The key to getting a great deal on Amazon is knowing when to shop. Unlike brick and mortar retailers, Amazon rarely advertises its clearance sales. However, you can still hit them if you know how to predict when they will happen. Some sales are even every day!
Know When to Shop for Specific Items
According to Consumer Reports, online retailers like Amazon have clearance sales on specific items at certain times of the year. On Amazon, these may not be advertised as clearance events, but you'll likely notice a price drop on these items at the same times. Bedding, for example, often goes on sale in January. The price history for Amazon's top selling sheets, the Mellanni Bed Sheet Set, supports this theory. Camel, Camel, Camel reports that the sheets were just under $12 in January, less than half their normal retail price. If you're in the market for something specific, keeping this schedule in mind can help you save.
First Quarter - Bedding, TVs, and More
There are certain things that are less expensive during the first three months of the year. Watch for price drops on these items as Amazon clears room for new products:
- Televisions
- Digital cameras
- Fitness products
- Humidifiers
- Space heaters
Second Quarter - Cleaning and Outdoor Living
During the second quarter, Amazon may be having clearance deals on items for cleaning or outdoor living, especially if these items aren't the current model. Watch for good deals on the following:
- Vacuum cleaners
- Gas grills
- Blenders
- Power tools
- Smart watches
- Air purifiers
Third Quarter - Computers and Appliances
Along with the rush of back-to-school shopping, Amazon needs to make room for all the new items coming in time for the big holiday season. During the third quarter, they may have clearance on the following items:
- Dehumidifiers
- Kitchen and laundry appliances
- Computers and tablets
- Leaf blowers and lawn care items
- Printers
Fourth Quarter - Audio and Fitness
The last three months of the year are a busy time for retailers like Amazon, and it's usually not a great time for deals in general. However, smart shopping can get you great clearance deals on items for staying fit, as well as things that make great gifts. Check out the following examples:
- Smoke detectors and safety products
- Headphones and speakers
- Fitness devices
- Coffee makers
Watch for Prime Day in July
Typically in mid-July, Amazon has a huge clearance event called Prime Day. This is a great time to get tons of good deals. The date changes every year, so it's important to watch for updates about the exact timing. You can keep up to date by checking the Prime Day webpage. Good Housekeeping notes there are certain items that have the best clearance deals on Prime Day, especially televisions, toys, and high-tech devices for the home or personal use.
Daily Clearance Events
Amazon also has sales every day, although you can't always predict what type of item will be involved. There are several ways to save.
Deal of the Day
If you're not shopping for something specific, it's always a good plan to check out Amazon's Deal of the Day and Lightning Deals. These short clearance events promote different products every day. You can find out what is by looking at the Today's Deals page. If you have your eye on a specific item and want to know when it will go on sale, Business Insider recommends using the Amazon Assistant browser extension on your computer or tablet. The extension lets you set alerts for when something is on sale so you can jump on it right away.
Prime Pantry Coupons and Clearance
Although Prime Pantry doesn't have sales exactly, it does have daily coupons that change all the time and help the site clear out extra merchandise. There are savings on everything from ketchup to soap, and you can check out the coupons of the day at the Pantry Deals page. You can also shop the clearance section, where most things are at least 10 percent off the regular price. MashupMom also notes it's a good idea to check out Prime Pantry Promos for clearance deals if you want to stock up on something by buying several and getting one free.
Amazon Outlet
One of the ways Amazon clears out overstocked merchandise is through its Outlet. USA Today recommends this method as a way to save on all kinds of items, from clothing to phone cases. Many things are 50 to 75 percent off the original price. It's a great way to save on a daily basis, especially if you aren't looking for something specific.
Take the Time to Strategize
Whether you're shopping for a specific item that tends to go on clearance during a certain time of the year or you just love a bargain when you see it, Amazon has great clearance sales throughout the year. Taking the time to strategize about when to shop will help you save.
