If you’re like me, you probably find yourself browsing Amazon more than you should. Whether it’s for essentials, gifts, or something you didn’t even know you needed, Amazon makes it easy to spend money. But over time, I’ve learned a few tricks that help me save a lot without sacrificing quality. Today, I’ll walk you through three simple hacks I use to stretch my budget on Amazon. These tips are straightforward, easy to implement, and can really make a difference in your shopping experience.
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1. Leverage Amazon’s Price Tracking Tools
One of the biggest mistakes I used to make was rushing to buy something as soon as I saw it on Amazon. But I’ve since realized that patience can really pay off. Prices on Amazon fluctuate frequently, and just because a product is at a certain price today doesn’t mean it will stay that way tomorrow. To make sure I’m getting the best deal, I use price tracking tools.
A. Use CamelCamelCamel
CamelCamelCamel is a fantastic free tool that tracks the price history of any product on Amazon. It shows you how the price has changed over time and alerts you when prices drop. If you’ve ever wondered whether that gadget or book is worth buying now or if it’s better to wait, CamelCamelCamel can give you that insight. It even provides a price drop alert, so you don’t have to keep checking the item every day.
Let me give you an example. I was looking at a set of wireless headphones priced at $120. I checked CamelCamelCamel and found that the price had been as low as $90 just a few weeks earlier. The tool alerted me when the price dropped back down to $90, and I snatched them up without hesitation.
B. Use Keepa for More Insights
Keepa is another excellent price tracking tool. It offers similar features to CamelCamelCamel but with even more robust data. With Keepa, you can track prices on Amazon across multiple regions and set custom alerts based on your budget. Keepa also provides a browser extension, so you can view price history directly on the Amazon page without opening a separate tab.
Here’s how I use Keepa: when I’m unsure about purchasing an item, I simply check the price history on Keepa. If I see that the price has been fluctuating a lot, I hold off. But if the price is consistently low or has been at its lowest recently, I go ahead and buy.
2. Subscribe to Amazon Prime (But Use It Wisely)
I’ll be the first to admit that when I first joined Amazon Prime, I didn’t fully understand all the benefits. Yes, free shipping was great, but there are so many additional ways to save money with Prime that I almost missed out on. Now, I make sure to use my subscription wisely.
A. Take Advantage of Prime Day and Lightning Deals
Prime Day is Amazon’s biggest annual sale, exclusive to Prime members. What I’ve found is that the discounts can be massive if you know what to expect. For example, last year, I bought a smart home device that usually costs $80 for just $40 during Prime Day. However, you need to plan in advance. I make a list of the items I want and check their price on CamelCamelCamel and Keepa to make sure I’m really getting a good deal.
Another great way to save money with Prime is by taking advantage of Lightning Deals. These limited-time promotions often offer huge discounts, but they sell out quickly. I’ve learned to set up alerts for specific products I’m interested in and jump on them when they go live.
B. Use Amazon Family
One lesser-known feature of Amazon Prime is Amazon Family, which provides exclusive discounts on baby-related products. But even if you don’t have kids, this feature can be useful. I’ve used it to get discounts on items like household goods, diapers (for friends and family), and baby books. These discounts are often 20% or more, which adds up over time.
C. Prime Early Access
With Prime, I also get early access to deals before non-members. If I know that a specific product is going on sale in a few days, I check out the deals early and pick up items that I’ve had my eye on. It’s one of those hidden perks that really make the membership feel worth it, especially if you’re buying products in bulk or items that are popular and tend to sell out fast.
3. Make Use of Amazon Warehouse and Renewed Products
It wasn’t until a few years ago that I stumbled upon Amazon Warehouse, a section of the website that offers deep discounts on used or open-box items. These are products that have been returned, refurbished, or simply opened but never used. The great thing is that Amazon still backs these items with its return policy, so I feel secure knowing that I can return anything if there’s an issue.
A. Shop Amazon Warehouse Deals
I often buy electronics and home goods from Amazon Warehouse because the savings are significant. For instance, I once purchased a refurbished laptop that looked brand new for 30% less than the regular price. It’s crucial to check the condition of the item before purchasing, but the savings are often worth it.
Here’s an example of the kind of savings I’ve seen:
- Brand-new phone: $699
- Amazon Warehouse deal on the same phone (open-box, like new): $489
That’s a savings of over $200! When you’re looking for big-ticket items, Amazon Warehouse can help you save a lot.
B. Explore Amazon Renewed
If you’re willing to buy certified refurbished items, Amazon Renewed is another excellent option. Products like smartphones, laptops, and even kitchen appliances are often available at a fraction of the cost of new models. For example, I bought a refurbished tablet from Amazon Renewed for $250. A new version of the same tablet was priced at $400. The tablet arrived looking and functioning as though it were brand new.
These items undergo rigorous testing and certification by Amazon’s partners, so the quality is generally high. It’s a great way to save if you’re open to gently used or refurbished products.
Final Thoughts
After experimenting with these three hacks, I can confidently say that they’ve helped me save a significant amount on Amazon. Whether you’re a frequent shopper or just someone looking to make your dollars go further, these strategies work. By leveraging price tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel and Keepa, taking full advantage of Amazon Prime, and exploring options like Amazon Warehouse and Renewed products, I’ve been able to make smarter, more informed purchases that save me money in the long run.
The key to shopping on Amazon isn’t rushing into purchases or relying on impulse buys. Instead, take your time, compare prices, use tracking tools, and don’t be afraid to buy refurbished or returned items when the condition and price are right. With these hacks, you’ll be able to enjoy the convenience of Amazon without overspending.