As the anticipation for Prime Day 2024 ramps up, savvy shoppers are preparing to seize some of the best deals of the year. This special event, exclusive to Amazon Prime members, has transformed from a simple sale day into a global shopping phenomenon, offering steep discounts on everything from cutting-edge electronics like AirPods and TVs to subscription services such as Prime Video and Prime Gaming. With such a wide array of offers, including sought-after gadgets and subscriptions, understanding how to navigate Prime Day can be the key to unlocking extraordinary savings on high-demand items like the Kindle and leveraging the convenience of Alexa for an enhanced shopping experience.
This article is designed to equip readers with insider tips for maximizing their savings during Amazon Prime Day. By exploring a range of strategies—from signing up for Prime or starting a free trial to making the most of the Amazon credit card for extra savings—shoppers can prepare to make the most of this event. Additional suggestions include creating personalized deal alerts, setting reminders for the sale’s start, browsing Early Access deals, and considering Amazon Warehouse deals for additional savings. Additionally, this guide will touch on the benefits of stocking up on Amazon gift cards and checking competitor sites for price comparisons, ensuring readers are fully prepared to take advantage of Prime Day 2024’s expansive offerings.
Sign up for Prime or start a free trial
To make the most of Prime Day 2024, it is essential for shoppers to either sign up for Amazon Prime or start a free trial. Here’s how to get started and the benefits you can expect:
Prime Membership Benefits
Amazon Prime offers a plethora of benefits that enhance the shopping experience. Members enjoy free same-day or one-day delivery on thousands of items, access to Prime Video, Amazon Music, and Prime Gaming, which includes a rotating collection of free games and a free Twitch.tv channel subscription. Additionally, Prime members receive unlimited full-resolution photo storage with Amazon Photos and exclusive discounts at Whole Foods Market. For those interested in reading, Prime Reading offers a vast selection of books, magazines, and more. Amazon also provides a 30-day free trial to new members, allowing them to explore the benefits before committing .
How to Sign Up
Signing up for Amazon Prime is straightforward. Prospective members should visit amazon.com/amazonprime and click the “Start Your 30-Day Trial” button. If you already have an Amazon account, simply sign in; otherwise, create a new account by providing your name, email, and a password. You will then be prompted to enter your payment method details. Following these steps, you will become a Prime subscriber .
Free Trial Options
Amazon Prime offers a 30-day free trial for new members, which is an excellent opportunity to test the service during Prime Day without a subscription fee. This trial allows users to experience all the Prime benefits and participate in Prime Day deals. Remember, if you decide that Prime is not for you, cancelling is straightforward. Navigate to the “Account & Lists” menu, select “Prime Membership,” and then “End Membership” under the “Manage membership” section .
By signing up for Amazon Prime or starting a free trial, shoppers can unlock a world of savings and benefits, making their Prime Day experience even more rewarding.
Create deal alerts for personalized recommendations
To maximize the benefits of Prime Day, setting up deal alerts for personalized recommendations is crucial. These alerts can notify shoppers when items on their wishlist or recently viewed products become available at a discounted rate.
How to Set Up Alerts
Shoppers can activate deal alerts by visiting the Prime Day event page on the Amazon app or website. For mobile users, they should download the Amazon app, navigate to settings, then to notifications, and select “your watched and waitlisted deals” . Users can also enable notifications through the Alexa app by going to More > Settings > Notifications > Amazon Shopping, and then selecting Shopping Recommendations followed by Deal Recommendations .
Best Categories for Alerts
Setting alerts for high-demand categories such as electronics, fashion, and home essentials ensures that shoppers do not miss out on the best deals. Products like AirPods, TVs, and smart home devices often feature heavily discounted rates during Prime Day .
Mobile App vs Desktop Alerts
While both the Amazon mobile app and desktop site offer the functionality to create deal alerts, the mobile app provides additional convenience with push notifications. This feature allows users to receive immediate updates on their phones, making it easier to grab deals as soon as they go live . Conversely, desktop alerts may require users to be actively checking their emails or Amazon account to catch the same deals.
By setting up these personalized deal alerts, shoppers can strategically plan their purchases, ensuring they get the best prices on the items they most desire during Prime Day.
Ask Alexa for deal notifications
Setting up Alexa Alerts
To enable Alexa to alert you about upcoming deals, open the Alexa mobile app and navigate to More > Settings > Notifications > Amazon Shopping. Here, select Shopping Recommendations followed by Deal Recommendations . This setup allows your Echo device to notify you up to 24 hours before a deal goes live on items in your wishlist, shopping cart, or saved for later queue .
Voice Commands to Use
Once Alexa alerts are set, you can interact with your Echo device to manage these notifications. Simply ask, “Alexa, what are my notifications?” to receive updates on upcoming deals . If you decide to proceed with a purchase, you can command Alexa by saying, “Alexa, buy it for me,” which will utilize your default payment and delivery settings to complete the transaction .
Alexa-exclusive Deals
Alexa not only notifies you about general Prime Day deals but also provides exclusive offers that are accessible only through voice commands. This feature enhances the shopping experience by allowing quick access to deals without needing to navigate through the website or app .
