Contrary to popular belief, everything isn’t always cheaper on Amazon. However, knowing how and when to shop on Amazon can help ensure that you always get the best deal possible – even if you end up having to go off of Amazon to get it. A few things to keep in mind…
Amazon is not always the cheapest.
Get that through your head, and you will be well on your way to being a smart bargain hunter. Amazon may be the first place you look when you’re shopping for a book or other merchandise, but don’t let it be the only place. Amazon, which began life as “Earth’s largest bookstore,” branched out over the years and now of course offers much more than books, having worked very diligently to build its business model as a “one stop shop.” Customers are strongly encouraged to do all of their buying from Amazon or one of its partners, and though this may be tempting it can be worth your while to take a few extra minutes to shop around.
Even Amazon Marketplace, where external sellers offer a range of new and used merchandise, will not necessarily be a cheaper option than buying directly from the seller in question. Formerly Amazon had a “price parity” policy that disallowed sellers from offering items less elsewhere, but this has ended, so it is always smart to check the retailer’s own web site too.
Use shopbots.
Perhaps you simply enjoy browsing on Amazon, and if so don’t let us discourage you. But if you are in a hurry and are serious about price comparison, you can use shopping robots, or shopbots. Shopbots can buzz their way through hundreds of Internet retailer to find the cheapest price for the item you are looking for. One to try is MoneySavingExpert.com’s Mega Shopbot.
Don’t overlook eBay.
You may see some amazing prices on Amazon Marketplace, but again, never assume anything. Always check online auction sites such as eBay to see if you can get your item more cheaply.
Track the price.
Just because something is “cheap,” that doesn’t necessarily make it a good buy for you. And even if Amazon lists a price as reduced that doesn’t mean it’s cheap. If you really want a realistic perspective, copy and past any item’s Amazon web address into a site that charts price changes, CamelCamelCamel (http://uk.camelcamelcamel.com/). This site can reveal the truth about whether or not that “discount” price really is a discount, and the results may surprise you.
Amazon’s price on many items is constantly changing. So if you’re patient and don’t need your item right away, you can also use CamelCamelCamel to monitor the price till it’s more to your liking. Enter the price you want to pay on a given item and the site will send you an email when Amazon reaches that price. Waiting until a particular item reaches your desired price might not always be an option and you may consider a payday loan to provide the additional funds to make your purchase when you need it.
Save on delivery costs.
Amazon has a “super saver” deal that allows UK shoppers to get free delivery in most categories with a £10 minimum purchase. Keep in mind that not all items are eligible for free delivery, including most Marketplace sales. Also, be sure you do not pay more by default. Even if you qualify for the super saver free delivery, you have to select the “super saver delivery” box when you check out. Otherwise you’ll end up paying the delivery option that Amazon has chosen for you by default.
Join Amazon Associates and earn free cash
If your write a blog or have a web site you can set up a free account with Amazon Associates, which allows you to earn Amazon vouchers for linking to Amazon from your site. Follow Amazon’s instructions for adding links and banners to your site, and then whenever someone clicks on Amazon from your site and completes a transaction it is recorded. You are paid a 5% commission, which you can receive in the form of cash or an Amazon discount. This commission can increase to 10%, depending upon the quantity sold and the category.
Note, however, that Amazon will only pay out once your commission hits £25 for vouchers or £50 for cash payouts. Also ineligible are items that you purchase yourself, and anything ordered for delivery to your home address or paid for on a credit card or other account registered to that address.
There are literally hundreds of tips, tricks, and workarounds to make Amazon work better for you, so keep your eye on the moneysaving web sites for more pointers. You’ll do fine if you remember that Amazon, though a marvelous and certainly a convenient resource, is not the only store in Cyberspace. Always be willing to explore other options too.
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