Shopping on Amazon has become an everyday habit for many of us. While it offers convenience, vast selection, and often unbeatable prices, it can also be easy to overspend or waste time looking for the best deals. Over the years, I’ve found several ways to navigate Amazon more effectively, saving both time and money. Whether you’re a seasoned shopper or just starting, these tips can help you maximize the value of your purchases. In this article, I’ll share 20 practical tips that I personally use and have found valuable.
Table of Contents
1. Take Advantage of Amazon Prime Trials
One of the first things I did when I started shopping on Amazon was signing up for an Amazon Prime trial. Amazon Prime offers a 30-day free trial, which grants you access to free shipping, exclusive deals, and more. You can make the most out of this by signing up for the free trial before a big purchase, especially around holidays or big sales events. If you don’t need the subscription afterward, simply cancel before the trial ends.
For example, if you’re about to buy multiple items, you can calculate whether the free two-day shipping will save you money compared to paying for shipping.
2. Use Amazon Coupons
Many products on Amazon offer digital coupons that you can clip on the product page before purchasing. I often check the coupon section to ensure I’m not missing out on discounts. These can add up, especially on essentials that you buy frequently. You can easily find coupons on the product listing page, and they apply automatically when you checkout.
Let’s say I’m buying a pack of kitchen sponges that costs $10. If there’s a $2 coupon, the effective price I pay is only $8, which is a 20% savings. Over time, this can lead to significant savings.
3. Try Amazon Warehouse Deals
Amazon Warehouse offers discounted prices on used or returned items that are in good condition. I’ve bought a few items from this section, ranging from electronics to home goods, and have saved quite a bit. The key is checking the product description for any details about wear or damage before purchasing.
If I’m looking for a new tablet that costs $200, I’ll check if there’s a used one available for $150 in Amazon Warehouse. The savings might be substantial for products that don’t need to be brand-new.
4. Set Price Alerts with CamelCamelCamel
CamelCamelCamel is a website that tracks Amazon prices and alerts you when prices drop. I use this tool regularly to ensure that I’m not paying more than necessary. By setting a price alert, I’m notified when an item I’m interested in drops below a certain threshold.
For example, if I’ve been eyeing a $50 blender, I can set an alert for when the price goes below $40. This helps me make purchases only when the price is right, without constantly checking the listing.
5. Sign Up for Amazon’s Subscribe & Save
I’ve found that Amazon’s Subscribe & Save feature is a great way to save both time and money on household staples. By subscribing to items I need regularly, I can save up to 15% off the regular price, plus get free shipping. For items I use frequently—like toilet paper, detergent, or vitamins—this is a game changer.
For example, if I buy a pack of paper towels for $25 regularly, I can subscribe and save 15%. That reduces the price to $21.25 per order. Plus, the convenience of having them delivered automatically saves me a trip to the store.
6. Use the Amazon Alexa App for Deals
I recently started using Amazon’s Alexa app to check for daily deals. Alexa often shares information about discounts on items across different categories. By just asking, “Alexa, what are today’s Amazon deals?” I can instantly find time-sensitive offers.
If I’m in the market for a new kitchen appliance, I can check Alexa’s daily deal recommendations, and I might discover a 30% discount I wouldn’t have otherwise noticed.
7. Track Lightning Deals
I’ve made some of my best purchases through Amazon’s Lightning Deals. These are time-limited discounts on products that only last a few hours or until stock runs out. I typically browse the Lightning Deals section daily to catch a great deal before it expires.
For instance, if I’m eyeing a $100 smartwatch, and it’s available in a Lightning Deal for $80, I can snag it in minutes—saving me 20%—all because I keep an eye on these short-term offers.
8. Check for Amazon Credit Card Rewards
If you shop frequently on Amazon, getting an Amazon credit card might be worth considering. The Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card gives you cashback on Amazon purchases and elsewhere. I use this card to accumulate rewards that I can later redeem for Amazon gift cards or discounts on future purchases.
For example, if I spend $500 in a month on Amazon, I can earn $25 back (5% cashback for Prime members). It’s a simple way to save on future shopping without any extra effort.
9. Compare Prices on Amazon vs. Other Retailers
It’s easy to assume that Amazon has the lowest prices, but I’ve found it beneficial to double-check prices at other online retailers. I use websites like Google Shopping or PriceGrabber to ensure that I’m getting the best price. While Amazon often offers competitive pricing, some deals from other stores might offer additional discounts or benefits.
For example, if I see a laptop listed for $800 on Amazon but $780 on Best Buy, it might be worth ordering from Best Buy, especially if they offer additional perks like free returns or in-store pickup.
