It’s easy to fall under the spell of Prime Day.
Inflation is running rampant and Amazon is dropping prices. It’s a retail event that approaches Black Friday levels of anticipation for many people. And perhaps most important, you only have a limited time to snag the deals, with an anxiety-inducing “Purchase” button staring at you, begging to be clicked.
Amazon knows how easy it is for people to get swept up in the deals. And as a result, sometimes the prices it offers on Prime Day are far from the lowest cost of the item.
Stretching the dollar is more important than ever these days to a lot of people. So, whether you’re hoping to get an early start on holiday shopping or just want to add a few new things to your house, a little self-restraint can add up to big savings.
Here’s what’s worth a click—and what’s not.
Buy these items on Prime Day 2022
Amazon devices
Prime Day is, first and foremost, about Amazon. So, it makes sense that the company puts its own ecosphere of products front and center. Discounts on things like an Echo, Kindle, Fire TV, or Ring Video Doorbell have been running for weeks now. And they’ll continue to be prominent throughout Prime Day. Discounts might not be at all-time lows, but RetailMeNot says discounts of 50%–55% are common, so they’re definitely worth considering.
Electronics
Electronics is a broad field, so don’t expect red-hot items like the PlayStation 5 to be discounted (or, for that matter, in stock). But you can expect discounts of note on Apple, Fitbit, Samsung, and Google products, among others. Before you click “Buy now,” though, be sure to check sites like CamelCamelCamel.com to see how the discounts compare to historical prices.
Clothes
While electronics get the spotlight when it comes to Amazon-branded products, the company has been leaning more heavily into apparel in recent years. And Prime Day is a good one to save up to 50% on back-to-school clothes and athletic leisurewear.
Don’t buy these items on Prime Day 2022
Toys
You’ll see some tempting prices on toys during Prime Day, but unless you have a child’s birthday that’s imminent, it’s best to wait, says RetailMeNot. Prices in the pre-Christmas period are typically lower. (That said, if you see a hot toy your child is certain to want for the holidays, it might be best to grab it, given ongoing supply-chain issues.)
TVs
Yes, FireTVs are worth considering, but when it comes to other brands, Prime Day isn’t your best window to buy. Savings during the Black Friday timeframe can be up to 40%, with a wider selection on sale. If you’re in the market for a Samsung or LG set, you’re likely better off waiting.
Sporting goods
Prime Day 2020 saw an average discount of just 1.2% on sporting goods products, says Adobe. You’re better off waiting for holidays when Amazon faces competition from brick-and-mortar stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods for the best prices.
Sign up for the Fortune Features email list so you don’t miss our biggest features, exclusive interviews, and investigations.
