Personal finance guru Martin Lewis has directed savvy shoppers towards hidden corners of Amazon where they can unlock substantial savings, including discounts of up to 50%. Appearing on ITV's This Morning with hosts Dermot O'Leary and Christine Lampard, the founder of MoneySavingExpert.com detailed three specific, under-the-radar sections of the retail giant's website.
Three Hidden Amazon Departments for Major Discounts
Lewis urged consumers to explore the Amazon Resale, Amazon Renewed, and Amazon Outlet sections, areas he claims many users are unaware of. He explained that Amazon Resale offers items that have been sent out and returned, often at around half the original price. "The packaging may be less than perfect. You might have a slightly damaged box, but they'll tell you and give you the quality level. It's so much cheaper," he said.
To illustrate the potential, he shared a testimonial from a viewer named Sue, who bought a coffee machine for less than half price. "The box was bashed, but the machine looked brand new. Bargain," Sue reported. Lewis stressed these deals are not promoted on Amazon's main pages, so shoppers must actively seek out the Resale section.
For technology enthusiasts, Amazon Renewed is the go-to destination. This section sells refurbished previous-generation tech from top brands like Apple, Samsung, and Dell, including laptops, headphones, games consoles, and smartwatches. Crucially, these items come with a one-year warranty, offering peace of mind alongside the lower price tag.
How to Spot Fake Discounts and Verify Real Savings
Lewis issued a stern warning about Amazon's discounting practices, advising shoppers to be sceptical of percentage-off claims. "Amazon likes to play a little bit fast and loose with its discounts," he cautioned. "So when it's said it's discounted by 22% the question you want to ask is 'what is it discounted by 22% from and when was it at that price?'"
His top tool for cutting through the marketing hype is the independent price-tracking website, Camel Camel Camel. By pasting an Amazon product link into the site, users can see its full price history. "It might be 22% off now, but three months ago it could have been 57% off. You can see how relevant the discount really is," Lewis explained, empowering shoppers to make truly informed decisions.
Finding Treasure in the Amazon Outlet
The final area highlighted was the Amazon Outlet, which Lewis described in his characteristic style as "odds and ends 'junk that you would like to put in your trunk'." He admitted the section can be a mixed bag, often filled with unwanted items, but said it sometimes hides a "goldmine", particularly for children's toys and games.
By combining knowledge of these three secret sections with diligent price-checking, UK consumers can follow Martin Lewis's advice to secure significant savings on their Amazon purchases, especially during the expensive festive season.
