The world's largest online retailer recently announced a two-day sale for its most loyal customers: Amazon Prime members.
The two-day event — called the Prime Early Access Sale — is likely to kick off a frenzy among shoppers just like Amazon Prime Day usually does. Money expert Clark Howard explains Prime members are getting a second Amazon bargain-buying period this year.
“Amazon has so much merchandise they’ve got to get rid of that they’re doing a second Prime Day in October. Normally they do it in the summer – a slow time for shopping – but they’ve got so much stuff, they’re doing one in October,” Clark says.
Do you want to know the dates for the Prime Early Access Sale as well as how to save on Amazon during those two days? Keep reading!
What Is the Prime Early Access Sale?
The Prime Early Access Sale is a 48-hour sales holiday exclusive to members of Amazon’s loyalty program.
It offers Prime members “a chance to kick off the holiday shopping season early with hundreds of thousands of deals,” according to the retailer’s news release.
During the Prime Early Access Sale, Amazon is set to debut its “Top 100 list,” which will feature some of the site’s most popular products.
On Amazon's Prime Early Access Sale page, the retailer is already featuring deals on select items: an Echo home theater bundle for 25% off and Fit King foot massagers up to 55% off.
When Is the Prime Early Access Sale?
Amazon’s Prime Early Access Sale begins Tuesday, October 11, at 12 a.m. PT and runs through Wednesday, October 12, 2022.
Besides the United States, shoppers in Austria, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and the UK can take advantage of the sale.
How Can I Get Prime Early Access Deals?
To take advantage of the early opportunity to get holiday deals, you'll need to be a Prime member. If you are, you can see what's on sale at amazon.com/earlyaccess.
If you're not a Prime member, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial at Amazon.com/AmazonPrime. When you do, you'll be able to take advantage of the deals immediately.
For most people, Prime costs $139 annually. You can sign up for $69 a year if you’re a college student. You can even get Prime for $6.99 a month if you qualify for certain government assistance programs.
Like any subscription, make sure you’re going to take advantage of its benefits before you commit.
How To Save During the Prime Early Access Sale
Even if the items are on sale on Amazon, Clark always wants you to compare prices against those of other retailers. That's one of the best ways to get a good deal online.
Another way you can save on the Prime Early Access Sale is to visit our sister site ClarkDeals.com, which always features some of the best deals you'll find. Even now, the site has the latest sales from Amazon.com.
What Other Retailers Have October Deals?
Amazon isn't the only retailer kicking off the holiday shopping season much earlier this year. Target has announced that its Deal Days will be October 6-8, 2022.
Walmart says that starting October 1, it will expand its returns policy for the holiday shopping season in what Clark calls "the most liberal return policy Walmart has ever had." Here are the details:
- Extended return period: Eligible purchases, including electronics and Marketplace items, made on or after October 1 can be returned through January 31, 2023.
- Curbside returns: The retailer says it will offer curbside returns, which will be more convenient for customers and save them time.
- Home pickups for returns: Walmart+ members will be able to use the retailer's app to have items picked up and returned (only through select Walmart stores).
Final Thoughts
Clark says you need no further indications that the U.S. holiday shopping is beginning much earlier than normal.
Want more money-saving shopping tips? Read our guide on how to save on Amazon.
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