Amazon has become the ultimate shopping destination for millions around the world, offering everything from books to electronics and everyday essentials. While the site is convenient and vast, shopping like a pro involves knowing how to find the best deals, make smart choices, and ensure you’re getting the best value. Whether you're a first-time shopper or a seasoned user, here’s a guide on how to shop like a pro on Amazon.
1. "Start with Amazon’s Deals Section"
One of the easiest ways to save money on Amazon is by checking out the "Deals" section. Amazon has a dedicated page for daily and lightning deals that offers discounts on a wide variety of products. You can also find “Today’s Deals” where time-limited promotions, including discounts on popular items, are listed.
To make the most out of this section, it’s a good idea to check the page frequently, especially around major sale events like Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. These events offer some of the biggest savings of the year.
2. "Use Amazon’s Price Tracking Tools"
If you’re eyeing a specific item, it’s a smart move to track its price over time. Tools like CamelCamelCamel and Keepa track price history for Amazon products, allowing you to monitor when an item’s price drops. This can help you decide the best time to purchase.
Additionally, Amazon’s own "Waitlist" feature lets you add items to your list and notify you when prices fall, ensuring you don’t overpay.
3. "Filter Your Search Results"
Amazon’s search results can sometimes be overwhelming because of the vast number of products available. To shop like a pro, make use of the built-in filters on the left-hand side of the search results. You can filter results by price range, brand, customer ratings, and more.
This helps you narrow down your options, saving time and making it easier to find exactly what you're looking for.
4. "Always Read Product Reviews"
When Shopping on Amazon, product reviews are your best friend. Reviews from previous customers provide valuable insights into the quality, usability, and potential issues with a product. Be sure to check both the positive and negative reviews for a balanced view.
Look for products with a high number of reviews and a strong average rating (4 stars or above). Verified purchase labels are also important, as they confirm that the reviewer actually bought the product.
5. "Check for Amazon's "Best Seller" Badge"
Amazon’s “Best Seller” badge is an indicator that a product is popular and highly rated by customers. These items are usually top contenders in their category, meaning you’re likely to get a good deal. While it’s not a guarantee of quality, a "Best Seller" often means that the product has met the needs and expectations of many buyers.
6. "Take Advantage of Subscribe & Save"
If you frequently purchase certain products (like household items or personal care products), Amazon's "Subscribe & Save" option is a game-changer. This feature allows you to receive automatic deliveries of items at discounted prices. You can set the frequency of deliveries, and you’ll save up to 15% on eligible products.
7. "Compare Prices with Other Sellers"
While Amazon itself is a great place to shop, it also hosts third-party sellers. These sellers may offer the same product at a different price or with added benefits. Always compare the price from Amazon with those from third-party sellers to ensure you're getting the best deal. Don’t forget to factor in shipping costs as well.
8. "Look for "Fulfilled by Amazon" Listings"
Products marked as "Fulfilled by Amazon" are stored, packed, and shipped by Amazon itself, ensuring faster delivery and more reliable customer service. These listings are often preferred because of Amazon's trusted return and refund policies. Whenever possible, opt for "Fulfilled by Amazon" items for a smoother shopping experience.
9. "Utilize Amazon’s Return and Refund Policy"
Amazon offers a straight forward return policy, which makes it easy to return items if you’re not satisfied. You typically have 30 days to return most products for a full refund. Be sure to check the seller’s specific return policy if you're purchasing from a third-party seller, as it can vary.
Additionally, Amazon provides easy ways to start returns through the app or website. Keep an eye out for return instructions and any restocking fees to avoid surprises.
10. "Stay Safe and Avoid Scams"
Amazon is generally a safe platform to shop on, but it’s still important to stay alert. Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, especially on unfamiliar third-party listings. Stick to well-rated sellers, and always double-check product details and reviews before making a purchase.
To further ensure your safety, make sure your payment information is up to date and that your account is prot