From the very best tips to avoid false deals to the perfect money-saving opportunities, there are plenty of reasons to do a little research before going head first into Amazon Prime Day on July 12 (and July 13).
It's easy to get caught up in all the hype for Prime Day, but I'm looking to take a level-headed approach here and just fire up some easy-to-digest tips, tricks, and vital info before the big shopping event starts. Here's 10 things you need to know before Amazon Prime Day 2022 kicks off.
1. Amazon Prime Day 'Starts' July 12
Officially this year we know Amazon Prime Day will take place over 48 hours on July 12 and 13. But, Amazon is still trying to filter some of its deals out a little sooner, and you should expect Amazon devices like Echo speakers or Fire TV sticks to go on sale earlier than that.
You'll need to be a Prime member to take part, but there is a free 30-day trial available which will cover you for the whole shopping event, alongside any other deals that pop up beforehand. So if you don't want to pay for Prime, you don't have to, just remember to turn off auto renewal as well.
2. Plan What You Want to Buy (Add To Your Wishlist)
So the gist is don't make impulse purchases. Amazon will absolutely try to catch you with some amazing deals, but if you're looking to play this shopping event strategically, try to avoid using the main Prime shopping page. Instead, plan out what you're hoping will go on sale, or what you're really looking to buy, and add it to your wishlist. Then, when Prime Day kicks off, just swan on over to your list and all the deals you've been hoping for might just appear in an easy-to-consume page.
3. You Can Top Up $50 and Get $12.50 Extra for Free
If you are planning to buy anything during Prime Day, this is the best tip to follow. Starting from July 12 at 12 AM PDT, Prime members will be able to top up $50 onto their Amazon account, and then receive an additional $12.50 for free on top. Reminder: This deal starts on July 12 and isn't live yet.
To qualify for this deal you have to be a Prime Member, use code GCPRIME22 in the "Gift Cards and Promotional Codes" box when you check out, and purchase at least $50 in qualifying Gift Cards in a single order. You must also be a "first-time gift card or balance reload purchaser" to take advantage of this. Top tip, if you're eligible, the offer will appear to you when clicking our links on Prime Day, and the code GCPRIME22 will be applicable to your order.
3. Always Double-Check The Seller on Amazon
Despite how reliable it can be, Amazon is still rife with potential scammers, and anyone can take part in the Prime Day sales. So, my biggest recommendation is to stick with brands you know, and double-check it's being sold either directly by them, known third-party, or via Amazon itself.
It's easy to spot this, just scroll down, and you'll see just below the 'Add to Basket' button there are 'Dispatches from' and 'Sold by' markers detailing where the item is coming from.
4. Get 3-Months of Audible Premium for Free
This is probably my favorite Prime Day deal, and it's already available. Prime members can currently get 3-months of Audible Premium Plus absolutely free.
That's an outstanding deal considering the membership would usually set you back $14.95 per month, so in total you're saving almost $45 overall on the service. So, if you're looking to kick off the summer sale season, and Prime Day savings in style, this could be a great shout.
5. Complete These Steps and Get Another $10 for Free on Prime Day
Amazon is also running a "Prime stamp card" promotion that nets Prime members $10 in Amazon credit. It's pretty simple, too. But, I only suggest going for this if you're already planning to buy something from Amazon before Prime Day, don't just buy anything for the sake of it.
You just need to stream a show on Prime Video, a song on Prime Music, borrow a book from Prime eReading, and then buy something Prime-eligible on Amazon that costs more than $5. As long as you do it before midnight on July 13, you've earned yourself $10 in Amazon bucks.
6. Check The Price History of Prime Day Deals
The best deal ever, might not be the best deal ever. We try our best here at IGN to not suggest any bogus deals during Prime Day (i.e deals that have been cheaper in the past few months).
To help, look out for us stating 'best price ever' or 'best price in 2022' on our Prime Day articles or tweets @IGNDeals or @IGNUKDeals. Otherwise, I also suggest using something like CamelCamelCamel to check the recent price history on any deals you're considering getting. Moreover, do some research now on whatever you might want to buy, and see what the best price has been on it recently, so on Prime Day you'll know whether you getting a better deal or not.
7. Get $20 For Backing Up Photos with Amazon
This is another ridiculously easy way to get free Amazon credit. If you're a first-time user, download the Amazon Photo app, to either your phone or desktop, and upload at least one photo. That's it. In 4 days or less, Amazon will send you an email with a $20 credit to spend during Prime Day.
8. Prime Members Get Priority Access to PS5 Consoles
Amazon is offering the PS5 console, or PS5 Horizon Forbidden West bundle by invitation only, and Prime members will get priority. We haven't heard too many murmurings of invites being sent out yet, but Amazon could be waiting to send out loads during the Prime Day sales, so sign up now and get ready to buy when you're invited.
You must first be logged in to your Amazon account, then click on the "Request Invitation" button. If you don't see the button, then you'll have to first scroll down a little bit and click on "New & Used from $499.99 & Free Shipping" toward the right-hand side of the product page and select the "Amazon" vendor.
9. Get 6-Months of Amazon Prime Student for Free
If you're a student, or maybe you've got a generous student living with you who will graciously share their account, you can save even more on Amazon Prime, with Amazon Prime Student. (Requires .edu email address).
Costing just $69 per year, Prime Student comes with all the benefits of a Prime membership (free two-day shipping, Prime Video, etc), and even throws in a few extra incentives as well. New members can sign up for a 6-month free trial and will only have to pay $7.49/month, or $69/year after the trial expires.
10. Lightning Deals Are a Thing, But Easy to Miss
Amazon likes to host lots of limited-time lightning deals during Prime Day, many of which can sell out within minutes. Yeah, so these can come and go very quickly, especially if it's a popular item or a stellar deal. But, we'll cover the very best of these via our IGN Deals Twitter accounts (@IGNDeals or @IGNUKDeals), so make sure you're following them before Prime Day kicks off this year.
Robert Anderson is a deals expert and Commerce Editor for IGN. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter.