Amazon’s fall sale—Prime Big Deal Days—is one of the best opportunities each year to save on a wide range of goods. But getting the best deals takes a bit of planning. Here’s how to shop smart, ahead of time, and score the items you want at the best prices.
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What You Need to Know First
- Dates: October 7–8, 2025.
- Who can shop: Prime members only. If you aren’t already a member, now’s the time to join or start a trial.
- What to expect: Deals across tons of categories—tech, home goods, toys, beauty, clothing, etc. Early deals are already live. (Homes and Gardens)
Tips & Strategies to Save BIG
Here are concrete tactics to save more and avoid buyer’s remorse.
- Make a wishlist & track items early
- Identify things you actually want/need ahead of time. Save them in “Wish List” or “Save for Later” (or similar). (WIRED)
- Monitor their prices now (many early deals are live) so you know if the eventual discount is really a deal. (About Amazon)
- Use price comparison tools
- Tools or browser extensions like CamelCamelCamel, Keepa, Honey, etc., help see historical prices to judge whether a deal is legit. (Homes and Gardens)
- Also check competing retailers: sometimes price matching or similar sales elsewhere may beat or match Amazon.
- Leverage Prime perks and Amazon’s features
- Activate deal notifications: Alexa, app notifications, and email alerts for items in your wishlist/cart can help you know when they drop. (Lifewire)
- Use Amazon’s “Lists,” “Buy Again,” or “Save for Later” features to keep tabs on things. (About Amazon)
- Make sure your shipping address / Prime status is ready so there are no delays or surprises.
- Stack savings when possible
- Look for items with additional coupons or rebates. Amazon sometimes offers color syncups (clip a coupon), bundles, etc. (Redstone Bank)
- Use Amazon credit cards (Prime Visa, Prime Store Card) if you have them—there are often bonus cash back opportunities during Big Deal Days. (About Amazon)
- Check for “Subscribe & Save” for items you use regularly—sometimes these are discounted. (Redstone Bank)
- Set a budget and prioritize
- It’s easy to get carried away with deals. Set a spending cap or priority list (e.g. tech first, then home, then gifts).
- Decide in advance which items are “must-haves” vs nice-to-haves, so you’re not chasing everything.
- Time things right
- Lightning Deals or limited-quantity (flash) deals go fast. If there are things you must have, be ready when they drop.
- Early deals: some categories are going to start with discounts even before the main event—keep an eye on those. (About Amazon)
- Check return policies & shipping
- Make sure the item you’re buying can be returned if the deal seems better elsewhere or if you change your mind.
- Also check whether shipping is free or if there are hidden costs (fast shipping, etc.). Prime helps here, but it’s still good to pay attention.
- Post-event follow-ups
- After Prime Big Deal Days, monitor your purchases for any price drops. Sometimes Amazon will honor price changes/coupons etc.
- Review everything you bought: ensure nothing is damaged, wrong, or not as described. Use Amazon’s customer service to resolve.
What to Watch Out For / Avoid
- Deals that aren’t really deals: Some “discounts” are from inflated “list prices.” Always compare historical pricing.
- Impulse buys: Just because something is cheaper doesn’t mean you need it.
- Inventory issues: If you wait too long, things you want may sell out, or the price may creep back up.
- Shipping or delivery delays: Especially for larger items or during busy periods. Order early enough.
Sample Timeline: What You Can Do Before & During Big Deal Days
| Timeframe | Actions to Take |
|---|---|
| Now – a couple of weeks before | Make your wish list. Monitor early deals. Sign up for Prime (or ensure your membership is current). Research price histories. Set up alerts (Alexa, app). |
| 1–2 days before | Finalize priorities & budget. Check carts, save for later. Identify “must-buy” items. Plan the time you’ll shop so you’re ready when deals drop. |
| On the day(s) — Oct 7–8 | Be online when deals go live, especially flash deals. Use fast checkout. Use Prime card bonuses. Don’t delay on must-have items. |
| After the event | Check for price adjustments. Review purchases. Return or exchange anything as needed. Reflect on what worked/didn’t for next time. |
Why It’s Smart to Shop During October Prime Big Deal Days
- It kicks off the holiday season early, so many of your gift-shopping or seasonal needs may be covered. (Kiplinger)
- Some categories often see their best deals now (electronics, home) before prices creep up during Black Friday or closer to holidays. (Lifewire)
- Early access for Prime members gives you a head start over general holiday discounting.
We hope this event kickstarts your holiday shopping season in a way that makes it more affordable. Want further help identifying great deals? Don’t forget to join our Christmas Deals & Toys Group on Facebook!