Prime Day is touted as the ultimate deal-hunting event, but is it really a win for consumers?
Or is it a marketing ploy to encourage over-consumption and pressure people into purchases they wouldn’t normally make?
A minimalist approach can help you resist impulse buys and focus on what ACTUALLY adds value to your life. Let’s talk about how to save money this Prime Day, alternative activities that can help you scratch that buying itch, minimalist-approved shopping (if you must), and the ultimate Prime Day strategy.
How To Save Money On Prime Day
The #1 way to save the most money on Prime Day is by…not participating in Prime Day.
But here’s an actual step-by-step plan to help you shop Prime Day (and other sales) in a mindful and effective way–avoid wasting money and filling your house with junk by following these four simple steps.
Step 1: Decide if you need anything before you scroll
Most people don’t actually need the things they buy on Prime Day! We scroll the Deals tab for anything that might possibly fit in our home. The sales page is not where we should plan our home, wardrobe, and life. Look at your house to determine what it needs. Otherwise, you’re letting marketing make your decisions for you.
Step 2: Make a mindful wishlist
Only include items that solve real problems. Shopping from a list helps you to avoid impulse purchasing things you don’t actually need.
Step 3: Compare outside of Amazon
Prime Day “deals” often aren’t unique, and they often aren’t deals at all. If the only information you’re operating on is the little scratched out “normal price” on the product page you’re likely getting got.
Compare prices with non-Amazon retailers, or use something like Keepa to view previous pricing to ensure you’re actually getting a deal.
Step 4: Practice the 24-hour rule
Since Prime Day goes on for several days, you’ve got the time to think on decisions. Instead of making impulse purchases, let the item sit in your cart for twenty-four hours, then reevaluate how you feel about it.
This small waiting period can stop most impulse purchases in their tracks.
Prime Day Alternatives
All that said, I understand that Prime Day and other sales events are fun! They’re exciting! You might feel like you’re refreshing a room, getting a new start, or investing in some imagined future.
To fill that little void that not shopping Prime Day might produce, here are a few fun ideas.
- Declutter instead of buying more. This might sound counterintuitive, but actually, removing unwanted items from your space has that same refreshing feeling that bringing in something new does.
- Use the day to repair/repurpose what you already own. There’s a joy in successfully repairing something you already have. Got a mending pile? Have some pants that would be PERFECT if you hemmed them? Get to it! Make Prime Day your personal Repairs & DIY day. You can even post before-and-after images on Insta for a digital thrill in lieu of hitting “Add to cart”.
- Host a swap with friends. This is SO MUCH more fun than online shopping–get your friends together to swap items like clothing or decor. Everyone brings quality items they no longer want, so you can swap items and shop each other’s unwanteds. This gives the same shopping excitement without adding waste to the environment or spending money, AND you get some chill time with pals.
- Buy Nothing day. I love buy-nothing challenges, and Prime Day is a great excuse to do one. Make it an annual tradition for yourself. Maybe you can even get your social group in on it, too!
Minimalist-Approved Amazon Purchases (if you must)
If you absolutely MUST!!! shop for Prime Day, here are some things you can look for that will add to your overall quality of life instead of just falling into a buying trap.
1. Multi-purpose tools that last
Instead of buying a 37-piece cooking utensil set or a single-purpose slap chop doohicky, invest in something like a quality pair of kitchen shears that can make cooking easier, last for years, and NOT clutter up the kitchen.
2. Household upgrades that reduce waste and boost sustainability
Consider household upgrades that reduce waste, like energy-efficient bulbs, reusable storage bags and containers, or even a bigger appliance like a food dehydrator, canning pot, rain barrel, or something you know you’ll use that will contribute to your home’s sustainability.
3. Gifts
Shopping sales can be a good opportunity to stock up on specific gifts for people. I recommend you avoid buying just anything that might make a good gift someday, and instead, check your calendar for birthdays and other gift-giving occasions so you can plan ahead. Basically, only buy gifts you were going to buy anyway, but on sale!
The Best Prime Day Strategy: Opting Out
The biggest savings truly come from not spending. If you can turn Prime Days into Buy Nothing Days, I think you’ll truly come out of the other end happier, richer, and less stressed.
I encourage you to resist the hype! Choose intentionality and your own wellbeing over cramming your hard-earned cash into the overstuffed pockets of billionaires.
Got the itch to spend? How about these Clutter-Busting Charts? Give your home a refresh and yourself an activity to keep you busy while you’re not shopping on Prime Day:
