October Prime Day 2024: How to Score Big on Amazon
October Prime Day is back in 2024, and it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest shopping events of the year! Whether you’re on the hunt for early holiday gifts, household essentials, or the latest tech gadgets, Amazon’s Prime Day in October offers massive discounts that you don’t want to miss. Whether you're a seasoned Prime Day veteran or a curious first-timer, this guide will help you navigate the deals, discounts, and digital aisles with the finesse of a shopping ninja. Here’s how you can prepare, shop smart, and score big during October Prime Day.
1. Know the Dates and Plan Ahead
Amazon Prime Day in October 2024 is on 8-9th. Make sure you mark your calendar and set reminders for when the event kicks off. Some deals are limited in quantity and sell out fast, so being prepared will give you an edge.
2. Sign Up for Amazon Prime
Prime Day is exclusive to Amazon Prime members, which means you’ll need an active subscription to access the deals. If you’re not already a member, sign up for a free 30-day trial just before Prime Day begins. This will allow you to take full advantage of the sales without committing to a paid membership upfront.
3. Create a Wishlist
Before Prime Day starts, create a wishlist of the items you’re most interested in. This makes it easier to monitor price drops on products you’ve been eyeing. Additionally, having a clear list helps you stay focused and avoid impulse purchases that could blow your budget.
4. Compare Prices
While Prime Day is known for its deals, it’s always a good idea to compare prices across other retailers like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy. Some competitors may offer price-matching or launch their own sales during Prime Day, giving you even more opportunities to save.
5. Set Up Deal Alerts
Use Amazon’s "Watch This Deal" feature to get notified when deals go live on specific items. You can also use third-party apps and browser extensions like Honey, CamelCamelCamel, or Keepa to track price histories and ensure you’re getting the best deal possible.
6. Check Lightning Deals Regularly
Lightning Deals are limited-time offers that run for a short period or until stock runs out. Keep an eye on Amazon’s Lightning Deals throughout the day to score fast discounts on popular items. Remember, these deals go quickly, so act fast when you see something you want!
7. Utilize Amazon Devices and Bundles
Amazon tends to offer its biggest discounts on its own devices during Prime Day. If you’re in the market for an Echo, Kindle, Fire TV Stick, or Ring Doorbell, Prime Day is the perfect time to buy. Amazon often offers bundles with multiple devices at a lower price, so check for package deals to maximize your savings.
8. Look for Early Access Deals
Amazon often offers early access deals in the days leading up to Prime Day. These can include significant discounts on items in various categories, so be sure to check the "Today’s Deals" section regularly for any early opportunities.
9. Use Amazon Gift Cards
If you have any Amazon gift cards lying around, Prime Day is the perfect time to use them. You can also check for gift card promotions that may offer bonus credits when purchasing an Amazon gift card in advance of Prime Day.
10. Consider Amazon's Credit Card
Consider Amazon's Credit CardPrime members using the Amazon Rewards Visa Card often get additional cashback during Prime Day events.
11. Don’t Forget About Amazon’s Subsidiary Brands
In addition to Amazon’s flagship deals, you can also find significant discounts on products from its subsidiary brands like Whole Foods, Zappos, and Audible. Look for Prime Day promotions that extend beyond Amazon.com and into these associated brands.
12. Take Advantage of Buy Now, Pay Later
If you’re making a big purchase, consider using Amazon’s "Buy Now, Pay Later" option. This allows you to spread the cost of your purchase over several months, often with zero interest, making it easier to manage your budget while still taking advantage of Prime Day savings.
13. Prime Day for Small Businesses
Amazon also highlights deals from small businesses during Prime Day. Supporting these sellers not only helps small entrepreneurs but also gives you access to unique products you might not find elsewhere. Look for Amazon’s small business promotion page to discover these deals.
Prime Day Evolution: Then vs. Now
October Prime Day has come a long way since its summer inception. Here's how it stacks up:
- Timing: The shift to October has aligned Prime Day with early holiday shopping, offering consumers a chance to score gifts well before the traditional Black Friday rush.
- Duration: What started as a 24-hour event has expanded to a full 48 hours of deals.
- Global Reach: Prime Day is now a worldwide phenomenon, with country-specific deals catering to local markets.
- Small Business Focus: There's been a noticeable increase in spotlight on small and medium-sized businesses, with Amazon offering additional incentives to shop from these sellers.
