Amazon Prime Day brings massive discounts, but knowing how to prepare for Prime Day makes the difference between saving money and wasting it. Many consumers get caught up in the excitement and make impulse buys without checking if they're scoring deal prices or not. The hack is doing research beforehand, setting up price alerts, and being extremely sure of what you want to purchase before the sales start. Keep in mind, also, that other retailers typically have their own sales on Prime Day with deals that may be even more enticing than Amazon's.
How to Prepare for Amazon Prime Day
Getting ready for Prime Day isn't just about marking your calendar - the real savings come from smart preparation that starts weeks before the actual event.
Setting up Amazon Account and Prime Membership
Your Prime Day experience can be made or broken by your Amazon account setup, so it's worth taking a few minutes to get things set up properly.
First things first - an active Amazon Prime membership is needed in order to catch Prime Day deals. If you already don't have a membership, there's even a free 30-day trial you can try that will get you full access to all the bargains. Get your account information updated before the big day. Here's what to do:
Account Essentials Checklist:
1. Update payment methods and add a backup credit card
2. Ensure that all shipping addresses are current and correct
3. Check your Prime membership and expiration date
4. Create Amazon Household for members of your household, if needed
5. Enable one-click purchasing for faster checkout during busy hours
Creating Wishlist and Tracking Prices
Building a strategic wishlist ahead of time prevents impulse buying and helps you focus on items you actually need. Start preparing your wishlist at least a fortnight before Prime Day begins. Put down everything that you have been wanting to buy throughout the year - from electronics and home goods to clothing and books. This prevents you from making impulse purchases while shopping during the event itself.
Price Tracking Strategy:
Tool | Best For | Key Feature |
CamelCamelCamel | Amazon price history | Shows 3-month, 6-month, and yearly price trends |
Keepa | Detailed price alerts | Browser extension for real-time tracking |
Honey | Coupon codes + tracking | Automatically applies discount codes at checkout |
Once your wishlist is ready, use these price tracking tools to monitor price history on your target items. These tools show you whether a "Prime Day deal" is actually a good price or just regular pricing with a fancy label. Set up price alerts so you'll get notified if items drop to your desired price point, even before Prime Day officially starts.

What Are Different Deal Types?
Not all Prime Day deals work the same way - knowing which type you're looking at helps you plan your shopping strategy.
Amazon runs several types of deals during Prime Day, and each one requires a different approach:
Prime Day Deal Types:
1. Lightning Deals - Limited time (2-6 hours) and limited quantity deals that sell out fast
2. Deal of the Day - 24-hour deals with more inventory, less pressure to buy immediately
3. Prime Early Access - Exclusive deals that start before the main event for Prime members
4. Regular Prime Day Discounts - Standard markdowns that last throughout the entire event
5. Coupon Stack Deals - Require you to clip digital coupons for additional savings
Some deals require you to clip a digital coupon on the product page for the full discount, so always check for those little checkboxes before adding items to your cart. Lightning Deals are your biggest competition since they have limited quantities, while Deal of the Day offers give you more time to think and compare prices.
How to Research Products Before Sale
Once you have your wishlist ready and price tracking set up, it's time to do some homework on the actual products. Smart research now saves you from disappointment later when you realize that "amazing deal" was either overpriced or just poor quality.
Check Product Reviews and Ratings
Start by reading both positive and negative reviews to get a balanced view of any product you're considering. Look for reviews from verified purchasers, as these carry more weight than unverified ones. Pay special attention to recent reviews from the past 3-6 months, since product quality can change over time due to manufacturing updates or cost-cutting measures.
Your Review Reading Strategy:
What to Read | Why It Matters | What to Look For |
Recent Reviews (3-6 months) | Shows current product quality | Consistent complaints or praise |
Verified Purchase Reviews | More trustworthy than fake reviews | Detailed experiences with photos |
1-Star and 5-Star Reviews | Shows the extremes of experience | Specific problems or benefits mentioned |
Reviews with Photos | Visual proof of product condition | How item looks in real use |
Compare Prices Across Different Retailers
Amazon isn't always the cheapest option, even during Prime Day. Check major competitors like Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Costco to see their current prices and any competing sales they might be running. Many retailers price-match Amazon during Prime Day or run their own counter-sales with comparable discounts.
