4 Simple Ways To Shop Smarter On Amazon

These days, Amazon and other online marketplaces are go-to shops for just about anything you could need. But how can you ensure you’re getting the best deals? Just in time for Amazon Prime Day, we asked New York-based smart shopping expert Trae Bodge what she looks for when ordering from a major online retailer.

Get into the reviews

Bodge always reads the reviews on products before adding to cart. Look specifically for reviews that include photos or videos of the product in use. That’s especially helpful, Bodge says, when buying clothes—you can see how the item fits on a body as opposed to a flat product image. And don’t skip the negative reviews: they often contain a product’s biggest flaws.

Browse other storefronts first

Before you check out, Bodge suggests searching for the product at other stores first. Marketplace retailers use what’s called dynamic pricing, which means the cost of products fluctuates based on the demand for them. (You may recall antibacterial wipes, for instance, spiking in price on Amazon during the pandemic.) Bodge recommends using an app or browser extension, like Honey, that can tell you if your desired item is priced higher than usual. 

Assess the seller

Always click through to see the seller’s storefront. Bodge says to look for red flags: Are the products being sold directly by the brand? If not, does the third-party seller have positive reviews? If the seller is an individual who has only a few items listed for sale, or if their storefront has little to no reviews, Bodge suggests looking elsewhere. 

What not to buy

When it comes to high-end or designer items, Bodge says skip the online marketplaces and go straight to the brand’s website to purchase to ensure you don’t get duped. And if a typically pricey product is deeply discounted on a third-party site, odds are it’s a scam.

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