Even if you’re not an Amazon fan, you can’t deny how easy it is to find just about anything you want. That includes, of course, gifts.
There’s also account security to consider. You should remove your Amazon public profile, for one. Tap or click for five security steps every Amazon shopper should take.
Then we get to the money. Whether you’re buying presents or doing regular shopping, there are tricks you can use to save a pretty penny.
1. Sign up for an Amazon business account
If you shop on Amazon a lot, you likely have a Prime account. Here are some of my favorite perks included with the subscription.
An Amazon business account gives you perks you don’t get with a Prime account. You get exclusive discounts and can sell products and services to other businesses. You still get free shipping and access to Prime Day deals, Lightning Deals and Prime Early Access.
Tap or click here to start your free Amazon business account.
Related: Life tip you won’t find on TikTok: 9 photos you should always have on your phone at your fingertips
2. Don’t forget about Lightning Deals
Unlike Prime Days, Lightning Deals happen all the time. Lightning deals generally include products with limited stock or a set time limit. For example, a smart speaker could be on sale for 75% off for three hours or until it sells out. If you see a deal you like, grab it before it’s gone.
Lightning deals can be found throughout Amazon and are available on the Today’s Deals page. You can also browse upcoming sales and add yourself to the waitlist to get an alert when the deal is active. Don’t wait, though. You’ll only have a limited amount of time to make a purchase.
Here’s the bad news: Amazon shares your private info — unless you do something about it.
3. Don’t forget to cut coupons
No scissors are necessary for these coupons. When shopping, look for a checkbox near the item’s price. If you click, a virtual coupon will be applied. If you don’t click, you don’t get the discount. Ensure you’ve saved all you can before submitting your order.
4. Be patient
Do you need every item rushed to your door? When you can wait, you’ll get a little something in return.
Select a later shipping date to get credit towards future orders or media at checkout. When you select a delivery date, you’ll see any available incentives for no-rush delivery. These are often small credits toward media like audiobooks, but it all adds up.
 5. Check out the Amazon credit card
This is not financial advice, and you shouldn’t spend money you don’t have. That said, the Amazon Prime Rewards credit card has some pretty good benefits when you use it to shop on Amazon.com.
- You get 3% cash back on Amazon and Whole Foods Market purchases.
- Earn 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores.
- Get 1% back on all other purchases.
- You can even get 10% or more back on select Prime products.
You also get an Amazon gift card upon approval.
Tap here to fill out an application for an Amazon Rewards card and see if you qualify.
 6. Another way to score discounted products
Amazon Warehouse features items that were returned or slightly used. This includes refurbished or open-box items. It’s an excellent source for video games, appliances, power tools, cameras, school supplies and electronics in general. You can use your Prime benefits for free shipping, and there’s a good return policy.
Tap or click here to check out some wares from Amazon Warehouse. Check out the item’s condition so you know what you’re getting.
On the other hand, Amazon Outlet includes closeout, clearance, and overstock items. For example, you may find holiday items out of season ridiculously cheap.
You probably won’t find popular high-end items from Apple and Sony, but you can find good deals on accessories and lesser-known brands. Tap or click here to check out Amazon Outlet.
Bonus Tip: 10 security terms you need to know right now
You can’t protect your privacy and security if you don’t know the lingo. This episode covers 10 important security terms you need to know and tells you why they’re so crucial.
Check out my podcast “Kim Komando Explains” on Apple, Google Podcasts, or your favorite podcast player.
Listen to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search for my last name, “Komando.”
What digital lifestyle questions do you have? Call Kim’s national radio show and tap or click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen to or watch The Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet, television, or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim’s free podcasts.
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