Set a reminder for when Prime Day starts
To ensure you don’t miss out on any deals during Prime Day 2024, setting a reminder is crucial. Prime Day will commence at 12:01 a.m. PDT on July 16 and continue through July 17 . Here’s how to effectively set reminders and gain early access to deals:
How to Set Reminders
Prime members can utilize Alexa to set reminders for the start of Prime Day. Simply say, “Alexa, set a reminder for Prime Day,” and your device will alert you as the event begins . Additionally, you can enable deal notifications on the Amazon app to receive alerts about upcoming deals for items you’ve shown interest in. To activate these notifications, visit the Prime Day event page on the Amazon app and set up the alerts .
Prime Day Start Times
Prime Day 2024 starts at 3 a.m. ET/12 a.m. PT on Tuesday, July 16, and concludes on Wednesday, July 17 . This allows shoppers across different time zones to prepare and participate from the moment the deals go live.
Early Access Options
Prime members have the advantage of accessing deals before the official start of Prime Day. Early access deals are a great way to secure products from popular brands like New Balance, HP, and Coach at discounted rates before the general public . Ensure you’re set up with the Amazon app and have your deal notifications activated to make the most of these early offers.
By setting reminders and utilizing early access options, you can maximize your savings and not miss out on the best deals offered during Prime Day 2024.
Browse Early Access deals
Types of Early Access Deals
Prime Day 2024 offers an array of Early Access deals, allowing shoppers to snag discounts on popular items before the official event begins. Notable products on offer include the latest technology such as the Apple Watch Series 9, Nintendo Switch, and AirPods, along with essential gadgets like TVs, tablets, and smart home devices . Additionally, Prime members can find exceptional value in Amazon’s own products, with record-low prices on devices like the Kindle Scribe and Echo smart speakers .
How to Find Them
To take advantage of Early Access deals, shoppers should visit the Amazon website or app prior to the official start of Prime Day. The site typically highlights Early Access offers prominently, making them easy to find. For the most up-to-date information, it’s advisable to check back frequently as new deals are added throughout the lead-up to Prime Day . Shoppers can also set up deal alerts through the Amazon app to receive notifications when new deals are posted.
Best Early Access Categories
Early Access deals are particularly strong in the categories of electronics, home essentials, and personal gadgets. This year, shoppers have found incredible deals on items under $25, including budget-friendly tech products and household items. Categories such as electronics, fashion, and appliances are often featured with significant discounts, making it an ideal time for consumers to make major purchases at a fraction of the cost .
Check competitor sites
Top Competing Retailers
During Prime Day, major retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Best Buy launch their own sales events to compete with Amazon. This year, newcomers like TikTok Shop and Temu have also entered the fray, offering summer promotions to attract Amazon’s audience . Walmart and Target specifically tailor their offers to their loyalty program members, providing early access to deals .
Price Matching Policies
Retailers vary significantly in their price matching policies. Target, for instance, matches prices from Amazon and other competitors within 14 days of purchase, although this excludes lightning sales and member-only prices . Best Buy also offers a Price Match Guarantee, but it excludes items sold during member-only events like Amazon Prime Day . Conversely, Walmart does not match prices from competitors but offers price matching for items found cheaper on Walmart.com .
Unique Competitor Offers
Unique sales strategies are evident among competitors. For example, Target used its sales event to promote a new membership program aimed at boosting sales and customer traffic . Meanwhile, TikTok Shop made its summer sales event accessible to everyone, starting from July 9 . These strategic moves by Amazon’s competitors highlight their efforts to capitalize on the high consumer engagement during Prime Day, offering distinct promotions to divert attention and potentially increase their own sales .
Use the Amazon credit card for extra savings
To leverage maximum savings on Prime Day, consider using the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card. This credit card offers substantial cashback benefits, making it an attractive option for frequent Amazon shoppers.
Amazon credit card benefits
The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card provides a range of benefits that can enhance your shopping experience. Cardholders enjoy 5% back on all purchases at Amazon and Whole Foods Market, and an additional 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores. Moreover, the card features no annual fee, enhancing its value . Upon approval, users receive a $200 Amazon Gift Card instantly, adding immediate value to their shopping budget .
How to apply
Applying for the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card is straightforward. Prospective cardholders should visit Amazon’s website or the Chase platform to apply. Eligibility for the card requires an Amazon Prime membership, which can be a worthwhile investment for regular Amazon users given the range of benefits it offers .
Best categories for cashback
The standout feature of this card is the 5% cashback on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, which can significantly reduce expenses for frequent shoppers. The additional 2% cashback on dining, gas, and drugstore purchases also provides a decent saving opportunity, making these categories particularly rewarding for cardholders .
By utilizing the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card, shoppers can make the most out of their Prime Day purchases, enjoying enhanced savings and benefits.
Take advantage of Prime-exclusive discounts
Prime-only Deals
Prime Day offers a plethora of discounts exclusively for Amazon Prime members. These include significant savings on a wide range of products, from Amazon devices to groceries and travel offers. Last year alone, Prime members enjoyed over $2.5 billion in savings during Prime Day .
