Amazon Prime Day promises unbeatable deals on electronics, kitchen appliances, and luggage, but some of those discounts can be disappointing at best—and a savvy shopper’s nightmare at worst. It’s no secret that we only share the sales that meet our stringent standards, both for what qualifies as a deal and what makes a good product. Using these tips below, you can shop like a Wirecutter deals expert and know which Amazon Prime Day deals to avoid.
Don’t get burned by a bogus bargain. Just because a retailer says something is a deal doesn’t mean the deal is worth your time—or even a deal at all. Tracking prices, searching for coupons, and leveraging price match policies are among our deals team’s money-saving tricks. We also recommend avoiding sale promotions that require you to jump through a series of hoops for a meager discount.
Many retailers will also tout tempting Prime Day sales on Amazon Fire TVs and other cheap TVs. But while some deals may be worth it, many of these markdowns are largely a waste of money in the long-term. We recommend spending a little bit more on brands we’ve vetted because you’ll get a lot more bang for your buck by way of features, quality and experience—especially if the TV you’re buying will be your daily driver.
Just say no to no-name brands. Not all nameless brands are necessarily bad. But if a deal seems too good to be true, that’s because it probably is. Knockoff and no-name brands can typically justify their low prices by cutting corners elsewhere, from poor quality to lousy customer service and warranties (if any at all).
Don’t fear the refurb. Buying refurbished products can be a great way to save a few extra bucks, particularly on big-ticket items and brands like Dyson. We recommend keeping this trifecta in mind when considering a renewed or refinished product:
- It should be directly refurbished by the manufacturer,
- It should come with at least a 90-day warranty, and
- It should allow for free returns
Some sales may be worth the wait. Just because something is on sale doesn’t mean it’s the best time to buy. Prime Day can be a good time to snag some affordable outdoor and camping gear. But if you’re willing to wait until Labor Day, you’re likely to see deep discounts on high-end brands. And if you live in a state that offers tax-free shopping holidays in August and September, it could be worth your while to hold off on those large back to school purchases like laptops and tablets.
Prime Day “doorbusters” from direct to consumer merchants can also be viewed with a healthy dose of skepticism—they may have sales, but their markdowns later in the year are likely better. For example, our experts swear by ThermoWorks thermometers, but if you’re looking to get one on the cheap, you’re likely to see price drops that are just as good (if not better) during Black Friday.
