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Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days is set to offer thousands in discounts during its exclusive “October Prime Day” sale. However, consumers should be cautious as not every “deal” is genuinely worthwhile.
To assist shoppers in making informed choices, we present a list of items to avoid during this event.
Avoid products sold and shipped by third parties
To ensure a safe shopping experience, it’s best to purchase items sold and shipped directly by Amazon, rather than from unknown third-party sellers. While many third-party sellers are credible, a significant number may not be, posing risks of scams or counterfeit products. Although Amazon’s “A-to-z Guarantee” offers some protection, navigating that process can be cumbersome.
To verify a seller, check the product page just below the “Buy Now” button. If it states “Ships from Amazon.com” and “Sold by Amazon.com,” you can proceed with confidence, knowing you’ll have access to Amazon’s customer service and return policies.
Any deal that seems too good to be true…probably is
To determine if an item’s discounted price is a legitimate bargain, cross-check it against its manufacturer’s website for the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). Amazon is known to mark up prices, making discounts appear more significant. Additionally, comparing prices with competitors is advisable since retailers often match or undercut Amazon’s deals.
For further insight, use tracking tools to monitor an item’s price history on Amazon. This data can provide clarity on whether a sale truly represents a bargain.
For instance, consider an item that is marked down significantly; however, historical price data might indicate that it rarely sells for its inflated MSRP, thus revealing the “discount” to be less impressive than advertised.
Impulse buys: Just say ‘no’
A sale does not necessitate a purchase. It’s crucial to assess whether you genuinely need the item, regardless of how appealing the price may seem. Many consumers report experiencing regret over impulse buys, particularly those prompted by sales events. The fear of missing out (FOMO) can lead to decisions that may later be second-guessed.
Stay away from Ring camera deals
During Prime events, numerous deals on Ring products surface, but buying these may not be wise if you value privacy. The brand has faced scrutiny due to past security concerns and handling of user data. Given these issues, it is advisable for consumers to think twice before purchasing Ring home security equipment.
