Tips for Shopping at Amazon.com

by Andrea Hermitt | More from this Blogger

16 Sep 2009 11:27 PM

Amazon.com is a frugal person's paradise, especially when you are in the market for school books or Christmas presents. Their second-hand market is comparable to Ebay prices and if a sale does not go the way you think it should, Amazon.com is glad to run interference... unlike eBay.

When there is an item I need to buy and did not pay full price I find that my search often ends at Amazon. From vitamins, to hair oils, to homeschool supplies, and electronics. I have even purchased dressy clothes and formal wear. You can't go wrong with Amazon.com if you know how to shop on the site. Here are my tips for shopping on Amazon.com.

1. Don't buy individual items or you will get swamped in shipping prices, especially when you are buying books. Amazon.com will give you free shipping if you spend $25.00. So if I need SAT study books for instance, that comes to $12.00, I put the item in my shopping cart and try to think of what else I might need. I may leave these items in my shopping cart for up to a few weeks (you can leave them indefinitely or until the item is out of stock)until I need something else, then I put the item in my shopping cart. When my balance reaches $25.00 I make my purchase with free shipping.

2. Second hand items are not always available for free shipping, but you should always check before buying them because some are. You can choose the "new" or "used" option and choose the button that says "FREE Super Saver Shipping offers only". The items may cost more than the cheapest second hand item, but changes are it will be in better condition, plus if you count the price plus shipping you will find that you are paying an equal or better price.

3. Take advantage of Amazon Prime when buying a high priced item. When purchasing a high priced item, usually around Christmas time, I will purchase Amazon Prime membership. Amazon Prime costs $79.00 a year but gives you free shipping for the entire year. Sometimes there is an additional discount awarded for joining Amazon prime and when making a large purchase, the discount can be as much as the cost of the membership, so it doesn't make sense to not buy it.

Andrea Hermitt writes for parenting (specifically teens), the home blog, and also the frugal blog, and homeschooling at families.com.

Also read:

Gift Shopping Year Round

Dust Free Thrift Store Shopping

Frugalista Fashions: Free Finds From His Closet

Learn more about Andrea Hermitt

Andrea Hermitt is a native New Yorker currently residing in GA. She has been married for over 16 years and has two teenage children.

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