What is Amazon Prime Day? Everything you need to know

This article explains what Amazon Prime Day is, when it takes place, how long it lasts, what’s on sale, and more. It's the biggest and best shopping event of the year for Amazon Prime members. So make sure you're informed and ready to go.

Amazon established Amazon Prime Day to celebrate those who subscribe to Amazon Prime service. They pay extra each year for free two-day shipping, streaming movies on Prime Video, songs on Amazon Music, books and magazines on Prime Reading, and additional features that make the membership worth it.

To express its gratitude to its members, Amazon offers deep discounts and great product deals exclusively to its Prime members on Amazon Prime Day.

Yes, you must be an Amazon Prime member to participate in Prime Day deals. If you're not a Prime member, you can still buy items, but you won't be able to buy them at a discount.

Amazon launched Prime Day on July 15, 2015 to celebrate its 20th birthday. Since then it has become an annual July event.

There was one exception in 2020, when Amazon postponed events in 19 countries until October due to the coronavirus pandemic.

If previous years are any example, Amazon Prime Day will start on the second Tuesday of July. However, this is not guaranteed. This is just a pattern from past Prime Day events.

In its first two years, 2015 and 2016, Amazon Prime Day lasted only one day. Starting in 2017, Amazon extended the offer to two full days and has kept it that way ever since, although the name "Amazon Prime Day " hasn't changed.

The event typically starts at 12:00 AM PDT (3:00 AM ET) on the first day and ends at 11:59 PM PDT on the second day, giving you a full 48 hours to shop.

The specific date of Amazon Prime Day is usually held in July, but only about a month or two in advance. Therefore, you have to keep an eye on the dates this year, and luckily, you have some handy ways to do that.

  • Check your email : If you are receiving email notifications as a Prime member, please check your inbox to find out when the event is approaching.
  • Visit the Prime Day website : You can visit the dedicated Prime Day website for news about the event date.
  • Ask Alexa : For a hands-free way to stay informed, you can also ask Alexa, “When is Amazon Prime Day?”

hint

You can use Alexa to set event reminders. Just say: "Remind me when Prime Day starts."

In addition to the date of Amazon Prime Day each year, Amazon is also keeping a secret on the deals you can expect. If you do some searching, you might be able to get a sneak peek as the event gets closer.

Generally speaking, you'll find lower prices on tech and electronics, clothing, toys, appliances, homewares, and more. Therefore, you may see discounts on products from well-known brands such as Bissell, iRobot, and Sony.

hint

Check out the deals Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Wayfair are competing with Amazon during Prime Day.

Over the years, you've found discounts on Alexa-enabled devices like the Fire TV Stick and Echo Dot, kitchen brands like Rachael Ray and Keurig, toys from VTech and LeapFrog, and clothing and accessories from Levi's.

But it's not just about the big-ticket items on Amazon Prime Day. There are also sales on pet products, health and beauty supplies, and back-to-school items like notebooks and calculators.

Even if you have 48 hours to shop on Amazon Prime Day, you might miss out on great deals on the products you want. While you can sign up for the Amazon newsletter, there are a few other ways to stay up to date on the latest deals and discounts.

  • Use the Amazon Shopping Mobile App : There’s no better way to learn about Amazon’s deals than using your mobile device. You can check out Prime Day deals in the Amazon Shopping app on Android and iPhone. You also have the option to create transaction alerts.
  • Head to the Prime Day website : In addition to news about the event date, you'll also see the deals you can expect on Amazon's Prime Day webpage.
  • Visit the Amazon Deals Page : In addition to the official Prime Day website, you can also check out or even bookmark the Amazon Deals page where you can find special deals for the event.
  • Get help from Alexa : Not only can Alexa give you the date of Prime Day, but it can also let you know when the product you want goes on sale. Add items to your wish list, Amazon shopping cart, or "Save for Later" list and ask Alexa to notify you about offers when the time is right.

Now that you know the ins and outs of Amazon Prime Day, be sure to mark it on your calendar, bookmark the Amazon website, download the mobile app, and get ready to shop.