15 Amazon Shopping Tricks That Will Save You Money Every Time
Score major savings and deals beyond Prime Day with these lesser known Amazon shopping tips.
You already know about all the secret perks that come with a Prime membership: free two-day shipping, exclusive discounts, free video streaming, and more. (Side note: Non-members can score these perks by signing up for a free 30-day trial.) Beyond these, there are some lesser-known Amazon shopping tips that can help you save more money—even beyond the retailer’s annual Prime Day shopping event.
Discover where to find coupons and extra discounts hiding on the site, how to trade in your items for Amazon gift cards, and more insider shopping secrets that will save you a ton off every purchase. Read this before you click “add to cart” and you’ll be in on every Amazon shopping trick out there.
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1 Always Start Your Shopping on Amazon’s Daily Deal Page.
No matter what you’re shopping for—electronics and Amazon devices, kitchen gadgets and furniture, beauty products and even groceries—you can score daily savings on everything by browsing Amazon’s “Today’s Deals” page (also known as its “Goldbox”), which is updated daily and hourly. Shop by category or deal type (coupons, sales, Deal of the Day, or Lightning Deals), or browse the featured deals; you’ll find impressive savings across every department. And since the page is updated around the clock, it’s the best place to start your shopping to ensure you’re getting the best price and not missing some of the biggest sales.
2 Score Savings Through Amazon’s Outlet Stores.
While the retailer’s massive beauty department is already packed with great deals, you can save even more by shopping its Beauty Outlet Store, which features markdowns on popular brands like Dove, Burt’s Bees, Covergirl, Bare Minerals, L’Oreal Paris, Olay, Revlon, and more. The same goes for its dozens of other outlet stores covering everything from shoes and clothing to home and electronics. Just think of it as a trip to your local outlet mall—without the long lines and overpacked stores.
3 Get Healthcare Products Through Amazon’s FSA and HSA Store.
Stock up on skincare staples through Amazon’s FSA and HSA store. You can use your card to buy top-rated facial sunscreens from brands like SuperGoop! and La Roche-Posay as well as anti-aging eye creams, shea butter lip balms, and more. Be sure to put your funds to use before they expire and browse the entire FSA and HSA store on Amazon, which also includes baby must-haves, cold and allergy treatments, and oral care.
4 You Can Also Trade in Unwanted Items for Cash.
Amazon accepts a long list of electronics (tablets, phones, cameras, video games, and more), as well as books and textbooks in exchange for a gift card. Items must be in acceptable condition and shipping is included.
5 You Can Score a Great Deal on Open-Box Products.
Like floor models in a traditional store, Amazon Warehouse offers TVs and other electronics, as well as home goods that have been opened, damaged, used, or refurbished, at deep discounts. Items are listed by quality (very good, acceptable, or like new) and are backed by Amazon’s return policy to ensure buyers know what they’re getting.
6 They Price Match TVs.
Within 30 days of purchasing a television, the retailer will match a lower price advertised on Amazon or at another qualifying retailer. The refund, which takes any differences in shipping or promotions into account, will be given in the form of an Amazon.com gift card.
7 Students Can Save in Other Ways, Too.
As a student, you’re eligible for a six-month free trial of Amazon Prime, and yes, it does include two-day free shipping. Once the six months are up, you can get Prime for $59 (50 percent off the standard membership price) for up to four years. Students are also eligible for exclusive deals and discounts.
8 You Can Set Up (and Save on) Recurring Deliveries.
Save up to 15 percent by “subscribing” to thousands of items—toilet paper, coffee pods, laundry detergent, and more. Simply select the quantity, the delivery frequency, and start date.
9 You Can Share Your Prime Benefits.
Two adults living in the same household (that includes roommates!) can share select prime benefits, like free shipping, free video streaming, photo storage, early access to sales, and more. Simply add an adult in Amazon Household.
10 Shopping for Gifts Is Easier.
In addition to baby and wedding registries, Amazon also provides gift suggestions by recipient (adults, kids, toddlers, and babies) and then narrows it down even further by offering filters (anytime gifts, beauty, pretend play, books, and more). Users can also create searchable wish lists.
11 Readers Have an Entire Library at Their Fingertips.
For $10 per month, Kindle users (device or app) can choose from more than one million books and thousands of audiobooks. Bonus: The first month is free. Don’t want the monthly subscription? Each day, Kindle Daily Deals offers a number of new books at discounted prices.
12 You Can Shop With Points.
Have a credit card that accumulates rewards points? You can use those points to pay for goods on Amazon. Simply use that card and indicate how many points you want to apply towards your purchase during checkout.
13 You Can Rent Textbooks.
Save up to 80 percent on study materials when you borrow instead of buy. All textbooks arrive in acceptable condition, with minimal writing and highlighting.
14 Amazon Makes Good on Missed Delivery Dates.
If an item qualified for free shipping through Amazon Prime and was not delivered on time, you may be eligible for a one-month extension on your membership. Shipping costs will be refunded to those without Prime.
15 You Can Earn Cash Back.
You already know you can save big on Amazon Prime Day, but with these Amazon shopping hacks you can save even more. When you shop through RetailMeNot, you get $10 cash back on orders of $100 (or more) on Amazon. Another excellent way to save every day, not just Prime Day? Download the Honey app, which automatically searches and applies discount codes at check out and gives you points every time you shop online (once you accrue a certain number of points you can cash them in for a gift card).