As the festive season approaches, many consumers are seeking affordable technology gifts. Financial expert Martin Lewis recently highlighted ways to access significant discounts on popular tech items through lesser-known sections of Amazon. Appearing on the ITV programme This Morning, Lewis detailed how shoppers can find deals of nearly 50% off retail prices by exploring three specific sub-sites.
Lewis explained that Amazon’s Resale, Renewed, and Outlet sections offer valuable opportunities for savings, particularly for those looking to grab last-minute holiday gifts. He emphasized that while some items may be refurbished or returned, they often retain high quality.
Amazon’s Hidden Sections for Savvy Shoppers
The first sub-site, Amazon Resale, features items returned by customers, often with minor packaging damage. Lewis stated, “You might have a slightly damaged box, but they’ll tell you and give you the quality level. It’s so much cheaper.” He cited a customer who purchased a coffee machine at less than half its original price, noting that the machine was in excellent condition despite a damaged box.
For those in search of leading brands, Amazon Renewed offers refurbished products from well-known manufacturers like Apple and Samsung. “This includes used previous generation tech, normally over a year old, that has been refurbished with a one-year warranty,” Lewis explained. Items available in this section include laptops, headphones, and smartwatches.
The third option, Amazon’s Outlet, is described by Lewis as a mixed bag. He remarked, “There’s often a load of tat on there that you don’t want, but sometimes there’s a goldmine—especially toys for kids and games.” For last-minute shoppers, many products from these sections can still arrive before Christmas.
Important Considerations and Price Verification
While these sub-sites present excellent opportunities for savings, Lewis cautioned consumers about Amazon’s pricing practices. He noted that the displayed discounts may not always reflect the item’s true value. “Amazon likes to play a little fast and loose with its discounts,” he warned. “When it says it’s discounted by 22%, ask yourself: what is it discounted from, and when was it at that price?”
To help shoppers verify prices, Lewis recommended using the website Camel Camel Camel, which tracks the price history of items listed on Amazon. “You can see how relevant the discount is that Amazon is telling you about,” he said. A product currently marked down by 22% may have been offered at a 57% discount just a few months earlier.
As consumers prepare for the holiday shopping rush, Lewis’s insights provide a valuable roadmap for navigating Amazon’s various offerings. By exploring these lesser-known sections and verifying prices, shoppers can make informed decisions and potentially save a significant amount on tech gifts this season.
