Let’s be real—we’ve all been there. You’re browsing Amazon, convinced that there must be a better price somewhere, but you’re not sure how to find it. I used to think Amazon’s deals were all about luck, until I learned a few secrets that changed the way I shop. Now, whether it’s mid-January or right before Black Friday, I’m always on the lookout for those hidden gems. In this guide, I’ll show you how to do the same.
1. Keep an Eye on Daily and Lightning Deals
One of the easiest ways to score amazing bargains on Amazon is by regularly checking their Daily Deals and Lightning Deals.
- Daily Deals: These are 24-hour promotions offering discounts on a range of products. You can find Daily Deals in almost every category, including electronics, beauty, home, and more.
- Lightning Deals: These are limited-time offers that can sell out quickly. Often, Lightning Deals feature highly discounted products, but quantities are limited, so you have to act fast.
You can find both of these deal types on Amazon’s “Today’s Deals” page, which is updated frequently throughout the day. Be sure to set reminders if you’re waiting for specific items to go on sale.
Pro Tip: Sign up for deal notifications to get alerts on upcoming Lightning Deals and never miss out on big savings.
2. Use the “Subscribe & Save” Feature
For items you purchase regularly—like household essentials, toiletries, pet food, or vitamins—Amazon’s Subscribe & Save program can be a great way to save money. With this feature, you subscribe to have your favorite products delivered on a set schedule (monthly, bimonthly, etc.) and in return, you get a discount.
The more items you subscribe to, the higher the discount you’ll receive, sometimes as much as 15% off your entire subscription order. Plus, you can combine this with coupons or other deals for additional savings.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for items that offer Subscribe & Save coupons—it’s like stacking discounts for even bigger savings.
3. Browse the Amazon Outlet
Not everyone knows about the hidden gem that is Amazon Outlet. This section of the website is dedicated to overstock and clearance items, which means deep discounts on products across a variety of categories. Think of it as Amazon’s clearance aisle.
In Amazon Outlet, you can find deals on everything from electronics and kitchen appliances to clothing and beauty products. Items are usually priced much lower than their original retail price, so it’s a great place to start if you’re looking to save without waiting for major sales events.
4. Take Advantage of Amazon Coupons
If you’re a fan of coupons, you’ll love Amazon’s Coupons section. Here, you can find digital coupons for a wide range of products. Simply browse the items you’re interested in and “clip” the coupons to apply the discount at checkout. It’s an easy way to save on your everyday purchases.
Pro Tip: Look for products that allow you to use coupons alongside other deals like Subscribe & Save or Lightning Deals for maximum savings.
5. Leverage Amazon Prime for Exclusive Deals
Amazon Prime isn’t just about fast shipping—it also gives you access to exclusive deals and promotions. As a Prime member, you get access to Prime Early Access Deals, where you can shop Lightning Deals 30 minutes before non-members. This is especially handy during sales events like Prime Day, where items sell out quickly.
Prime members also get free shipping on a wide range of products, so even small purchases become more cost-effective without shipping costs.
6. Monitor Price Drops with Price Tracking Tools
If you’re not in a rush to make a purchase, tracking price changes can help you snag the best deal. Tools like CamelCamelCamel and Honey allow you to monitor price history for items on Amazon, alerting you when the price drops.
- CamelCamelCamel: Tracks historical price data on Amazon products. You can set up alerts for specific products, and it will notify you when the price falls below your target.
- Honey: A browser extension that not only tracks prices but also applies any available coupons at checkout.
This strategy is especially useful for big-ticket items like electronics, furniture, or high-end appliances.
7. Shop Amazon Warehouse for Open-Box and Refurbished Deals
For savvy shoppers, Amazon Warehouse is a great place to find discounts on open-box or refurbished items. These products are often returned or have minor cosmetic flaws, but they work perfectly and come with Amazon’s guarantee. Because they’re not brand new, Amazon offers them at a significantly reduced price.
Popular categories in Amazon Warehouse include electronics, tools, and home appliances, making it a great place to find bargains on expensive items.
8. Wait for Major Sales Events
If you’re willing to wait for the best deals, Amazon’s annual sales events are the way to go. Some of the most popular events to mark on your calendar include:
- Amazon Prime Day: Usually held in mid-July, Prime Day is exclusive to Prime members and offers some of the best discounts of the year. From electronics to fashion, nearly every category features steep price cuts.
- Black Friday & Cyber Monday: Held in November, these events are known for doorbuster deals, especially on electronics, toys, and holiday gifts.
Shopping during these events can lead to massive savings, but items sell out quickly, so it’s important to plan ahead and have a strategy for what you want to buy.
9. Explore Amazon Renewed for Like-New Products
If you’re comfortable with refurbished items, Amazon Renewed is another section to check out. This area of Amazon offers certified refurbished products that come with a guarantee and typically look and function like new. The best part? They come at a fraction of the price of brand-new products.
Amazon Renewed offers everything from smartphones to kitchen appliances, and each product comes with a 90-day guarantee, so you can shop with confidence.
10. Look for Bundle Deals and Promotions
Occasionally, Amazon offers bundle deals, where you can buy two or more items together at a discounted price. This is especially common with tech products (like buying a laptop with a printer) or home goods. These promotions are often limited-time offers but can result in significant savings if you’re buying multiple items at once.
You can find bundle deals directly on product pages, or by searching “bundle deals” on Amazon to see what’s currently available.
Conclusion: Be a Year-Round Deal Hunter on Amazon
With these tips, I’ve saved hundreds on everything from tech gadgets to household staples. Whether you’re scoring deals during major sales events or keeping an eye on Daily Deals, there’s always a way to get more value for your money. The key is knowing where to look and staying patient. Give these strategies a try, and you’ll be amazed at how much you can save—no matter what time of year you’re shopping.