useful information about exactly what items qualify for the tax exemption and which do not.