5 Amazon life-hacks to give you peace of mind
Amazon is a world leading online seller of practically anything, the driven customer-centric company has spurred us into a shopaholic mania without having to leave the creature comforts of our own home. With an easy use site such as Amazon we would all like a few handy but rather secret tips in order to save as many pennies as possible, as every one of them counts.
1. If you see a price drop after you've already bought the item Amazon will cover the difference
Melanie Pinola / Via lifehacker.com
You have just purchased that much anticipated item, it has arrived in the post and you are eager to unbox the bad-boy only to discover that your new prized possession has gone on sale just a few days later? The pity of buying something too early and having to be faced with unfamiliar returns policies. Well Amazon wont pain you with complicated procedures, if you see an item whose price has dropped within 7 days of receiving it, then they will refund you the difference, just contact Amazon customer service.
2. Use trade-in to dispose of unwanted old stuff.
The latest Android or iPhone phenomenon has been released and you are itching to get your scheming hands on it, explore the new gadget and flash your new techno gear in front of your mates to really get that jealously bug going. Everyone loves a quality product at an affordable price. So you could trade in your iPhone 5 16GB phone at Mazuma for £107, or you could try the wonders of trading it in on Amazon. For example, you can trade in your old iPhone 5 for $230 (£151) in Amazon credit in order to spend your new hard earned trade-in treasure trove on the site.
Be aware: This service seems to offer much better deals on amazon.com as the UK version does not seem to have as many trade-in options. Also, the trade-in value is transferred into an Amazon Gift Card which means that the consumer can only spend the credit online and does not receive cash. But, it is worth giving it a try for a better deal if you suffer from the occasional hoarding of useless items worthy of a sale gathering dust in your closet.
3. Get a cheaper deal at Amazon Outlet and Warehouse
Amazon can have overstocks and often offer great deals on branded items to allow their consumers to treat themselves to that new knick-knack you've been eyeing for the past few months but have not been able to afford. Currently there is a January Clearance on with up to 70% off of clothing, as well as many other items.
You can also access a wide range of hot deals on Amazon Warehouse which is a service that offers deals on returned, warehouse damaged, used or refurbished items that no longer meet Amazon's 'new' standards but they are still products in an otherwise good condition. Plus they are covered by Amazon's satisfaction guarantee and are in compliance with their Returns Policy.
4. Scrutinize a product's price history or receive alerts on new price drop deals
CamelCamelCamel is an online service that watches Amazon prices and notifies you via email and twitter when a desired deal has dropped. The Amazon Price History Chart allows the consumer to check the history of over 18 million products, as well as allowing the consumer to have browser adds-ons that will show price history charts in your browser using The Camelizer (an extension for Firefox and Google Chrome).
5. Get a hassle-free refund or replacement without having to ship back a damaged item
Eagerly anticipating an item in the post, becoming a nervous insomniac as you await the day of the arrival all becomes frustrating when the item arrives damaged, it only ruins your mood. If the item arrives broken get in touch with Amazon Customer Service and they will arrange for a replacement or a refund to be sent your way. If the item was bought from an Amazon seller then the replacement item should be upgraded to a next-day shipping delivery, whereas, if it was a third party seller then you should receive the order within three business days.