It’s important to note that these tools may not always be foolproof. However, having the ability to view the pre-sale pricing of a product (and whether the MSRP has mysteriously increased) can be advantageous. By combining these tools, you can assess the value of a deal before making a purchase.
WIRED rigorously verifies deals to ascertain their worth. Check out our frequently updated deals coverage for curated lists of the hottest discounts available, both on Prime Day and throughout the year.
Understanding Lightning Deals
Lightning Deals are fleeting promotions that Amazon offers for a limited time period, typically lasting just a few hours. While not exclusive to Prime Day, they are particularly abundant during major sales events. Once an item sells out, you may have the opportunity to join a waitlist, but this is not guaranteed.
In essence, the selection of Lightning Deals often includes impulse purchases such as cosmetics, skincare items, and toys. Prime members can preview upcoming deals on Amazon’s website and mobile app. Additionally, the app can send you alerts prior to the commencement of a Lightning Deal. We will be showcasing some of our favorite Lightning Deals in a real-time blog during this year’s event.
How the Exclusive Deals System Functions
Premium deals tend to sell out quickly. To address this issue, Amazon introduced an exclusive deal program for Prime Day a few years back. Prime members can request invitations for items expected to sell out swiftly. While this feature is limited to certain products, it spans various price ranges and categories including kitchenware, electronics, fashion, and beauty products.
On the product page, you will find a “Request Invite” button on the right side. By clicking it, you stand a chance to purchase the item at the sale price, although being invited is not guaranteed. According to an Amazon representative, the company filters out “bot-like submissions” from the request list and selects from the remaining genuine customers. The selection process Amazon uses among the remaining interested buyers is somewhat ambiguous.
If you are chosen, you will receive notifications via email and the Amazon app once Prime Day kicks off. The deal remains valid until the conclusion of Prime Day, necessitating the purchase of the product before the two-day event concludes.
Alternative Methods to Secure a Deal before it’s Gone
Knowing the start time of a deal, actively monitor the product page around that time. Pre-adding an item to your cart before the sale begins may also allow you to swiftly snag it once the deal is live. Using the Amazon Shopping app (Android, iOS), you can configure personalized deal alerts to be notified when items you recently searched for are on sale, exclusive to Prime members.
It’s advisable to create accounts with reputable retailers so you can save your payment and shipping details in advance, streamlining the checkout process. Additionally, clearing your web browser cache before commencing your shopping spree on sales events like Prime Day is a wise move. However, don’t forget to log back into those retailers afterwards.
