Amazon Prime Day can be a great opportunity to save on everything from electronics to household essentials, but not every deal is as good as it looks. Running June 23 through June 26, the annual shopping event features thousands of discounts from Amazon and third-party sellers.
While Amazon is known for convenience and competitive pricing, some products are actually cheaper elsewhere. Others carry risks such as counterfeits, quality concerns or significant markups from third-party vendors.
Before you click “Buy Now,” here are several categories of products that deserve a closer look.
Frequently returned items
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Because online shoppers can’t inspect products in person before buying, expectations don’t always match reality. As a result, some items are returned more often than others.
If you see an item that’s frequently returned, check the reviews to see if there’s information about the issues that buyers had with the product. It may be safest to shop for another product that isn’t returned frequently.
Trader Joe’s products
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Trader Joe’s doesn’t sell products directly on Amazon, including its popular seasonal and viral items. Products listed on Amazon are typically sold by third-party resellers, often at significantly higher prices than you’d pay in a Trader Joe’s store.
There’s also less transparency around how those products have been stored and handled before they reach your doorstep. As a result, you may end up paying a premium for an item that doesn’t meet the freshness or quality standards you’d expect from Trader Joe’s.
Costco Kirkland Signature products
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Kirkland Signature is Costco’s private label brand, and the products are intended for Costco members. The third-party sellers who sell these products on Amazon often charge substantial markups.
For example, a 52-ounce container Kirkland Signature H.K Anderson Valencia Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets are available on Amazon for $16.90. A 55-ounce container of the same product retails for $11.99 at Costco.
While you’ll need a Costco membership to shop at the warehouse, it might be worth the cost if you plan to regularly buy Kirkland Signature products.
Competitors’ smart-home technology
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Amazon sales might not be the best deals on smart-home technology. Manufacturer websites often run their own promotions, and these deals may be more competitive than Amazon’s.
For example, the Google Nest Hub Max is currently available through Google for $229. On Amazon, it retails for $93.25. Unless Amazon discounts it by nearly 50%, you’ll get a better deal buying it for full price from Google than you will buying it on sale from Amazon.
Since manufacturer prices are often lower than Amazon, be sure to comparison shop before checking out.
Impulse purchases disguised as deals
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Events like Amazon Prime Day are full of deals structured to encourage you to quickly make buying decisions. Features like Lightning Deals, which are often only available for a number of hours, pressure you to check out quickly. Countdown timers and limited deals which are gone once the available number of products are sold can further pressure impulse buys.
This perceived scarcity makes buyers worry that they’ll miss out if they don’t act quickly, and it can encourage unnecessary spending. If you’re worried about missing out on what seems to be a good deal, you might not take the time to comparison shop to ensure that the deal is actually worth it.
Try to resist the urge to make purchase decisions quickly. Price-tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel can also help you determine whether a sale is really a good deal compared to the product’s recent price.
Apple chargers and accessories from unknown sellers
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Because Amazon allows third-party sellers to list products on its marketplace, it’s important to pay attention to both the item you’re buying and the seller you’re buying it from. Counterfeit products remain a concern, particularly for accessories such as Apple chargers and cables.
Before making a purchase, verify that the seller is an authorized retailer or buy directly from the brand’s official storefront when possible. Counterfeit or low-quality chargers may not perform as expected and could pose safety risks.
While products from reputable sellers may cost a little more, the added reliability and peace of mind can be well worth the extra expense.
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Birkenstock footwear is another product category where authenticity can be a concern on Amazon. The company stopped selling directly through Amazon years ago, but some third-party sellers continue to list Birkenstock products on the marketplace.
If you’re considering a purchase, take the time to verify that the seller is reputable and that the product is authentic. When buying premium footwear, a lower price isn’t always a bargain if there’s a risk you’re not getting the genuine product.
Food sold by third-party vendors
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Food can be another risky purchase when it’s sold by third-party vendors on Amazon. Because you don’t know how products were stored, handled and shipped, there’s a greater chance of receiving items that are nearing their expiration date or have been damaged during transit.
Before buying, review the seller’s ratings and recent customer feedback for complaints about freshness, packaging or product quality. A few minutes of research can help you avoid an unpleasant surprise when your order arrives.
Beauty and skincare products from unknown sellers
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Beauty and skincare products are another category where shoppers need to be cautious. Counterfeit cosmetics remain an industry concern, and products sold by unauthorized sellers may not always be authentic.
In some cases, items may also be expired or improperly stored, which can affect their safety, quality and effectiveness.
To reduce your risk, purchase beauty and skincare products directly from a brand’s official storefront or an authorized retailer whenever possible.
Collectibles and luxury goods
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Think twice before buying collectibles and luxury goods, like designer handbags, high-end watches, and trading cards from Amazon.
These items often command premium prices, making authenticity a critical concern.
Because verifying these products can be difficult, shoppers may be better off purchasing them from authorized dealers or reputable specialty retailers that offer authentication services and product guarantees. Paying a little more for added confidence can help you avoid an expensive mistake.
While some Prime Day deals are worth considering, it’s still important to shop strategically. Before the sale begins, make a list of the items you actually need and set a budget to help avoid impulse purchases.
Don’t assume Amazon automatically has the lowest price, either. Many retailers run competing promotions during Prime Day, so taking a few minutes to comparison shop could help you find a better deal elsewhere.
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