These 11 Amazon Shopping Secrets Will Save You A Boatload Of Money

Let’s face it, Amazon is the main source for almost all of my shopping.  While Amazon typically has very competitive prices, there are some things you can do to make sure you are saving the most possible.

It’s important to note that there are plenty of situations when Amazon doesn’t have the best price on an item (especially smaller value items).  So always do a price comparison on items you buy frequently with your local store too.

Here are 11 tricks to use to make sure you get the best deal and save even more when shopping at Amazon.

Related:  7 Free Perks You Get With Amazon Prime That You Probably Don’t Know About.

1.   Prices Change Daily So Buy At The Lowest Price

Prices for items on Amazon change daily. If I buy anything more than $20 (and I don’t need to get it immediately), I make sure to check the price on camelcamelcamel.com.

With this free service you copy and paste the URL for the Amazon item you want to buy and it will show you the price history. This way you know if you should hold off or buy.  You can even put in price drop alerts and the site will email (or text) you if the price drops to your target level.

2.  Trade Your Old Stuff For Amazon Gift Cards

Amazon will gladly take all that old stuff off your hands. And it doesn’t matter if you originally bought it on Amazon or not. The best part about is that the shipping is completely free!   Here’s how you do it.

1. Search for an item you would like to trade in (movies, books, electronics, etc.)

2. You will receive a pre-paid shipping label. Just print out and ship to Amazon.

3. Get Amazon gift credit in your account within 10 days after your trade-in arrives.

3.  Buy used from Amazon Warehouse

A lot of the items you buy are also available used from the Amazon Warehouse.  When available through the warehouse, you can pick up a slightly used version of the product for 15-20% off the retail price.  To see if Amazon is selling a used version of the item, just click on the “Buy It Used” or “used” link option on the product page and look for ones being sold through Amazon Warehouse or Fulfilled by Amazon.

I like using Amazon Warehouse because everything is sold and ships directly from Amazon.  So if you have any problems with the used items, Amazon will take them back and even cover shipping.

4.  Ask For A Price Adjustment

Amazon has the best customer service I’ve experienced.  I’ve found that in 85% of the situations that I live chat or call them, they will provide a credit back on price changes.   This applies to most items within 7 days of original purchase.   Remember, it never hurts to ask.

I also always use the Live Chat option so I can easily do while watching TV.

5.  Shop The Outlet

It’s the best of both worlds.  Amazon Outlet combines the convenience of online shopping with great deals on close-out or overstocked items.  Here is the full list of deals here.  The deals are typically 30% off or more from the original price.

Remember these change on a daily basis so keep checking.   It’s part of my daily routine to check this out.

6. Take Advantage of Price Matching

A little known fact is that Amazon does price matching on any TV purchase with select brands.   Here is a full list of the retailers in which Amazon will offer price matching.

7.  If You Don’t Need Something In Two Days (with Prime), Then Take The Store Credit

I’m a very impatient person, especially when you get used to everything coming to your house in two days with Amazon Prime. However, during checkout, you can elect to ship via standard times (3-5 business days) and you will get $1 credit to buy eBooks, digital videos, and more.

This doesn’t sound like much, but if you do this for most of your non-urgent items, this can add up to a few free books or movies a year.

8. Save 20% on Diapers and More with Amazon Family

If you have little ones still in diapers, Amazon has a great deal.  First, make sure to sign-up for Amazon Family (formally known as Amazon Mom).  You automatically get 20% off all things for your baby including diapers and wipes.  No need to lug those big boxes of diapers from the grocery store because with this discount, the price is really competitive.

You can sign up for Amazon Family here

9. Call Them Out If A Shipping Date Is Missed and Get A Refund

If you have Amazon Prime and your order does not arrive by the guaranteed time, contact Amazon and they will refund you the shipping rates for your order.   Again, I like to use the Live Chat feature so I can do while watching TV.

Here are the full details.

10.  Take Advantage Of The Subscribe And Save Discount

Amazon lets you subscribe to items you order frequently.  This way you don’t have to do anything and they magically show up on your doorstep.  There is a 5% discount if you subscribe to one item.  However, if you subscribe to more than 5 items, the discount jumps to 15% for all of the items.

Go here for more information.

11.  Get All Sorts Of Free Stuff With Amazon Prime

You probably know you get access to videos free with Amazon prime.  But there are lot of other great free benefits that you get when you are an amazon Prime member.  Check out our  popular article on the 7 Free Perks You Get With Amazon Prime That You Probably Don’t Know About.

This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Checkout Simplemost for other great tips and ideas to make the most out of life.