Top 10 Life Hacks for Saving on Amazon and AliExpress

In the world of online shopping, Amazon and AliExpress are two of the biggest players, offering an almost endless variety of products at competitive prices. But if you think you’re getting the best deal just by adding an item to your cart, think again. Both platforms are vast ecosystems with hidden discounts, secret sales, and insider tricks that can save you a significant amount of money. Whether you’re a seasoned shopper or a first-timer, mastering these life hacks is the key to becoming a savvy online consumer.

This guide will walk you through the top 10 strategies for saving money on both platforms, from leveraging their built-in features to using third-party tools that track prices and hunt for coupons.

The Amazon Playbook: Masterful Ways to Save

Amazon is famous for its convenience, but it’s also a goldmine of deals if you know where to look. Beyond the obvious sales events, there are several methods for saving on Amazon that you can use every single day.

1. Harness the Power of Coupons and Promo Codes

This is the most straightforward hack, but many people miss it. Amazon has a dedicated Amazon Coupons page where you can find thousands of digital coupons. Simply “clip” the coupon, and the discount is automatically applied at checkout. Always check this page before you buy, and look for the small orange coupon flag on product pages. Additionally, be on the lookout for promo codes shared during special events or through brand promotions.

2. Shop the “Secret” Stores: Warehouse, Outlet, and Renewed

Amazon isn’t just for new products. It also has a thriving marketplace for discounted goods.

• Amazon Warehouse: This is where you’ll find quality, pre-owned, and open-box items at a significant discount. Products are graded by condition, and the savings can be substantial, often up to 50% or more.
• Amazon Outlet: This section is dedicated to clearance and overstocked items. It’s a treasure trove of brand-new products that retailers need to clear from their inventory, making it an excellent source for deep discounts.
• Amazon Renewed: For electronics and appliances, this is a great way to save. These products are professionally inspected, tested, and refurbished to look and work like new, all while being backed by a 90-day warranty.

3. Use Price Tracking Tools to Buy at the Right Time

Amazon’s prices change constantly. Tools like Keepa and CamelCamelCamel track the historical price of millions of products on Amazon. You can view detailed price charts to see if an item is at its all-time low or if it’s currently inflated. These services also allow you to set up price alerts, so you get an email notification the moment an item’s price drops to your desired amount. This is one of the most effective methods for saving on Amazon, especially for high-value items.

4. Leverage the “Subscribe & Save” Program

For items you buy regularly, such as pet food, coffee, or household cleaning supplies, the “Subscribe & Save” program is an easy way to get an automatic discount. By scheduling recurring deliveries, you can get a discount of up to 15% off the standard price. It’s a convenient way to both save money and ensure you never run out of essentials.

5. Take Advantage of No-Rush Shipping

If you are a Prime member and don’t need your order immediately, selecting “No-Rush Shipping” at checkout is an excellent hack. In return for a longer delivery time, Amazon will provide either an immediate discount on your current order or a promotional credit to use on future purchases like digital movies, music, or e-books. It’s a simple trade-off that puts money back in your pocket.

The AliExpress Playbook: Savvy Shopping from the East

AliExpress is known for its incredible bargains, but finding the best deals requires a bit of strategy. With millions of sellers and a different set of rules, mastering these hacks will help you get the most out of every purchase.

6. Maximize Your Savings with Coupons and Coins

AliExpress uses a multi-layered coupon system.

• AliExpress Coupons: These are issued by the platform itself and can be used across multiple stores. You can find them on the homepage, during sales, or by playing games on the app.
• Store Coupons: These are offered by individual sellers and can only be used in their specific store.
• Select Coupons: These are a bit trickier, as they can only be used on specific products and often have a minimum spend requirement.

In addition to coupons, you can earn “Coins” by checking in daily or completing small tasks on the app. These coins can be exchanged for coupons or used for direct discounts on your purchases.

7. Prioritize Shopping During Major Sales Events

Timing is everything on AliExpress. While you can find deals year-round, the biggest discounts happen during major sales. The most important is 11.11 (Singles’ Day), the world’s largest online shopping event, which takes place on November 11th. Other key events include the Anniversary Sale in March and of course, Black Friday and Cyber Monday. During these times, prices are at their lowest, and the platform offers the highest value coupons.

8. Use the New User Offer

If you’re new to AliExpress, you’re in for a treat. The platform offers a significant discount on your first purchase, often up to 90% off a select group of items. To take full advantage, consider creating a new account to access this offer for future purchases, as the discount is tied to new user status.

9. Always Check Seller and Product Reviews

Unlike Amazon, AliExpress is a marketplace with many different sellers offering the same products. It’s crucial to check a seller’s rating and reviews before you buy. Look for sellers with a high positive feedback score (98% or higher is a good benchmark) and read customer reviews for a specific product. Pay close attention to reviews with photos, as they provide an accurate depiction of what you will receive. This step is a critical part of saving on Amazon’s biggest competitor, as it helps you avoid low-quality items and fraudulent sellers.

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10. Use Cashback and Deal-Finding Websites

Just as with Amazon, many third-party websites and browser extensions are dedicated to helping you save money on AliExpress. Some offer cashback on every purchase, while others automatically apply the best available coupons at checkout. By using these tools, you can ensure you’re stacking every possible discount for the lowest final price.