When Is Amazon Prime Day?
Amazon Prime Day, the ultimate shopping extravaganza, is scheduled for July 11 and July 12, 2023.
When Do Prime Day Deals Start?
Gear up for Amazon’s big sale event, commencing at 3 am Eastern time and running for a full 48 hours. WIRED will be your guide, covering the best deals not only from Amazon but also from other retailers offering competing sales. Keep in mind that some deals and sales may kick off before the official start time, and we’ll make sure to keep you informed about those as well.
Are Prime Day Deals Only for Prime Members?
Yes, officially, the Prime Day deals are exclusively available to Amazon Prime members. However, if you’re not a member yet, there’s a free 30-day trial waiting for you. Take advantage of this trial period to participate in the sale. Just remember to cancel your membership to avoid any subsequent renewal charges. Additionally, it’s worth noting that while there may be some discounts available to non-subscribers, the offerings may not be as impressive. For those who prefer not to support Amazon, major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy often run concurrent sales during Prime-exclusive events. These retailers usually offer comparable prices, and in some cases, they even match Amazon’s prices.
Here are the sales pages of Amazon and major retailers where you can find competing sales:
Is Prime Day Worth It?
The answer depends on various factors. While Prime Day does offer some of the lowest prices we see throughout the year for certain items, there are other aspects to consider. Prices for products often fluctuate throughout the year, and some items go on sale frequently. Even if the price seems attractive, a deal on a product that frequently goes on sale loses its overall appeal.
The multitude of deals promoted by Amazon during events like Prime Day can be both a blessing and a curse. It can be challenging to identify the truly exceptional discounts amidst the overwhelming selection of products. However, the chances are high that the item you desire will be on sale. In the past, we have witnessed some remarkable Prime-exclusive discounts, ranging from affordable Kindles to rare price drops on the Nintendo Switch. The key lies in finding the real gems among the numerous offers.
How Do I Know Whether a Deal Is Good?
ABC: Always be checking (prices, that is). Researching the price of an item is crucial when determining the quality of a discount. Don’t fall for deceptive marketing language or inflated MSRP prices. With just a few moments of research, you can make informed decisions. A simple step is to use Google to search for the items you’re interested in, allowing you to compare prices across multiple stores.
One useful tool is Camelcamelcamel, which tracks Amazon’s prices over time. By entering the Amazon link or ASIN (found in the Product Information section on the Amazon product page) into Camelcamelcamel’s search bar, you can access an item’s lowest recorded price, average price, and how frequently the price fluctuates. Note that certain deals, such as Lightning Deals, may be excluded from the pricing history. Another helpful tool is Keepa, which offers a browser extension that displays the recent price history directly on the Amazon page, eliminating the need for opening new tabs.
Keep in mind that these services may not always be available. Nevertheless, they can provide valuable insights, such as the price right before the sale started and any potential increase in MSRP. Utilizing these tools together can help you determine whether a deal is truly worth your money.
WIRED consistently fact-checks deals to evaluate their quality. For the best discounts available, make sure to check out our ongoing deals coverage, which includes roundups of the top discounts throughout the year, including Prime Day.
What’s a Lightning Deal?
Lightning Deals are limited-time offers that Amazon features for just a few hours. While not exclusive to Prime Day, they are particularly abundant during significant sales events. Keep in mind that once an item sells out, joining a waiting list is sometimes possible, but not always.
To be frank, Lightning Deals often consist of impulse buys, such as makeup, skincare products, or toys. Prime members can preview upcoming deals on Amazon’s website and mobile app. The app also provides alerts before Lightning Deals go live. During this year’s event, we will share some of our favorite Lightning Deals through a live blog.
How Does the Invite-Only Deals System Work?
To combat the rapid sellouts of the best deals, Amazon is introducing a new invite-only deals program during Prime Day 2023. Prime members will have the opportunity to request an invitation for items expected to sell out quickly. If selected, you’ll receive a notification on Prime Day, informing you of how to purchase the product at the deal price.
It’s important to note that this feature is only available for select products. For example, the Amazon 4K Fire TV is part of the program. On the product page, you’ll find a “Request Invite” button on the right-hand side. Click the button to have a chance at buying it at the sale price. However, there’s no guarantee of receiving an invitation.
Are There Other Ways to Secure a Deal?
If you know the starting time of a deal, make sure to actively monitor the product page around that time. It’s possible to add an item to your cart before the sale begins, enabling you to quickly complete the purchase once the sale goes live. Using the Amazon Shopping app (available on Android and iOS), Prime members can set up personalized deal alerts and receive notifications when recently searched items go on sale.
To expedite the checkout process, consider creating accounts at trusted retailers and saving your credit card information and shipping details in advance. Additionally, clearing your web browser cache before embarking on your shopping journey during sales events like Prime Day is advisable. Just remember to log back in to those retailers afterward.
Should I Make the Purchase?
During events like Prime Day, it’s easy to be tempted by enticing deals on products you may not actually need. However, it’s important to exercise restraint. Before the event begins, make a list of items you genuinely intend to buy and save their links. Once Prime Day arrives, assess whether those items are on sale and use the strategies outlined above to ensure that you’re getting a true bargain. Only proceed with the purchase if it aligns with your needs and budget. Remember, a nice price alone doesn’t warrant buying a product.