Top tips for buying tech on Amazon Prime Day 2021

Amazon Prime Day has been announced! The annual event, which is scheduled for the 21 and 22 June brings consumers discounts on a wide range of smart tech. So whether you’ve had your eye on a new handset, set of speakers or headphones, there are lots of opportunities to be had. 

Catherine Hiley, Uswitch’s tech and deals expert shares her tips for how to get the best deals on Amazon Prime Day.  

1. Plan ahead: Amazon Prime Day is an excellent opportunity to take advantage of big discounts to Amazon’s flagship technology, including its streaming sticks, Echo and Kindle devices. But it’s important to know your budget and set yourself a spending limit. Impulse-buying without strict spending rules can tempt you to buy things you never really wanted.  

2. Time to subscribe to Amazon Prime: In the run-up to Amazon Prime Day, be on the lookout for Amazon Prime membership discounts. You need an Amazon Prime membership to get the deals, and reduced memberships are often launched in the run-up to get people subscribed before the event starts. Prime Membership will get you access to Prime Day deals, as well as free next day shipping and a whole host of movies and shows on Prime Video. If you’re not already a subscriber, you can join for a free 30-day trial.

3. Smart handset deals: If you’ve had your eye on a new smartphone for a while, now is a great chance to upgrade – and it might be cheaper than you think! If you buy a handset outright, you can then get a SIM-only contract, which is usually a lot cheaper and will likely have a better data allowance. The average SIM-only deal could cost £600 less on average, than a 24-month iPhone 8 contract (based on prices 2 years ago to date). So buy a handset in the Amazon Prime Day sale, then get the SIM only deal elsewhere.

4. Shop around: Just because Amazon has discounted products on offer doesn’t necessarily mean they are cheapest. If you want to buy a smartphone, consider whether a ‘refurbished phone’ (generally a preowned one) would be better for you. They come in varying conditions (graded A to D) but are thoroughly checked to ensure they are in full working order. You will find they’re almost always sold cheaper and often come with a warranty, as well charging cable. However, there is no guarantee you will receive the other accessories.

5. Know your rights: The Consumer Rights Act says goods should be of satisfactory quality, fit to do the job intended and last a reasonable length of time. This right is limited to 30 days from the date of purchase. However, don’t forget to check for Amazon Prime Day specific T&Cs listed on the site, as well as the Amazon customer reviews before buying.