Common Amazon Shopping Mistakes That Cost You Money

Amazon is designed to be easy. With one-click buying and fast shipping, it is very simple to find what you need and have it at your door in two days. But that same ease can also lead to bad habits that quietly drain your bank account. Shoppers do not realize that Amazon provides many ways to save extra money, and sticking to your old shopping habits might be costing you hundreds of dollars a year.

The good news is that these mistakes are easy to fix once you know what to look for. Here are the most common mistakes that cost Amazon shoppers money and how to avoid them.

1. Using "Was" Price Without Checking

Amazon makes it easy to see your potential savings by showing a Was price as a helpful reference for an item's value. You can use Amazon’s built in Price History tools to see how these prices move over time and ensure you are shopping at a high value moment. By following our guide on Amazon Price History Explained, you can use this transparency to feel confident that you are getting a great deal!

2. Falling for Sponsored Product Ads

When you search for something, the first few results are almost always "Sponsored." Just because a product is at the top of the list does not mean it is the best quality or the best price. Often, the organic results (the ones that show up below the ads) are better products with more honest reviews. If you find yourself clicking the first thing you see just to save time, you might be missing out on a better deal. Learning How to Shop Smarter on Amazon Without Spending More Time can help you filter through these ads quickly.

3. Ignoring the "Other Sellers" Section

On the right side of the product page, there is a small link that says "New & Used from..."

Clicking this can reveal other sellers who might have the same item for $5 or $10 less. They might not have Prime shipping, but if you aren't in a rush, the savings can be worth it. This is a great way to discover Hidden Amazon Features Most Shoppers Don’t Use (But Should).

4. Not Looking for Promo Codes and Coupons

This is perhaps the biggest mistake of all. Many shoppers reach the checkout screen and never stop to see if there is a way to lower the price further.

• Clippable Coupons: Look for the green box under the price on the product page.
• Promo Codes: These are secret codes that drop the price at checkout.

At DealSeek, we specialize in finding these "invisible" discounts. If you want to know more about how to find them yourself, check out What Are Amazon Promo Codes?. Once you have a code, make sure you know How To Apply Amazon Promo Codes correctly so the discount actually sticks.

5. Trusting Star Ratings Alone

Always read the most recent reviews and look at the photos posted by real customers. If the reviews are all from five years ago or mention a different product, stay away. You can learn more tips in our guide on How to Spot Fake Amazon Reviews.

6. Buying Everything as "New"

Amazon has a massive section for returned and open-box items. These items are often in perfect condition but are sold at a deep discount because the box was opened.

Checking the "Used" or "Resale" section can save you 20% to 50% on electronics, kitchen gear, and even warehouse supplies. We explain exactly where to find these gems in our article on How to Find Hidden Amazon Deals.

7. Overlooking Variations (Size and Color)

Sometimes a "navy blue" shirt is $10 cheaper than the "black" one simply because the seller has too many in stock. Tapping through different sizes and colors can often "break" the pricing algorithm and reveal a much lower price for the same quality item. Always check every option before clicking buy.

Smart Tools to Help You Save

You do not have to be an expert to stop overpaying. You just need the right tools and a little bit of help.

DealSeek

Our website is great for the "extra" savings. We find the promo codes that Amazon doesn't advertise. Before you hit "Place Order," always do a quick check on DealSeek to see if we have a verified code that can save you an extra 20% or 30%.

Consumer Safety

When shopping for electronics or safety gear, it is also a good idea to check official sources to ensure there are no recalls on the cheap items you find. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is a great resource to make sure your "deal" is also safe to use at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does my price change when I put an item in my cart?

A: Amazon uses "dynamic pricing." This means the price can change based on stock levels or competitor prices. If you leave an item in your cart for a few days, always check for price change messages at the top of your screen.

Q: Are "Lightning Deals" always a mistake to avoid?

A: Not always, but these deals are only available for a limited time. Before you buy a Lightning Deal, quickly search for the item on DealSeek to see if there is an even better promo code available for a similar product.

Q: Is Prime always worth the money?

A: If you only shop a few times a year, the membership fee might cost more than you save on shipping. Evaluate your monthly spending to see if you are actually coming out ahead.

Shop Smarter Today

Buying on Amazon can be a great way to save money, but only if you avoid the traps. By being a little more patient and using resources like DealSeek, you can ensure that you are getting the absolute best price every time you shop.

Download the DealSeek App Now!