Ultimate Guide to Preparing for Prime Day and Maximizing Your Savings
- margaretanderson-k9
- Jul 2
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 28
How to Prepare for Prime Day, Save Big, and Maximize your Savings
Amazon Prime Day has become one of the biggest shopping events of the year—rivaling even Black Friday and Cyber Monday. But what is Prime Day, and how can you make the most of it without getting overwhelmed by flashy deals and impulse buys? Whether you're a seasoned shopper or a Prime Day rookie, this guide will help you prepare smartly, shop efficiently, and walk away with real savings on the products you actually need.
What is Amazon Prime Day?
Amazon Prime Day is a two-day sales event exclusive to Amazon Prime members. Traditionally held in July, it features steep discounts on thousands of items across nearly every product category—tech, home goods, fashion, beauty, pet supplies, and much more.
Initially launched in 2015 to celebrate Amazon’s 20th anniversary, Prime Day has since evolved into a global phenomenon. Deals drop fast, quantities are often limited, and the competition can be fierce—but with a little preparation, you can win big.
Step 1: Become a Prime Member
You must be an Amazon Prime member to take advantage of the deals. If you’re not already a subscriber, now’s the time to sign up.
Good to know: Amazon usually offers a 30-day free trial during Prime Day season. This is a perfect opportunity to test the benefits without committing long-term.
Tip: Set a calendar reminder to cancel the trial if you decide not to continue.
Step 2: Create a Shopping List
With thousands of deals flooding the screen, it’s easy to overspend. Avoid impulse purchases by making a list of what you actually need or want ahead of time.
Popular categories to consider:
Electronics (headphones, TVs, tablets)
Household essentials (detergent, paper goods)
Kitchen gadgets
Back-to-school supplies
Toys and games
Pet products
Gifts for upcoming holidays or birthdays
Having a wish list helps you focus, and you can even track the items in your Amazon account to see if they go on sale.
Step 3: Download the Amazon App
The Amazon mobile app is your best friend during Prime Day. It lets you:
Set notifications for deals on items you're watching
Get real-time alerts on lightning deals
Check prices and read reviews quickly
You can also use the “Watch this deal” feature to get alerts when specific products go on sale.
Step 4: Research in Advance
Don’t assume everything marked as a “deal” is the best price ever. Use price tracking tools like:
CamelCamelCamel (tracks price history on Amazon)
Keepa (another powerful price tracker with browser extensions)
Research ensures you’re getting genuine discounts, not just marked-up prices disguised as sales.
Step 5: Set a Budget
Prime Day can tempt even the most disciplined shopper. Decide how much you’re willing to spend in total—and on each category. Stick to your plan.
Bonus tip: Load a set amount onto an Amazon gift card and use that as your budget to avoid overspending.
Step 6: Look for Early Deals
Amazon often launches “early access deals” in the days leading up to Prime Day. These can include discounts on:
Amazon services like Audible, Music Unlimited, or Prime Video
Check daily to snag these early bargains before the main event.
Step 7: Take Advantage of Coupons and Credits
Amazon frequently offers promotions leading up to Prime Day, like:
$10 credit for completing “Amazon Stampcards”
Coupons for subscribing to Amazon services
Free credits for installing apps or using Amazon Photos
Be sure to check Amazon's Prime Day hub for all the latest promotions.
Step 8: Watch Lightning Deals Closely
Lightning Deals are time-sensitive, limited-quantity offers that come and go quickly. If you see something you want, act fast. These deals often offer the deepest discounts, but they sell out in minutes.
Use the app to “watch” deals ahead of time, so you don’t miss out.
Step 9: Consider Signing Up for Amazon Services Temporarily
Some deals are only available if you're subscribed to specific services. You might see phrases like “Deal with Amazon Music sign-up” or “Only for Prime Pantry members.” Decide whether the discount is worth signing up, even if temporarily.
Step 10: Compare Other Retailers
Other major retailers—like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy—often host their own sales around Prime Day to stay competitive. Compare prices before you commit to make sure you're truly getting the best deal.
What to Expect on Sale This Year
Based on past years and early trends, some of the hottest Prime Day deals often include:
If you’ve had your eye on big-ticket items, this is likely the best time of year to grab them at a steep discount.
Final Thoughts: Shop Smart and Stay Informed
Amazon Prime Day can be an exciting opportunity to save big—but only if you go in prepared. The best deals go to those who plan ahead, set limits, and shop intentionally. Use the tips in this post to organize your shopping strategy and avoid common pitfalls like overspending or rushing into so-called “deals” that aren’t really deals.
Keep checking Amazon’s homepage and emails for updates leading up to Prime Day. And most importantly—have fun and happy shopping!
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
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