Amazon Prime Day, a two-day event on July 11 and 12, is an excellent opportunity to snag significant savings on various items on the global online retail platform. Prime Day is renowned for its incredible deals, from beauty products to headphones. However, shoppers often make some common mistakes that can diminish the benefits of this event. Based on information from CNBC, this article outlines some key pointers to help you avoid these pitfalls and maximize your savings on Prime Day.
1. Utilize Amazon Prime Visa Credit Card
Many buyers overlook the potential benefits of shopping with an Amazon Prime Visa credit card. This card offers a substantial cashback potential on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases and comes without an annual fee. It earns 6% cashback on Prime Day purchases and an unlimited 5% cashback on all purchases on Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods, and through Chase Travel. It also offers 2% cashback at gas stations, restaurants, and drugstores and 1% on other purchases.
2. Consider Alternative Prime Membership Options
Prime Day sales are exclusive to Amazon Prime members, but the annual membership fee of $139 might deter some shoppers. Luckily, there are alternative ways to obtain Prime membership. You can sign up for a 30-day free trial if you haven’t been a member in the last 12 months or are a first-time user. College students can avail of a six-month Amazon Prime Student trial free.
If you aren’t eligible for a free trial, you can offset the cost of your first year of Prime membership with the Prime Visa card, which grants you a $200 Amazon.com gift card upon approval without any spending requirements.
3. Choose the Right Shipping Option
If your purchases aren’t urgently required, it’s advisable to avoid choosing the fastest shipping option. Opting for no-rush shipping can earn you rewards or help you save money. Especially for those without a Prime Visa card, using no-rush shipping could earn you immediate discounts or automatic rewards applicable to digital products.
4. Check Out Other Competing Sales
Don’t limit yourself to Amazon’s Lightning Deals. Other online retailers like Target and Walmart also host significant sales this week, which do not require membership. Deals on Target, for instance, offer discounts of up to 50% on national brands like Dyson, Keurig, and more.
Similarly, Walmart provides its members early access to discounts on home items, apparel, and more, and an additional 5% off with the Capital One Walmart Rewards Mastercard.
5. Do Your Price Research
Not every deal is as good as it seems. Before clicking “add to cart”, compare prices and research the items across different retailers.
6. Wait for Other Sales for Certain Items
Some items are better bought during other sales throughout the year, like Labor Day and Black Friday, when large appliances, furniture, and electronics, including gaming consoles, are generally cheaper.
7. Make a Shopping List
Making a shopping list for Prime Day can save you time and energy and prevent you from endless scrolling. Sticking to your list will also help you focus on what you need rather than impulse buying.
By avoiding these common mistakes and utilizing the tips provided, you can maximize your savings during Amazon Prime Day and enjoy a hassle-free shopping experience.
