What is Amazon Prime Day and how do I prepare for it?
I’ll be honest: online shopping has not always been my strong suit. This year, however, I’ve had to learn quickly as more of our everyday needs moved online.
When I first heard about Amazon Prime Day, I wasn’t entirely sure what it was or how it worked. After asking my Instagram followers, I discovered I wasn’t the only one confused—so I dove into the details and summarized what I learned below.
What happens during Amazon Prime Day, and why is it such a big deal?
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn a small commission if you shop through my links. This helps support my small business at no extra cost to you. Thank you!
When is Amazon Prime Day 2020?
In 2020, Amazon Prime Day was held October 13–14. The event officially began at midnight Pacific Time on Tuesday, October 13 and ran through midnight Pacific Time on Wednesday, October 14. Normally Prime Day takes place in July, but that year the event was postponed.
What kind of deals can I expect?
Prime Day brings thousands of discounted items across nearly every category on Amazon. Deals often include popular bestsellers, electronics, home goods, and seasonal gift ideas. Some reports even suggested that certain Prime Day deals could rival or beat typical Black Friday discounts, so it’s a strong opportunity to shop smart.
Preparing ahead is particularly useful this year since increased online ordering can create longer shipping times. If you’re buying gifts or essentials, shopping during Prime Day can help avoid the last-minute holiday rush.
Do I need to be a Prime member to get the Prime Day prices?
Yes. Prime Day deals are available exclusively to Amazon Prime members. If you’re not already a member, Amazon typically offers a free 30-day trial that lets you access Prime Day discounts. Trying the trial during Prime Day can be a good way to evaluate Prime perks—many shoppers find the membership worthwhile for fast shipping, streaming, and member-only savings.
Some of the core Prime benefits include:
- Fast, free delivery on eligible items
- Exclusive member-only deals during Prime events
- Grocery savings and convenient shopping options
- Try-before-you-buy clothing options
- Access to thousands of movies, TV shows, and Amazon Originals
- Ad-free music and a large selection of songs
- Ebooks, magazines, comics, and audiobooks
- Early access to select Kindle titles
- Free games and in-game content via Twitch
How much does Prime cost and are there discounts available?
Amazon posts current membership pricing on its site, along with details about regional plans. Discounts or promo rates are sometimes available for students, qualifying government assistance recipients, and other groups—so it’s worth checking the membership options that apply to you.
- Student plans often include reduced pricing and extended trials.
- Programs for EBT or Medicaid cardholders may qualify for discounted rates.
How can I find what’s on sale during Prime Day?
Sales run throughout the event and can change frequently. Some deals are time-limited or offered in limited quantities, so keep an eye on items you want. Use Amazon’s Prime Day landing pages and deal listings to browse current offers, and check the Coupons section to see additional savings you can clip.
Are there sales before Prime Day?
Yes. Amazon often runs pre-Prime Day promotions in the days or weeks leading up to the main event. These early sales can include discounts on popular devices and other bundled offers, so they’re worth checking if you’re planning purchases early.
How do affiliate links work (and how you can support small creators)?
If you see an affiliate link on a blog or social post, clicking it before making a purchase may earn the content creator a small commission at no extra cost to you. That commission helps creators cover costs and continue producing helpful guides, which is why many bloggers include affiliate links for products they recommend.
If you prefer to support creators directly, consider using their affiliate links when you shop—every little bit helps small businesses and independent bloggers continue to share useful content.
Tips to prepare for Prime Day
- Create a wishlist or shopping list ahead of time so you can quickly check deals when they go live.
- Set alerts for specific products you want and enable notifications from Amazon or deal-tracking apps.
- Compare prices and read reviews before buying to ensure you’re getting a genuine bargain.
- Check return policies and shipping timelines, especially if purchasing gifts for the holidays.
- Look for bundled savings, coupons, and multi-item discounts to maximize value.
Get insider shopping help
I’m putting together curated gift guides to make Prime Day and holiday shopping easier. If you’d like to receive those guides and priority updates by email, join my VIP newsletter—I’ll send new guides and deal alerts straight to your inbox.