Quick Price Check Process:
- Step 1: Search Google Shopping for instant comparisons
- Step 2: Check retailer websites directly for exclusive deals
- Step 3: Look at warehouse stores like Costco for bulk pricing
- Step 4: Visit manufacturer websites for direct-from-source pricing
- Step 5: Call local stores for items you need immediately
Check Seller Information and Product Authenticity
Q: How do I know if a seller is legitimate?
A: Be sure to check who is selling the product prior to making the purchase. Look for "Ships from and sold by Amazon.com" or well-known sellers with lots of positive feedback and high ratings.
Q: What are the biggest red flags to watch out for?
A: Be cautious of sellers with names made of random letters/numbers, new stores with very few reviews, extremely low prices, product pics that do not resemble being on the official brand website, and descriptions with poor grammar or missing specs.
Q: What if I accidentally buy from a sketchy seller?
A: Amazon's A-to-Z Guarantee protects you, but it's easier to avoid the problem by screening seller credentials beforehand. Use Amazon direct or sellers with 95%+ positive feedback and thousands of reviews.
Research Product Specifications and Compatibility
Make sure the product actually meets your specific needs by carefully reading the technical specifications. This is especially important for electronics, appliances, and items that need to work with other products you already own.
Before You Buy, Verify These Details: ✓ Dimensions and weight fit your space
✓ Power requirements match your outlets
✓ Compatibility with your existing devices
✓ Additional accessories needed (sold separately?)
✓ Warranty coverage and return policy
✓ Color/size options availableTaking time to research properly might seem like extra work, but it's what separates successful Prime Day shoppers from those who end up with buyer's remorse. When the actual sales start, you'll be confident in your choices and ready to act quickly on the deals that matter most.
What to Expect During Amazon Prime Day
You've completed all that research and prep work, and you're ready for the big day itself - but Prime Day itself can be dizzying and overwhelming if you're not expecting what's coming next. Here's what it's really like when millions of shoppers all converge on Amazon at once.
Website Traffic and Technical Issues
Amazon's servers get hammered on Prime Day, so expect some delays and technical glitches. The site will likely take longer than usual to load, especially in the first few hours when excitement is peak. You can expect error messages, pages that won't load, or checkout problems during the most crowded times.
Common Technical Problems:
1. Slow page loading times, especially on deal pages
2. "Add to Cart" buttons that won't respond right away
3. Checkout timeouts or delays
4. Wishlist pages that refuse to refresh forever
5. Search results not updating with live deals
The mobile app is more capable of handling traffic than the site, so if you're having problems on the desktop, try using your phone. Technical problems also resolve themselves within 30 minutes to an hour, so don't panic if something is not working right away.
Deal Timing and Rotation Schedule
Prime Day deals don't go live at the same time - they go live throughout the event in waves. Lightning Deals tend to go live every 5-10 minutes during peak periods, and large discounts for well-liked products tend to go live at specific times like 6 AM, 12 PM, and 6 PM.
Typical Deal Schedule:
- Early Morning (6-9 AM): Electronics and tech gadgets launch
- Midday (12-3 PM): Home and kitchen items get heavy discounts
- Evening (6-9 PM): Fashion, beauty, and lifestyle deals appear
- Late Night (9 PM-12 AM): Clearance items and final markdowns
New deals keep appearing every few hours, and Prime Day Deals change frequently, so do check back from time to time if you don't find what you want right away. Some of the best deals don't appear until the second day when Amazon wants to clear out leftover items.
Inventory Management and Stock Levels
Popular items sell out fast, especially Lightning Deals with limited quantities. Amazon shows you how much inventory is left with percentage bars, but these aren't always accurate in real-time due to high traffic volume.
