It may feel early, but holiday shopping has officially begun. The pandemic has also changed how people are shopping, and retailers are competing for your business online. So, here are tips to save during Amazon Prime Day and what other stores have to offer.
AMAZON PRIME DAY 2020:
Amazon Prime Day is October 13 and 14. RetailMeNot has a very comprehensive guide. Click here for that link. Below, you'll find some familiar tips we've shared with you throughout the years and some new ones.
MEMBERSHIP: You have to be a Prime Member to participate. If you don't have an account, just sign up for the free 30-day trial. Make sure you don't forget to cancel it before the trial is up, so you don't get charged. Students can score a free six-month trial. Then, after that, students can get 50% off the regular subscription price.
EARLY DEALS: Members and those who have an Echo Device can get the deals early. Just ask, "Alexa, what are my Prime Day deals?" Plus, there are so many discounts already released on Amazon devices and other categories like electronics, smart home, toys and games, home and kitchen, fashion, automotive, healthcare, baby care, lawn and garden, and the list goes on and on.
SMALL BUSINESSES: This year, Prime members who spend $10 on small business purchases by October 12, including Amazon Launchpad and Handmade, will get $10 to spend on Prime Day.
BOGO OFFERS: That same promotion (spend $10, get $10 to use on Prime Day) works for Whole Foods and Amazon Books. Plus, here's another BOGO deal. Buy an Amazon gift card of $40 or more, and get $10 promotional credit to use through November 29.
INSIDER TIPS: Look for deal badges, and shop the blue ones. Keep an eye on lightning deals. You can also tap "Watch This Deal" to get real-time alerts. Or, you can create your own wish list. Plus, there are browser extensions and price trackers to help you save as well. And don't forget about Amazon Warehouse. Members get an extra 20% off thousands of pre-owned, used and open box items.
RETAILERS COMPETING WITH AMAZON:
We've mentioned that other retailers are competing. Here's the gift of what they're offering.
TARGET: Target's Deal Days are October 13 and 14 as well, promising double the offers than last year. Expect to find discounts on toys, home decor, essentials, electronics and more. No membership required.
WALMART: Walmart's Big Save Event runs through October 15 for savings on home, tech, toys, fashion and beauty.
KOHL'S: Kohl's is offering 15% off purchases now through October 18 for its Home Sale. Use the promo code: "YOUSAVE". Through Monday, October 12, get $10 in Kohl's Cash for every $50 spent. Also, if you purchase on Amazon and want to return an item, you can take it to Kohl's. They send it back for free.
BEST BUY: On October 13 and 14, Best Buy is launching Black Friday deals early, offering discounts on laptops, TVs and more. A spokesperson from Best Buy actually emailed us a lot of helpful information, including how Best Buy offers contact-less curbside pickup, "(usually ready in an hour or less!) or pickup options at more than 16,000 alternate locations, including UPS and CVS locations, and more." You also have in-store pickup options as well. As for delivery, thousands of items can offer same-day delivery by 9 p.m. local time if the order was placed by 1 p.m. You can also get next-day delivery.
Below is the part of the release, giving you the scoop on the big sale!
"Sneak peek of Best Buy’s Black Friday deals available next week:
• Samsung 70-inch Class 4K Smart TV for only $529.99 (Save $220)
• Laptops starting at $119.99
• JBL Free True Wireless headphones only $69.99 (Save $80)"
We're also told that this year, there's a Best Buy's Black Friday Guarantee, meaning if the price on one of the deals launched on October 13 and 14 goes lower another time before Black Friday, My Best Buy customers will be automatically reimbursed the difference. As for returns, the release states, "Purchases made Oct. 13 through Jan. 2, 2021 have an extended return period through Jan. 16, 2021."
Happy Holiday Shopping!