Master Prime Day 2024: Essential Tips for the Best Bargains

Sarah in Others Jun 20 • 17 min read

Hello, savvy shoppers! The excitement is in the air as Amazon Prime Day 2024 approaches. Whether you're a seasoned Prime Day veteran or a first-time participant, we've got the ultimate guide to help you navigate this bustling two-day event with ease and confidence. Let's dive right into everything you need to know to score the best deals and make the most out of Prime Day!

When is Prime Day?

Amazon Prime Day is back in July 2024 and shoppers should start preparing now to take full advantage of this annual sales extravaganza. The iconic shopping event gives Prime members exclusive access to thousands of limited-time deals across every category for 48 thrilling hours.

However, with such an immense selection of discounted items available, it's easy to get swept up in the shopping frenzy and lose focus on genuine, high-value deals. Shoppers need to do their homework by checking price histories on sites like Couponupto to verify any item's typical value and sale price drop. Only with this research can they feel confident they've truly spotted a great bargain.

In addition to surveying price histories, signing up for deal alerts and adding targets to carts early are solid strategies. Lightning Deals that only last hours also require rapid action.

For the most coveted products, an invite-only system allows requesting early access to sale prices as well.

Shoppers should make a curated list of specific needs and skip impulse buys. With millions of items on sale across two full days of discounts, the savings will be plentiful for the prepared.

But to really optimize value from this massive shopping event, prime members must do their homework and let deal quality, not deal quantity, guide their purchasing decisions. Happy hunting!

When Do Deals Start?

While Amazon Prime Day doesn't officially commence until the wee hours of 3am Eastern Time, savvy shoppers know that some of the best discounts may emerge even sooner. In the hours and sometimes days leading up to the main event, retailers often roll out initial volleys of "Early Bird Special" deals to entice brand loyalty and get spenders' wallets warmed up well in advance.

By keeping a close eye on favorite products in the timeframe leading up to Prime Day's launch, consumers can potentially catch advantageous price cuts on sought-after items before the mad shopping rush even begins.

This offers a momentary edge in snagging hard-to-find products or those expected to fly off shelves quickly once the major sale weekend is in full swing.

The strategies of checking deal alert settings regularly and adding targeted items to carts preemptively come into strong play during these early bird windows. A few choice early discounts secured with speed and preparation could effectively checkout a full holiday shopping list in one fell swoop.

Thus, while the peak deal period falls within the 48-hour Prime Day window, savvy shoppers won't sleep on opportunities emerging even earlier. The Early Bird often gets the best buys, after all.

Who Can Participate?

To access Prime Day deals, you must be an Amazon Prime member. If you're not already part of the Prime family, don't worry!

Amazon offers a free 30-day trial, which is perfect for diving into Prime Day without committing to a full membership right away. Remember, while non-Prime members might stumble upon some deals on other sites, the best bargains are exclusive to Prime members.

How to Know If a Deal is Good

In the frenzy of Prime Day, it can be challenging to distinguish between genuine bargains and mere marketing fluff. Here's how you can make sure you're getting the best bang for your buck:

Research Prices Across Retailers: Use price comparison tools like CamelCamelCamel to track the price history of products. This handy tool lets you see if the Prime Day discount is truly a great deal or just a minor markdown.
Fact-Check Discounts: Before you hit the buy button, compare the Prime Day price against typical prices at other retailers. This ensures you're not falling for inflated discounts.

What are Lightning Deals?

Lightning Deals are the heart-pounding, adrenaline-pumping offers that make Prime Day so thrilling. These are limited-time deals that last only a few hours and are often accompanied by a countdown timer.

They can sell out quickly, so if you spot something you like, act fast! Be prepared for a lot of impulse buys, but remember to stay focused on your shopping goals.

How Does the Invite-Only System Work?

For some of the most sought-after products, Amazon uses an invite-only system. Here's how it works:

Request an Invitation: When you see a product labeled as invite-only, you can request an invitation to purchase it at the sale price.
Wait for Selection: If you're selected, you'll receive a notification allowing you to complete your purchase.

This system helps manage demand and ensures that the hottest items are distributed fairly.

Other Tips for Getting Deals

To maximize your Prime Day shopping success, here are some additional tips:

Add Items to Your Cart Before Sales Start: By pre-loading your cart with items you're interested in, you can quickly check out once the sale begins.
Turn on Deal Alerts: Set up deal alerts for specific products or categories. This way, you'll receive notifications when deals go live.
Check Out Fast: Save your account information, including payment methods and shipping addresses, to speed up the checkout process. This is crucial for snagging Lightning Deals.
Look for Expired Deals to Return: Occasionally, sold-out deals may come back in stock. Keep an eye on items that were previously sold out—you might get another shot at them.

General Advice

While the thrill of Prime Day can be exhilarating, it's essential to keep a cool head and shop strategically. Here are some final pieces of advice to ensure you have a successful shopping experience:

Make a List: Before Prime Day starts, make a list of items you need or have been eyeing for a while. This helps you stay focused and avoid unnecessary impulse purchases.
Verify Discounts: As mentioned earlier, always verify that a deal is genuinely good by researching prices beforehand. Just because something is labeled as a "deal" doesn't mean it's the best price you'll find.
Watch for Future Deals: While Prime Day offers fantastic savings, keep in mind that Black Friday and Cyber Monday are just a few months away. Sometimes, the best deals of the year are saved for these later shopping events.

The Bottom Lines

Amazon Prime Day 2024 promises to be a whirlwind of excitement and savings. By preparing ahead of time, doing your research, and staying focused on your goals, you can navigate the event like a pro and score incredible deals on items you truly want and need.

Happy shopping, everyone! May your carts be full and your wallets stay happy!