I do not live under a rock. So why am I just now learning about Amazon’s secret tips and tricks?
What a lot of RVers don’t know is that Amazon quietly runs several programs on its site that can save cash, get you free or cheap samples, and even let you trade old gear for Amazon credit.
Take a look! Maybe like me, you’ll enjoy these secrets, too.
Amazon Haul
The best Amazon secret, in my opinion, is Amazon Haul. It’s a low-priced storefront for inexpensive items you might use in your RV or your stix-n-brix home (kitchen gadgets, cable organizers, inexpensive dog supplies).
On a recent peek at this site, I found everything from a collapsible laundry basket to adhesive wall hooks to electric cord organizers. (There were many additional products useful to RVers, too!) Best of all, each item was priced under two dollars!
You can sign up for Haul email alerts from the bottom of the Haul page. It will keep you informed about new deals.
Amazon Vine
This is an invitation-only reviewer network. Amazon supplies products to “Vine Voices” (folks like you and me) so they can post detailed, unbiased reviews that help other customers. It’s not something you apply to directly. Amazon invites based on the quality, helpfulness, and consistency of your reviews. For RVers who love testing compact gear, writing clear, useful reviews over time is the route to an invite.
To pursue Vine-style freebies indirectly, write helpful reviews. After purchases, write balanced, specific reviews that include what you liked, what surprised you, and how the product performed in an RV setting (space used, utility, durability).
The more helpful votes your reviews get, the higher your reviewer rank. The higher-ranked reviewers are the ones Amazon considers for Vine invites. Be consistent. A review every few weeks is better than a rush of five at once.
You can learn more about this program here.
Woot!
Woot is the daily-deals site you may have used in the past. Woot’s main website originally offered only one discounted product each day. Usually, it was a piece of computer hardware or an electronic gadget of some kind.
Now Amazon owns Woot!. It’s ideal for one-off bargains and clearance finds—and not only computer things. You can also sign up for email alerts to catch short-lived Woot! deals. Just scroll down to the green banner at the bottom of the screen and log in.
Free samples
Who doesn’t like free? This Amazon secret is a way to get trial sizes or deeply discounted sample-size products. Sometimes these are listed under “free samples,” and sometimes they’re part of targeted promotions.
While logged into Amazon, search “free samples” or visit the product-sampling pages and opt in to preferences. Keep your account preferences updated with categories you like (pet, kitchen, health), so samples are more likely to match you.
Once you’re signed up, when you see an item featuring the Send Me a Sample logo, you can simply say “Alexa, send me a sample,” and your product sample of choice will be delivered. (That is, if you have Alexa, Amazon’s cloud-based voice assistant.)
Amazon Shopper Panel
This is an opt-in panel where participants share short surveys or receipts for small rewards. It’s a low-effort way to earn Amazon credits or gift cards without buying anything extra. This program may be invitation-based, so keep an eye on your Amazon messages.
Check this web address for more information.
Amazon Trade-In
Another Amazon secret is that you can trade in eligible electronics, books, video games, and more for an Amazon gift card credit. All you do is answer a few condition questions, print a prepaid shipping label, send the item, and Amazon issues a credit when the item’s condition is verified. For RVers who are decluttering, this is an easy way to turn old devices into credit for new items.
If you want to trade in electronics or old devices, go to the Amazon Trade-In page. Complete the instructions and ship. Check it out here.
Subscribe and save
If you set up scheduled deliveries for items you use often (pet food, toiletries) you can earn discounts. When you have multiple active subscriptions, your per-item discount often increases, which helps stretch a fixed retirement income. Combine this with Prime benefits for faster shipping and occasional member-only discounts. Here’s how to get started.
Delivery
Getting Amazon deliveries while living on the road isn’t impossible for RVers. Amazon has lockers, general delivery, and pickup. (Note: Always check with your campground to see if they permit Amazon deliveries/pick-ups on premises.)
Amazon Hub Lockers are automated pickup points you can choose at checkout. When checking out, choose an Amazon Hub Locker near your campground or city and add it to your saved addresses. At that time, you’ll get a pickup code to open the locker. (Note: Keep package dimensions and pickup windows in mind. Many lockers have size limits.)
If you prefer the post office, USPS General Delivery lets you receive mail and packages at a local post office for a limited time. This is ideal when you’re in a town for only a short while. Always call the post office ahead to confirm rules and holding times. Have your I.D. ready. Find out more information here.
Access these deals
First, make sure you have an Amazon account and a working email. If you don’t have an account, go to Amazon and click “Create account.” Keep your password in a safe place in the RV or on your cell phone. Then simply follow the web addresses provided above.
Note: Always check refund and return policies for Haul and Woot items before buying. Finally, when using General Delivery, don’t send irreplaceable documents or cash. Use insured and trackable shipping for anything important.
Do you use any of these Amazon “secrets”? Tell us in the comments below.
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RVT1239
I was invited to the Amazon Vine Program. After watching several videos about how it works and how much time it takes, I decided it’s not for me. I am working on getting things out of my house, not bring more things in. However, it is a good program if you like getting new products and enjoy reviewing them.
I agree about getting things out. Most people have way more things than they actually need. Buy, buy, buy is all I see. How about waste not, want not? Let’s repair what’s broken instead of immediately replacing
Note that for package delivery for large items, one option is having the item sent to a local mailing service office. You can just call around and see which shipping store will take so-called ‘call service’ items. Then they charge you a fee depending on how large the package is, typically between $5 and $20. The famous RVing boondockers’ paradise, Quartzsite Az, has a couple of these businesses and Yuma Arizona has at least one I’ve used.
I just checked that site. Most of the stuff was things I’ve looked for in the past on Amazon’s regular site
I just found items at quite a less cost. Works for me, and small as to not take up space…I’ve got a couple of toolboxes, with empty space, going unused. 😉 ..
Howdy! Thanks for the clue about Amazon Haul…I just ordered some things that can go into my R.V. toolbox for quite a bit less than other places.
I can always use more little flashlights, and other small items.