How To Save Money With Amazon

Amazon offers many ways to save money, from using specific features to taking advantage of deals and rewards. Here are several effective strategies to help you save on Amazon:

1. Sign Up for Amazon Prime (If You Use It Frequently)

  • Free Shipping: Prime members get free two-day, same-day, or one-day shipping on millions of items. If you shop often, this can save you money on shipping fees.
  • Amazon Prime Day Deals: Prime members gain access to exclusive discounts during Amazon Prime Day, typically held once a year. Many of these deals can save you significantly on big-ticket items.
  • Prime Video & Other Benefits: In addition to shipping, you get access to Prime Video, Prime Reading, and exclusive deals on Whole Foods, music streaming, and more. If you use these services, it adds value to the membership.

2. Use Subscribe & Save

  • Automatic Discounts: Amazon’s Subscribe & Save feature lets you set up automatic recurring deliveries for certain items (such as household goods, baby products, or pet supplies). You can save up to 15% when you subscribe to five or more items per month.
  • Stack with Coupons: Sometimes Amazon allows you to apply additional coupons or discounts to Subscribe & Save items, which can maximize your savings.

3. Look for Coupons

  • Amazon Coupons Page: Amazon has a dedicated Coupons section where you can “clip” coupons for discounts on items ranging from groceries to electronics. Check this page regularly for updated savings opportunities.
  • Stack Coupons: Some coupons can be stacked with existing discounts or Subscribe & Save, helping you save even more.

4. Track Prices and Use Price Comparison Tools

  • CamelCamelCamel: This third-party site tracks the price history of products on Amazon. Use it to check whether the current price is the lowest it’s been or if you should wait for a sale.
  • Honey or Rakuten: These browser extensions automatically track price changes and alert you to any available coupons or cashback offers. Honey also tracks price drops and alerts you when it finds a better deal.
  • Amazon Assistant: Install Amazon’s own browser extension to track prices and get notified of deals or price changes.

5. Take Advantage of Lightning Deals and Daily Deals

  • Lightning Deals: Amazon offers limited-time deals on various items each day. These can sell out quickly, so it’s important to check the Lightning Deals section frequently, especially during sales events like Prime Day.
  • Today’s Deals Section: Amazon has a “Today’s Deals” section that includes Lightning Deals, Deal of the Day, and more. Bookmark this page to catch discounts on everything from tech gadgets to household goods.
  • Watch Upcoming Deals: You can “watch” deals that are scheduled to start soon. This way, you’re ready to grab a deal before it sells out.

6. Use Amazon Warehouse or Outlet

  • Amazon Warehouse: Shop for open-box and pre-owned items at Amazon Warehouse for discounted prices on products that have been returned or have damaged packaging. The items are typically in excellent condition but sold at a lower price.
  • Amazon Outlet: The Amazon Outlet offers overstock and clearance items at heavily discounted prices. Check here for big savings on overstocked items.

7. Sign Up for Amazon Family

  • Discounts on Baby Products: If you have a child, sign up for Amazon Family (part of Prime) for 20% off diaper subscriptions and exclusive family-related coupons.

8. Trade-In Program

  • Trade-In Old Devices: Amazon offers a Trade-In Program where you can trade in old electronics, like phones, tablets, and smart home devices, for Amazon gift cards or discounts toward new purchases. You can use these gift cards to reduce the cost of future purchases.

9. Amazon Rewards Credit Card

  • Earn Cashback: Amazon offers the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card for Prime members. You earn 5% cashback on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, 2% on restaurants and gas stations, and 1% everywhere else. Cashback is redeemable as a credit on your Amazon account.
  • Amazon Store Card: For non-Prime members, the Amazon Store Card offers 5% cashback on Amazon purchases when signed up for Prime.
  • Promotional Financing: Both cards may also offer promotional financing on certain purchases, which can help you spread out payments on large items.

10. Use Gift Card Deals

  • Buy Discounted Gift Cards: Some third-party sites like Raise or CardCash sell discounted Amazon gift cards, which you can use to shop on Amazon at a lower price.
  • Amazon Promotions: Occasionally, Amazon runs gift card promotions, where you can earn bonuses for purchasing a certain amount in gift cards (e.g., “Buy a $50 gift card and get a $10 bonus”).

11. Wait for Major Sales Events

  • Prime Day: Amazon’s annual Prime Day is a great time to find deep discounts on a wide range of products. If you’re a Prime member, it’s a good idea to hold off on big purchases until this event.
  • Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Amazon also participates in Black Friday and Cyber Monday with extensive sales, offering discounts on popular products.
  • Holiday Season Sales: Many holiday sales (like the “12 Days of Deals” leading up to Christmas) feature discounted items across categories.

12. Use No-Rush Shipping for Credits

  • No-Rush Shipping: If you don’t need an item quickly, select the “No-Rush Shipping” option at checkout. You can earn digital rewards (such as discounts on future purchases, Prime Pantry, or Amazon Music) for choosing slower shipping.

13. Shop Through Amazon Smile

  • Donate Without Extra Cost: AmazonSmile allows you to shop the same products at the same prices as regular Amazon, but a percentage of the purchase price is donated to a charity of your choice. While it doesn’t save you money directly, it gives you a way to give back without additional cost.

14. Use Amazon Pantry or Amazon Fresh

  • Bulk Groceries: Amazon Pantry allows you to buy groceries and household essentials in bulk, often at lower prices than regular retail stores.
  • Amazon Fresh: If you live in an area where Amazon Fresh is available, you can order groceries online and take advantage of deals, especially if you’re an Amazon Prime member.

15. Set Up Alerts for Price Drops

  • Watchlists and Price Alerts: Use the “Watch this item” feature or a price-tracking tool to get notifications when the price of an item drops. Apps like Honey and CamelCamelCamel help track price fluctuations on your behalf.

By using these strategies, you can save a lot of money on Amazon, whether you shop frequently or occasionally for household goods, groceries, or big-ticket items.

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