IF you’re ordering from Amazon then here’s everything you need to know to make sure you get a good deal.
We take a look at how to find hidden discounts – and how to check if your bargain is legit.
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With the help of money-saving experts, we reveal six easy ways to save money when shopping with the online retailer.
Get up to 75% off
Bargain hunters at LatestDeals.co.uk have developed a free tool to help reveal hidden bargains on Amazon.
The amount you’ll save varies based on the item you’re looking for.
But they say you could get discounts of up to 70% off.
Get freebies
Amazon gives freebies randomly to Prime subscribers.
You’ll need to opt into the scheme via the Your Account section online and let Amazon know what categories you’re most interested in receiving samples from, such as groceries or beauty.
Of course, there’s no guarantee you’ll get a freebie – but do let us know how you get on.
The perk works on Amazon Alexa too.
Personal finance blogger Fiona Hawkes, who runs Savvy in Somerset, relies on this for trying products before committing to a big purchase.
She tells how often they’ll also save you money later on too: “Products often arrive with discount vouchers so you can save money if you decide to buy the product.
“Samples change quite often and past freebies have included cans of Coca Cola, toothpaste, energy drinks, crackers and coffee.
“Simply say, ‘Alexa, send me a sample.'”
Subscribe and save
Bargain blogger Mr Deals Manchester, swears by this trick for saving money on those items you order regularly.
He said: “When you subscribe to an item you get money off, but there are often special offers meaning you get an extra big discount.
“Subscribe and save [the item you want], then click ‘get sooner’ to have it delivered as normal – then immediately cancel the subscription so you bag the saving.”
But do the maths first. Worth out if you really will save money buying in bulk – and how much you need.
There’s no point spending extra cash if you don’t need it.
Do your research
MoneySavingExpert‘s assistant deals and features editor Oli Townsend recommends comparing Amazon prices with those of other online retailers too.
He said: “You can use sites such as Google Shopping, PriceSpy, and Price Runner to do a quick price comparison.
“It also boasts thousands of daily deals and while there are bargains to be had, not all will be a winner, so use the free online price-tracking tool CamelCamelCamel to see an item’s Amazon price history to check if you really are getting a good deal.”
For example, the site might claim you’re making a saving of £30 – but when you check the historian price it may have cost £50 less two weeks earlier.
Get 40% off with Warehouse deals
It’s a good idea to check Amazon’s warehouse deals – this is where you can purchase pre-owned and open-boxed products at a decent discount.
Earlier this week, we revealed how you can get as much as 40% off.
Just be aware that the packing might not be to the usual Amazon standard.
The same goes for Amazon Outlet, where shoppers can buy overstocked or faulty goods for a discount.
Britain’s Coupon Kid Jordon Cox said: “Quite often, you can see things with slight faults like a battered box or slightly damaged – but it doesn’t affect the usability of the items.
“For the rest of the stuff, it’s because they’ve just ordered way too much in for Christmas or a holiday and they haven’t sold it, so they sell it at a cheaper price.
“I even saw £100 off a pushchair, which had been used in the past once and sent back to Amazon.
“The box had been opened, but there’s absolutely nothing wrong with the contents inside.”
Split the cost
It is actually possible to have two adults on one Amazon Prime account.
Amazon Household means Prime users can link their account to one other adult’s.
You’ll both get access to Prime delivery, Prime Video and Prime music.
Membership usually costs about £7.99 a month – with two of you splitting the price, that’s less than £4 each.
The only thing to remember is that your credit and debit card details are shared with each other, so pick someone you trust.
Get it delivered for free
No one likes paying that extra £3 to £5 for delivery, added on at the end of your online order – so do your best to avoid it.
Money‘s senior personal finance editor James Andrew said: “The first thing to check is the free delivery cut off.
“If you’re paying for delivery as things stand, adding a little extra item to take you over the line could mean you pay less overall and get more as a result.”
Martin Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert has explained how to find secret Amazon bargains, saving you nearly 40% off your haul.
TikTok stars have also revealed the secret to making cash on Amazon.
And if you’re looking to cut costs elsewhere, we share our four easy tips on how to make your laundry cheaper – and they could save you £100 a year.
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