Amazon sells pretty much anything you could could ever want—and lots of stuff you don't. (An ashtray shaped like a boat? Huh?) And since they make it so damn easy to get all of it delivered right to your doorstep, you're probably well versed in One-Click Shopping. But pause that shopping finger for a Subscribe & Save-loving minute: There are lots of sneaky ways to save money on Amazon that you're probably not taking advantage of, so review this list before you stock up on a case of dish soap or a lifetime supply of black tights.
With Kindle First, Prime members can download one of the featured books every month. Typically the books come out ahead of their actual release date, too—so you can get a head start on Wake in Winter before your wine-and-book club.
Yes, half: Did you know you can share a Prime membership with your S.O, best friend, or parents? Amazon lets you share Prime with one other person, and you both get all the benefits. Just create an Amazon Household and add a lucky someone to your account. (Or, if you're not a member yet, ask your sister or a friend to go halfsies with you.) You'll get your next beauty splurge delivered to your door, and your boyfriend can get whatever gadget he’s currently fixated on.
Another secret Prime bonus? You can get free shipping from all your ShopBop purchases, like this sunny Rebecca Minkoff bag to brighten up a gray day.
Apparently (and allegedly, we’ll add), Amazon occasionally inflates prices for Prime members to make up money they might lose on that two-day shipping. The workaround is to open up two browsers—so open Amazon in Chrome and sign into your account, then open Amazon in Safari and don't log in. Search for the product you want—like, say, these morning-run headphones—and if the price on the item you want is less expensive in Safari, add it to your cart and then wait to sign in until you're prompted at checkout.
If you’re a movie, book, or music fan (um, if you have a pulse), a Prime member, and not in a huge rush to get your shipment, select the “FREE No-Rush Shipping” option. You'll get a $1 credit added to your account that you can use for digital content—like a Friday-night movie that’s not included with your Prime membership (say, Crazy Stupid Love). Depending on the product, you can also receive Prime Pantry credit.
Keep an eye out for prices on a specific item that are listed as a range: It typically means that one or more colors will be cheaper than the others. For things where color really doesn’t matter—say, cheap cutting boards or appliances you won’t keep on display—you can definitely save big by not being super-picky about the color. Sure, the “off-white pearl” color of this Cuisinart immersion blender is pretty—but you’ll save $48 by going with the plain white one.
Amazon has a policy called Guaranteed Accelerated Delivery, which means they promise to send you your stuff by the date they say. For Prime members, a late shipment could score an extra month extension of the service if they don’t deliver (ha) on time. So keep tabs on delivery dates and let them know when your Pantry box packed with Boomchickapop doesn't arrive in time.
Never run out of toilet paper again with Subscribe & Save. Set recurring shipments at whatever intervals you want for things you run out of on a consistent basis—trash bags, laundry detergent, paper towels—and get a 5 percent discount. To save even more: Subscribe to five products for a consistent 15 percent discount on all of them. Fewer trips to the store and a savings? Win-win. (Plus, no more schlepping bulky boxes and cases).
Amazon has a habit of introducing its electronic products at steep discounts for Prime members: Echo, for example, was first offered to Prime members at $99 instead of the regular retail price of $179.
Yep, Amazon's virtual shopping space is even bigger than you thought: Amazon Warehouse features open box and refurbished items, and the Amazon Outlet sells pre-owned and brand-new items that have been discontinued or are out of season. It’s a great place to score a good discount on things like outdoor gear, electronics, and bicycles, like this super-cute Fixie road bike that’s just one model behind the newest one on offer.
If you’re shopping for groceries on Amazon (which we highly suggest, BTW), keep an eye out for items that say “coupon available”—or head straight to amazon.com/coupons to get right to the good stuff. The price listed will be without the coupon, but once you’re on the product page, click the green button that says “clip coupon”—and the discount will come off in your cart. Those Cheerios at $3.98 just got even cheaper with $.50 off.
If you’re a member of Prime, the store card will save you an additional 5 percent on everything all year. If you use Amazon Pantry for things like groceries or office supplies or have those subscription boxes going, this is a great way to save even more.
Start your virtual shopping trip on ebates.com/amazon then click through to Amazon. The cash-back rates fluctuate, but Ebates is currently offering 5.5 percent back on luggage, sporting goods, and outdoor recreation purchases. Once you've racked up $25 in savings, Ebates will send you a check—so they're basically paying you to shop.