10. Look for Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday Deals
Amazon’s Prime Day and Black Friday sales are excellent opportunities to save big on various products. In my experience, Amazon discounts thousands of items during these events. To make sure I’m getting the best deal, I prepare in advance by adding items to my wishlist and checking for price drops.
If I’m planning to buy a new television, I’ll add it to my Amazon wishlist and wait for Prime Day. Many TVs can see discounts of up to 30-40% during these events, which can be a huge saving.
11. Set Up a Wishlist
I use Amazon’s Wishlist feature to organize potential purchases. By adding items to my wishlist, I can track their prices over time and check if any of them go on sale. It’s easier to compare prices of items that I’m not in a rush to buy. Plus, Amazon often sends notifications when there are discounts on wishlist items.
For example, I’ve noticed that certain tech gadgets often see price drops. By having them on my wishlist, I can jump on discounts quickly.
12. Use Amazon’s Price Comparison Tool
When I’m shopping for a product, I often use Amazon’s price comparison tool, which compares the price of an item across different sellers. This helps me identify the best deal—whether it’s a third-party seller or directly from Amazon itself. Some sellers offer significant savings on the same item.
For instance, if I want a specific book, I can check if it’s cheaper from an independent seller on Amazon compared to the regular Amazon listing.
13. Avoid Impulse Purchases with the Shopping Cart Method
Instead of making impulse purchases, I’ve learned to use Amazon’s shopping cart method. Whenever I find something I think I want, I add it to my cart but don’t check out immediately. I wait a day or two to see if I still feel the need to buy it. If I don’t, I remove it from my cart. This simple trick helps me avoid unnecessary purchases.
For example, I once considered buying a fancy kitchen gadget that I didn’t need. By waiting, I realized it wasn’t essential, and I saved $50.
14. Opt for Amazon Digital Subscriptions
For regular services like Audible or Kindle Unlimited, I’ve found digital subscriptions through Amazon to be a good deal. They’re often cheaper than physical memberships or subscriptions. Plus, they usually come with a free trial period, allowing me to test the service before committing.
For example, Kindle Unlimited offers a 30-day free trial. If I use it to read five books that I would have purchased separately, I might save $50.
15. Use Amazon’s “Day of Deals” for Last-Minute Shopping
If I’m shopping for something last-minute, I check Amazon’s “Day of Deals.” These limited-time offers often feature a variety of products at deeply discounted prices. The key is acting fast, as these deals disappear quickly.
If I’m planning to buy a set of cookware, and there’s a “Day of Deals” offering 40% off, I can take advantage of the timing and save a lot of money.
16. Leverage Amazon Business Pricing
If I own a small business, I’ve found that signing up for Amazon Business gives me access to wholesale pricing on bulk purchases. You can also get tax-exempt pricing on certain items, which can save me even more. This is a particularly useful strategy for buying office supplies, electronics, and other frequently used items.
For example, by buying printer ink in bulk, I might get a 10% discount, which adds up over the course of a year.
17. Take Advantage of Free Returns
Amazon’s free return policy on many items has saved me time and money. If I’m uncertain about a product, I can order it and return it if it doesn’t meet my expectations. I always double-check the return policy before ordering, as not all items are eligible for free returns.
For instance, I ordered a pair of shoes that didn’t fit properly, and I was able to return them hassle-free, ensuring I didn’t lose any money on a poor purchase.
18. Check for Price History Using Price Trackers
I use price trackers like Keepa to view the price history of products. This allows me to see if a product is at its usual price or if it’s been recently discounted. It’s especially useful for products I plan to buy over time, such as tech gadgets or furniture.
For example, if I’m looking at a smart speaker that has been $50 for the past few months, but I see it’s typically $70, I know the current price is a deal.
19. Read Reviews Before You Buy
I never underestimate the power of reading reviews. I often sort through customer reviews to make sure the product is worth its price. The honest feedback helps me avoid costly mistakes, especially on items that are a bit more expensive.
For instance, I bought a high-end blender after reading hundreds of reviews. The consensus was that it was a great investment, and I saved myself time by avoiding a cheaper model that wouldn’t have performed well.
20. Use Amazon’s “Subscribe Now” Option to Lock in Low Prices
Amazon often offers discounts if you commit to buying a product repeatedly through the Subscribe & Save option. Sometimes, even if I don’t need the item immediately, I subscribe for the lowest possible price.
For instance, if an item costs $10 and the subscribe price is $9, I might lock it in for a future delivery, saving a dollar on every order.
By using these 20 tips, I’ve found that I can save both time and money on Amazon without sacrificing quality or convenience.