What Happens When You Shop:
🛒 You See a Deal → Amazon shows "50% claimed" but this updates slowly during heavy traffic
🛒 You Add to Cart → Item shows as "claimed" but isn't actually reserved for you yet
🛒 You Start Checkout → Product might become unavailable while you're entering payment info
🛒 You Complete Purchase → Only now is the item actually yours - or you get an "out of stock" error
🛒 You Miss Out → Check back in 30 minutes - items often restock randomly throughout the day
Don't spend 10 minutes comparing similar products if you found something you want. Lightning Deals for popular items can sell out in under 5 minutes, and hesitation costs you the deal. Similar products from different brands usually have better availability if your first choice disappears.
Customer Service Delays
Amazon's customer service gets overwhelmed during Prime Day, so expect longer wait times if you need help. Chat support might have 30+ minute waits, and phone support can take even longer.
Try These Solutions First (No Waiting Required):
Problem | Quick Fix Location | How Long It Takes |
Track my order | "Your Orders" page | Under 30 seconds |
Return something | "Your Orders" → "Return or Replace Items" | 2-3 minutes |
Change payment method | Account settings → "Payment Options" | 1-2 minutes |
Update delivery address | Pending orders section | 1 minute |
Cancel an order | "Your Orders" → "Cancel Items" | 30 seconds |
If You Still Need Help: Use chat support instead of calling - it's usually 15-20 minutes faster during Prime Day. Have your order number ready and be specific about your problem to speed things up.
Prime Day moves fast and can feel overwhelming, but staying calm and sticking to your prepared wishlist will help you navigate the chaos. The deals are real, but so is the pressure - just remember that most items will be available again at similar prices throughout the year if you miss out.
What to Expect After Amazon Prime Day
Once the Prime Day excitement dies down and you've made your purchases, the real waiting game begins. While the shopping part is over, there are still several things to keep an eye on in the days and weeks following the event.
Order Processing and Shipping Delays
Amazon processes millions of orders during Prime Day, which means your items might not ship as quickly as usual. Even with Prime's normal 2-day shipping, expect delays of 3-5 days for most orders placed during the event. Amazon prioritizes orders based on item availability and warehouse location, so some items might arrive faster than others even if they were ordered at the same time.
Typical Post-Prime Day Timeline:
1. Order confirmation emails arrive within minutes
2. Items ship within 2-4 business days (instead of the usual 1-2)
3. Delivery takes 3-7 days depending on your location
4. Popular items may take up to 2 weeks if inventory runs low
5. Pre-order items ship according to their original release dates
Check your order status regularly through your Amazon account, as shipping dates can change based on inventory availability. Amazon usually updates delivery estimates within 24-48 hours after you place your order.
Returns and Customer Service Issues
Amazon's return policy stays the same after Prime Day, but processing times are much slower due to the volume of requests. Customer service wait times can stretch to 45+ minutes for several weeks after the event, so try to resolve issues through your account first.

Common Post-Prime Day Issues:
- Wrong items shipped due to warehouse mix-ups
- Damaged packages from rushed handling
- Items that don't match the description or photos
- Delayed refunds taking 7-10 business days instead of 3-5
- Difficulty reaching customer service for complex problems
Start return requests through "Your Orders" rather than calling customer service. Most returns can be processed automatically, and you'll get a prepaid return label within hours instead of waiting on hold.
Price Monitoring and Potential Better Deals
Keep tracking prices on items you bought and items you missed. Amazon sometimes offers better deals in the weeks following Prime Day, especially on items that didn't sell well during the main event. Other retailers also continue their competing sales for several days after Prime Day ends.
Post-Prime Day Price Patterns:
- Amazon may drop prices further on overstocked items
- Competing retailers often extend their sales by 3-7 days
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday might offer better deals on the same items
- End-of-season clearances can beat Prime Day prices
- New product launches often trigger discounts on older models
If you find a lower price within 7 days of your Prime Day deal, contact Amazon customer support. They don't officially match prices, but they will often offer partial reimbursement or accept a return to re-buy at the new lower price.
Inventory Restocks and Follow-Up Sales
Items that sold out on Prime Day typically restock 1-2 weeks later, occasionally at similar discount prices. Amazon even holds mini "Prime Day Extension" sales or "Deal Week" promotions to get rid of leftover inventory from the main event.
