Amazon Prime Day is one of the most anticipated shopping events of the year, rivaling Black Friday and Cyber Monday in terms of deals and discounts. Whether you’re a seasoned shopper or a first-time Prime Day participant, there are strategies to maximize your savings. Here’s everything you need to know to score the best deals during Amazon Prime Day.
What is Amazon Prime Day?
Amazon Prime Day is an annual shopping event exclusively for Amazon Prime members. It features various deals across all categories, from electronics and home goods to fashion and groceries. Originally launched in 2015 to celebrate Amazon’s 20th anniversary, Prime Day has grown into a global event with thousands of deals and promotions.
When is Amazon Prime Day?
It varies from year to year, typically in July. Amazon Prime Day is scheduled for July 16-17, 2024 this year.
How to Prepare for Amazon Prime Day
1. Become an Amazon Prime Member
Prime Day deals are only available to Amazon Prime members. If you’re not a member, consider signing up for a free 30-day trial. This way, you can take advantage of Prime Day deals without committing to a full year’s membership upfront. Prime membership also offers other benefits, such as free shipping, Prime Video, Prime Music, and more.
2. Set a Budget
With so many deals available, it’s easy to get carried away. Setting a budget ahead of time can help you avoid overspending. Decide how much you’re willing to spend overall and on specific items.
3. Make a Wish List
Create a wish list of the items you’re hoping to buy. This helps you stay focused and avoid impulse purchases. You can also use the Amazon app to track prices and receive notifications if the items on your wish list go on sale.
4. Research and Compare Prices
Not all Prime Day deals are created equal. Research the regular prices of the items you’re interested in beforehand. This will help you determine if a Prime Day deal is truly a bargain.
Tips for Scoring the Best Deals
1. Shop Early and Often
Prime Day deals are often released in waves, with new deals appearing throughout the event. Some deals are time-limited or have limited stock, so it’s good to check back frequently to catch the latest offers.
2. Take Advantage of Lightning Deals
Lightning Deals are time-sensitive deals that offer significant discounts for a short period or until stock runs out. These deals can be highly competitive, so act quickly if you see something you want.
3. Use Alexa for Exclusive Deals
Amazon often offers exclusive deals to shoppers who use Alexa to place orders. If you have an Alexa-enabled device, ask, “Alexa, what are my Prime Day deals?” to access these exclusive discounts.
4. Look for Bundles and Coupons
Many Prime Day deals include bundles where you can get additional products at a discounted price. Also, watch for digital coupons you can clip to save even more on your purchases.
5. Take Advantage of Bank Savings
Midwest Bank is offering 5% cash back during Amazon Prime Days when you use your Midwest Bank debit card. Learn more about this special promotion.
Other Ways to Save
1. Trade-In Program
Amazon’s Trade-In Program allows you to exchange old electronics, books, and other items for Amazon gift cards. This can be a great way to offset the cost of new purchases during Prime Day.
2. Amazon Warehouse and Renewed Deals
Amazon Warehouse offers discounts on returned, refurbished, or slightly damaged items. Amazon Renewed provides deals on refurbished products that are certified to work and look like new. Both options can offer substantial savings.
3. Subscribe & Save
If you regularly purchase certain household items, consider using Amazon’s Subscribe & Save program. You can save up to 15% on repeat deliveries, and many Subscribe & Save items go on sale during Prime Day.
Post-Prime Day Tips
1. Check for Price Drops
Even after Prime Day, it’s worth monitoring the prices of your purchases. If you notice a significant price drop shortly after your purchase, you can contact Amazon customer service and request a price adjustment.
2. Review Your Purchases
Once Prime Day is over, review your purchases and ensure everything is as expected. If you have any issues, contact Amazon’s customer service for assistance.
3. Plan for Next Year
Take notes on what worked well and what didn’t. This can help you refine your strategy for future Prime Day events.
Amazon Prime Day is a fantastic opportunity to score some incredible deals, but it requires some preparation and strategy to maximize your savings. By becoming a Prime member, setting a budget, making a wish list, and using the tips outlined above, you’ll be well on your way to making the most of Prime Day. Happy shopping!