Lightning Deals for Prime Members
Lightning Deals present a unique opportunity for Prime members to access highly discounted items for a short period. These deals are known for their limited time and stock, making them a coveted part of Prime Day shopping. Prime members receive early access to these deals, ensuring they have the first pick at the savings .
Prime Early Access
Prime members benefit from early access to deals before they are available to the general public. This includes exclusive early deal drops from well-known influencers on products across various categories such as beauty, sports, and home. Additionally, Prime members can participate in invite-only deals, allowing them to purchase highly sought-after items like the Citizen Chronograph Watch at up to 60% off .
Consider Amazon Warehouse deals
Amazon Warehouse serves as a unique section on Amazon’s website, where shoppers can find discounted, open-box, and pre-owned products. These items, having been returned, tested, and inspected by Amazon, are resold at reduced prices, offering a more budget-friendly option for consumers .
What are Warehouse deals
Warehouse deals encompass a variety of items including electronics, home and kitchen essentials, tools, and sports equipment. Notably, products from popular brands such as InstantPot, Ninja, and Apple, including Amazon devices like Fire TVs, Echo, and Kindle, are often available. These items are marked down due to their “like-new, open-box or pre-owned” condition, as specified on Amazon Warehouse’s FAQ page .
Best Warehouse categories
The best categories to explore for deals in Amazon Warehouse include electronics, home and kitchen, and sports and outdoors. These categories frequently contain a large number of returned or open-box items that remain in excellent condition, thereby providing substantial savings opportunities .
Potential savings
Shoppers can achieve significant savings through Amazon Warehouse, with discounts often ranging from 20-50% off the original price. This level of savings is contingent upon the item’s condition and its original retail price. For those concerned about purchase security, Amazon Warehouse offers free replacements within 30 days for products with the same listing condition available in their inventory, ensuring customer satisfaction .
Stock up on Amazon gift cards
For savvy shoppers looking to maximize savings during Prime Day, stocking up on Amazon gift cards can be a strategic move. These cards not only streamline the purchasing process but also offer potential bonuses and discounts.
Gift Card Bonuses
Amazon often incentivizes the purchase of gift cards, especially around Prime Day. For instance, Prime members could receive a $5 credit when buying a $50 gift card . This credit is applicable to a wide range of products, including those sold during Prime Day, and can even contribute towards an Amazon Prime subscription. The promotion typically runs shortly before Prime Day, making it essential to plan your purchases to capitalize on these offers.
Where to Buy Discounted Gift Cards
Discounted Amazon gift cards can be found on platforms like Gameflip, where unwanted gift cards are sold daily . Buyers are advised to opt for sellers offering auto delivery for a smooth and quick transaction. Additionally, the Gameflip Guarantee ensures that purchases are protected, providing peace of mind when buying discounted gift cards.
Stacking Gift Cards with Deals
Combining gift cards with Prime Day deals can lead to even greater savings. Shoppers can preload their Amazon account with gift cards obtained through various promotions or discounts. During Prime Day, these funds can be efficiently used in conjunction with special deals and discounts offered exclusively to Prime members, maximizing the value of every dollar spent.
By strategically purchasing and using Amazon gift cards, shoppers can enhance their Prime Day shopping experience, ensuring they get the best possible deals while effectively managing their spending.
Conclusion
Through this guide, we’ve explored a myriad of strategies to help readers seize the best deals on Amazon Prime Day 2024, from the initial step of signing up for Prime or starting a free trial, to leveraging the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa card for extra savings. By understanding how to navigate through Early Access deals, set up deal alerts, make the most out of Amazon Warehouse deals, and even stock up on Amazon gift cards, shoppers are well-equipped to maximize their savings on a wide range of products.
The anticipation for Prime Day 2024 underscores the event’s evolution into a global shopping phenomenon, offering unparalleled discounts on sought-after items. By adopting the insider tips provided, readers can enhance their shopping experience, ensuring they get the most out of Prime Day. As we conclude, it’s clear that success on Prime Day doesn’t just come from snagging the best deals—it comes from strategic planning and making informed choices, thereby making every dollar spent go further.
FAQs
What can shoppers expect during Prime Day 2024?
Prime Day 2024 is set to be a two-day extravaganza of discounts on a wide variety of products. Shoppers can look forward to significant savings on the latest technology such as Amazon devices, laptops, and TVs, as well as home appliances, mattresses, beauty products, and much more.
Is Prime Day an effective way to save money?
Yes, Prime Day offers substantial savings on thousands of items, making it a great opportunity to save money. However, with the abundance of deals, it’s important to be mindful of impulse buying, which can lead to unnecessary spending.
What is the cost of Amazon Prime membership in 2024?
In 2024, an Amazon Prime membership costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year. Amazon has historically raised its prices approximately every four years, with the most recent increase occurring in 2022.
How can I determine if a product will be cheaper on Prime Day?
To find out if a specific item will be discounted on Prime Day, visit the Prime Day page and select “Watch this deal” for the items you’re interested in. Additionally, if you use the Amazon app, you can opt-in for push notifications to receive alerts five minutes before your watched deals begin.