Amazon Isn't Always The Most Affordable Option Anymore

Like a lot of people, I have been obsessed with the convenience Amazon offers consumers.

They were ahead of their time, the curve, etc. In more recent years, Amazon’s competition has been playing catch up and has been forced to offer most of what Amazon has offered for years. In some cases, even more than what Amazon can currently offer. While Amazon has thrived easily with online shopping, they quickly took over other industries. Amazon has taken full advantage of AI for years, being one of the first online retailers to offer personalized product recommendations. Their innovation and efficiency strategies have crushed the competition in many industries.

Especially during and after the pandemic, the competition has found new and creative ways to catch up.

Online Stores (Big & Small)

• An online presence, in general. Some retailers were slow to move to fully functioning online.

• Not as crazy expensive shipping costs.

eBay:

• Local pick-up option

• Essential items like groceries and personal care products, expand their reach beyond traditional categories.

Target

• Target Circle App

• Recently, Target 360 subscription service

• Bulk buy deals like “Spend $50 on Cleaning Supplies, Get $15 in Target Gift Cards”

• Drive-Up orders

Walmart

• 3rd Party Sellers

• Walmart+

• Drive-Up orders

I’ve made more of a conscious effort to spread my money around to other retailers aside from Amazon. As of 2024, Amazon’s market share is 37.8% in the US (according to Statista).

Seeing the retail market share stats, reading about both large and small businesses closing down and some other facts that won’t get into in this article. I noticed that when you have time to shop around, Amazon really hasn’t been the cheapest option for a variety of products. Aside from Amazon being at the forefront of technology for online shopping, they were known for being the cheapest option if you wanted your items delivered ASAP with no insane shipping charge. Amazon Prime Day deals aren’t always a deal - IF you have time to actually shop around. Amazon has created such great brand power that we’re convinced it’s always the cheapest option. Here are some things to consider when shopping for the cheapest option online:

• Amazon doesn’t have rebates or cash back

• Amazon doesn’t have coupon codes (, but does offer some “coupons” that you click on to apply to some products while you’re on that product page).

• Amazon doesn’t have a loyalty points systems.

• Amazon doesn't offer gifts with purchase

SNEAKY WAYS DEALS AREN’T ALWAYS DEALS

1. PRICES INFLATED WEEKS BEFORE: Amazon presents what appears to be significant discounts during the Prime Day event, but in reality, you might be paying the same or even more than the pre-Prime Day price.

2. LOWER QUALITY PRODUCTS: Some Prime Day deals feature lesser-known brands or products of lower quality. While Amazon is known for selling reputable products, during Prime Day, it's essential to carefully review the brands and read customer reviews to ensure you're getting the quality you expect.

3. SUPPOSED LIMITED QUANTITIES: This creates a sense of urgency that may lead shoppers to make impulsive purchases without thoroughly researching the product.

4. DYNAMIC PRICING: Dynamic pricing algorithms adjust prices based on factors like demand, competitor pricing, and inventory levels. This means that prices can fluctuate and a product might not always be at its lowest price on Amazon.

This is how you can make Prime Day work for you:

1. PRICE MONITORING BEFORE EVENT: Use price-tracking tools or apps to monitor product prices leading up to Prime Day. This can help you determine if the deal is genuinely a discount.

2. DO YOUR RESEARCH: Before the event. Read reviews, compare prices on different platforms, and verify the credibility of the brand.

3. STICK TO YOUR BUDGET: The excitement of the event can lead to impulse purchases, so having a spending limit in mind can help you stay on track.

4. TAKE YOUR TIME: Remember that Prime Day lasts for 48 hours, so you don't need to make hasty decisions. Take your time to compare options and make well-informed choices.

Your Big Sis