What to Watch For:
1. Notification emails when wishlist items are restocked
2. "Back in Stock" alerts from your price watchers
3. Secondary marketing emails with additional discounts
4. Social media announcements regarding extended sales
5. Warehouse sales of returned or slightly dented Prime Day items
Don't assume that Prime Day was your only chance to find a fantastic deal - hanging back in the following weeks generally brings comparable or better bargains.
Don't Miss Out on Sales Beyond Amazon
Although Amazon steals the show on Prime Day, smart shoppers know that competing retailers also have their own sales on the same days with deals that are just as good or even better.
Anti-Amazon Prime Day Sale
A majority of big retailers have their own sales on Prime Day week as a means of directly challenging Amazon's deals. The competing sales provide more affordable prices, faster delivery options, or merchandise that Amazon lacks.
Top Competing Sales During Prime Day:
1. Target's Deal Days provide same-day pickup and delivery options that arrive faster than Amazon's standard shipping.
2. Walmart's Big Save Event offers more competitive prices on groceries, everyday essentials, and bulk items with convenient curbside pickup.
3. Best Buy's Black Friday in July consistently underprices Amazon on electronics, TVs, and gaming systems with immediate store pickup available.
4. Department stores like Macy's, Nordstrom, and Kohl's offer exclusive fashion brands and more competitive pricing on clothing that Amazon doesn't possess.
5. Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club carry bulk pricing that is lower per unit than Amazon's household staples.
Prime Day Sales on Momcozy Website
Don't overlook the incredible deals happening right on the Momcozy website during Prime Day week. Momcozy runs our own Prime Day sale with offers that match or exceed what you'll find on Amazon, plus our sales start earlier and end later, giving you more time to shop.
Prime Day Featured Products:
- Breast Pumps: The Momcozy M5 Wearable Breast Pump gets major Prime Day discounts with its innovative "Baby Mouth" design. Instead of harsh pulling, it uses a horizontal angle that mimics how babies naturally nurse. The vibrate-to-pump mode loosens milk ducts while pumping, making it painless and more efficient for busy moms.
- Bottle Washers: The Momcozy KleanPal Pro Baby Bottle Washer and Sterilizer offers incredible Prime Day value with its 4-in-1 design that washes, sterilizes, dries, and stores bottles automatically. With 26 spray jets and a 19-minute Quick Wash mode, it saves hours of manual cleaning. Items stay 99.9% sterile for up to 72 hours.
- Bottle Warmers: The Momcozy Superfast Portable Breast Milk & Water Warmer sees major Prime Day markdowns for this travel-friendly essential. It heats water to the perfect temperature in 3 minutes and warms breast milk in 5 minutes. The wireless design and long-lasting battery make feeding time easy anywhere you go.
- Nursing Bras: The Momcozy Jelly Strip Seamless Floral Push-Up Nursing Bra gets special Prime Day pricing on this comfort-first design. The "Jelly Strip" provides gentle support without underwire, and the ultra-soft fabric feels like second skin. The one-handed clasp makes breastfeeding quick and easy.
- Bundle Deals: Complete feeding system bundles combine bottle washers and warmers at better prices than buying separately. These coordinated products work together to create smooth feeding routines that save time and reduce stress for new parents.
Make sure to check the Momcozy website during Prime Day week - our extended sale timeline means you have more opportunities to catch these deals even if you miss Amazon's limited-time offers. The combination of competitive pricing, exclusive bundles, and extended sale periods makes shopping direct from Momcozy a smart choice during Prime Day season.
Start Your Prime Day Prep Today
Prime Day isn't a gamble - it's all about planning ahead. Get signed up for your account, build that wishlist, track some prices, and read up on products before the big day. Don't limit yourself to Amazon either, as other stores tend to have fantastic competing offers within the same week. Once you know what to expect in the event itself and after, Prime Day shopping is so much less of a headache and so much more profitable. Preparation time starts now, so get that wishlist burning and set up those price alerts - your wallet will be grateful when those deals do go live.