It’s going to seem like just about everything is on sale when Prime Day 2019 is going strong. And, to some extent, that might be true. But there’s a difference between an item being on sale and being at its best price of the year.
As tempting as it may be to buy certain items on Prime Day, a little patience can work in your favor. Here’s a quick look at where you’ll save the most—and where you might want to wait a while.
What should you buy on Amazon Prime Day 2019?
Amazon devices
Prime Day is as much about expanding Amazon’s reach into the home as it is about driving Prime memberships. As a result, devices like the Echo, Kindle, Fire TV and Ring Video Doorbell are being offered at significantly reduced prices, some as much as 40% less than they cost on Black Friday 2018.
Electronics
This category is a bit hit or miss. Pattern, a third-party seller, analyzed the most popular products sold on Prime Day last year and found that roughly half of the tech products were cheaper during the sale, with significant discounts.
Adobe Analytics agrees that electronics are the hot item during Prime Day.
“Consumers, look for the steepest electronic discounts on smart items, specifically watches, TVs, and home accessories,” said Taylor Schreiner, principal analyst at Adobe Digital Insights (ADI).
Camping gear
Pattern’s study found that Prime Day is prime time to stock up on tents and other camping supplies. (A not entirely surprising revelation, since camping season is nearing its end.)
Apparel
Amazon offers lots of clothing sales during Prime Day. And Adobe’s research shows that the discounts often outpace those you’ll find during the holidays.
Bedding linens
As with clothing, Prime Day discounts on sheets and bedspreads are greater than those during the holiday season.
What should you not buy on Amazon Prime Day 2019?
Toys
Many people use Prime Day to get a jumpstart on holiday shopping, but Pattern finds that it’s better to wait when it comes to toys. Those discounts tend to be deeper during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.
Baby products
While the timing of your needs for these products is generally not flexible, new parents won’t see tremendous savings on essentials during Prime Day, says Pattern.
Kitchen appliances
This is another category that could go either way. Adobe notes that discounts on home goods are often on par with Cyber Monday, but Pattern insists that if you’re looking for, say, a blender or other kitchen appliance, you’re better off waiting until the holiday sales.
Related reading on Amazon Prime Day 2019:
—8 ways to track the best Amazon Prime Day deals
—eBay is crashing Amazon Prime Day (and so is Target)
—Prime Day 2019: By the numbers