Recent analyses have raised concerns about the legitimacy of discounts offered during Amazon’s Prime Day events. A notable examination shared by a Washington Post technology columnist detailed findings from the recent “Prime Big Deal Days,” held on October 7 and 8.
Misleading Discounts During Amazon’s Sale Events
Many consumers may feel misled by the advertised savings on Amazon. The columnist discovered that prices on significant items occasionally increased during the event. For example, a TV stand rose from $275 to $379, marking a staggering 38 percent increase shortly before the sale.
Examples of Price Increases
- A gaming console increased from $219.99 to $299.
- An Oral-B electric toothbrush was marked as 39 percent off, although its price had not changed since August.
This pricing strategy raises questions about the authenticity of the discounts Amazon promotes. Other consumer advocates have noted that inflated “before” prices can exaggerate the perceived savings.
Historical Context and Consumer Reports
In a report from 2017, Consumer Watchdog indicated that a significant portion of reference prices during Amazon’s Prime Day were higher than any prices charged in the previous 90 days. This pattern appears to persist, as many shoppers have reported seeing products priced the same as or higher than their previous costs, despite being advertised as discounted.
Tracking Prices Effectively
To effectively navigate sales on Amazon, consumers are advised to conduct thorough research. A useful tool for this purpose is the website CamelCamelCamel, which tracks historical prices, enabling shoppers to verify genuine discounts and set alerts for target prices.
In Summary
The evidence suggests that consumers should approach Amazon’s Prime Day events with caution. Based on six months of non-grocery purchases, the columnist calculated potential savings of only 0.6% during the Prime Big Deal Days. Moreover, this figure does not account for the $139 annual fee for Amazon Prime membership.
