RVers love Amazon for its many products. Amazon allows travelers to order everything from propane regulators to laundry detergent to microfiber towels.
Here are some easy ways to squeeze even more savings when you order from Amazon.
Logged-out trick
Some RVers report that the price Amazon shows can shift depending on your account data, cookies, or how you’re browsing. A fast way to test this is to find the product while you’re signed in to your account. Then, open a separate browser (preferably a private browser window) where you’re signed out and search for the same item.
If the logged-out price is lower, add that item to the cart while still logged out. Then sign in and complete the purchase.
Several users say the lower price will stick once it’s in your cart. While this isn’t guaranteed every time, it’s an easy, zero-cost test before you buy. (It’s worked for me!)
Camels can help!
I’m talking about the browser extension called camelcamelcamel. It enables you to track Amazon prices and price history. It also gives you price drop alerts and price notifications.
Before you tap “buy,” install a price-tracking tool that shows a product’s historical high and low prices. camelcamelcamel’s browser extension, the Camelizer, overlays the item’s price history directly on Amazon product pages. It can alert you when an item drops to a lower price.
Using camelcamelcamel will help you avoid buying on a short-lived price spike. It will also help you time your purchases when you need bulky RV gear delivered to a campground and want the best value.
The official site and the Camelizer listing explain how to add the extension and create price watches. It’s free!
Swap brand name for “lookalikes”
If a name-brand product is eating your budget (think name-brand towels, cookware, or camp chairs), you can often score nearly identical items for less.
Two quick methods work great on the road:
• Type the brand into Amazon’s search box and then click through the “similar” results to spot cheaper alternatives.
• Use Amazon’s visual search (the Lens icon in the app) or a dupe-finder tool to upload a photo or screenshot and find lookalikes. This approach can deliver high-quality lookalikes for a fraction of luxury prices.
Dupe
Dupe.com is a dupe-finder tool mentioned above. Dupe makes it easy to track down less expensive products for a similar or “duplicate” item.
You can upload a photo or screenshot directly to the site. Or take a shortcut by adding “dupe.com/” before any product’s web address to instantly see comparable, lower-priced options.
Once you’ve found the lowest price, compare it with the cost listed on Amazon to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Do you order products from Amazon when RVing? Can you make additional suggestions to help other RVers save? Do so in the comments below.
EVEN MORE AMAZON SAVINGS:
- Do you know about Amazon’s secret tips for RVers?
- Check out Amazon Outlet for great savings
- Are Amazon Prime Day deals really a bargain for RVers?
RVT1245
Another thing I’ve noticed is if you find a product, close the browser and the search again for the same product.
Amazing how the second or even third search comes up with the same product in a different order and different prices.
When you find the lowest price, login. It will hold that price.
Amazon ain’t dumb. They want you to pay top $ the first time.
Thanks, Gail … cool tips!
Oh, and I did find that CamelCamelCamel gets a commission on anything you purchase at Amazon through one of the links provided. I am always amazed how folks come up with ways to make $$$ on the Internet!
I tried a handful of items in my lists with the “logged out” method in a browser I don’t use. It did not seem to make any difference and I have tons of stuff in my lists. Oh well, was worth a try.
I have found many times that if I search an item on Walmart and then search Amazon for the identical item it will come up with the same price as Walmart to the penny!
Another Amazon savings is to use their monthly Subscribe & Save option. You can save 5%, 10% and sometimes 15% depending on the item and how many other items are in your order. You can set up how often the item will be shipped again, i.e. every month, every 3 months, etc. If you only need the item once, you can delete it from your next order after you receive it.
You can also check with eBay too
If you find it on Amazon, go to the vendors website direct. Not the Amazon link.
I’ve bought things directly from the vendor for less than Amazon.
Some even have free shipping.
I saved $15 on a bird bath heater right from the vendor, free shipping and full warranty. Not the typical Amazon 30-90 day warranties..
Another tip once you find the lowest price for an item, is to place it in your cart. More often than not you will receive a discount offer from the seller within 24 hours (typically 5%). I have found this works on both Amazon, and eBay.
Camelcamelcamel is great. I always try to buy direct from suppliers vs. amazon now. Or even try to push for something in physical local shops but that is hard in many locations. Local first > Direct > Medium retail > amazon as last effort
I tried the logged-out trick from another browser. I saved $20 on an item that I had purchased in the past. It does not work on all items, but it doesn’t cost anything to check.