Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days is just weeks away, and if last year is any indication, some of the year's best tech and home deals are about to drop — for two days only. Whether you're planning an early holiday gift or finally replacing that laptop that's been limping along, a little preparation now can mean the difference between snagging a genuine deal and scrolling through discounts that aren't actually discounts.
5 ways to prepare for Prime Big Deal Days
1. Build (or update) your wish list
Amazon's wish list isn't just a bookmarking tool — during major sales, it becomes your radar. Add anything you're considering buying now, even if it's not discounted yet, so you'll immediately notice when a price actually drops.
2. Check your Prime membership status
Prime Big Deal Days is exclusive to Prime members. If your subscription lapsed or you've never signed up, do it a few days before — not the morning of, in case of account issues.
3. Track prices before the sale
Not every "deal" is actually cheaper than what you'd pay any other week. Use a price tracker (like Keepa or CamelCamelCamel) on your must-have items to confirm a discount is genuine.
4. Set a budget and a shortlist
With deals hitting almost every category at once, it's easy to get swept up. Decide in advance what you actually need, so you're not tempted by everything flashing "limited time offer."
5. Check back more than once
Deals rotate throughout the two days. Bookmark our Prime Big Deal Days page and check back at different times rather than assuming you've seen everything after one visit.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Prime membership for Prime Big Deal Days?
Yes. Unlike Black Friday or Cyber Monday, this event is exclusive to Amazon Prime members. A free trial usually qualifies.
Is Prime Big Deal Days the same as Prime Day?
No — Prime Day happens in July, while Prime Big Deal Days is a second, smaller Prime-exclusive event in October, often seen as an early start to holiday shopping.
Are the deals actually better than Black Friday?
It depends on the category. Amazon devices and tech often see similarly deep discounts, but Black Friday in November tends to cover a broader range of categories.