Amazon.com - Full of some great money-saving promotions!
by ia2ca - Written: Sep 24 '03
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| Full Review |
Overview
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Amazon.com? For most of us, it’s books. I have to admit that books are at the top of my purchase list when it comes to Amazon. But there’s a whole lot more to Amazon than most people realize. Aside from the usual books, movies and music, Amazon is filled with other stuff. If you haven’t rummaged through the site in a while, you are missing a lot of great deals!
Partnerships
To provide a wider assortment of merchandise, Amazon has partnered with other retailers such as Target, Office Depot, Marshall Fields, Babies R Us and Toys R Us. Although some of these partners offer their products exclusively through Amazon.com, others such as Target maintain a website outside their partnership. Keep this in mind when making purchases based on promotions or coupon codes - Some promotions/coupon codes cannot be applied to items purchased from the partner sites.
Specials
Aside from the usual merchandise, this review is intended to focus on Amazon’s not-so-highly publicized promotions. I have been a customer of Amazon for several years but only recently discovered some of the hidden treasures listed below!
Goldbox
Ever notice that little treasure chest in the upper right corner of every page on Amazon.com? If you did, kudos! Me? I guess I just passed over it as run-of-the-mill webpage clip art. I have no idea how long it was there before I read about it on a message board. All these people were announcing the great deals they found in the Amazon GB! “GB?” I asked. “Gold Box” they proclaimed and proceeded to give me the lowdown on it. For those of you who have not yet found it… Each day, each account is given up to 10 special offers. The offers are random but you are given an opportunity to select a category occasionally. Sometimes the sales are excellent; often they are just average. Each offer, displayed one at a time, is available for 60 minutes. You have to “Pass Forever” to see the next offer; once you’ve moved to the next one you cannot return to the prior. Note: You are only allowed one Gold Box purchase each day, so once you make a purchase; the Gold Box closes until 24 hours have passed.
Here is an example of one of today’s offers: “Calphalon Commercial Nonstick Collector's Edition 2-1/2-Quart Saucepot with Lid & Steamer Insert.
List Price: $183.00
Our Regular Price: $55.99
Gold Box Coupon: $8.40
Special Gold Box Price: $47.59
You Save: $135.41 (73%)
In other words, if you went directly to this offer on their website, you would find it for $55.99. Through the Gold Box - $47.59.
Today’s Deals
Self explanatory promotion. This is where you usually find deals such as “Get a Gift Card for $xx off your next purchase when you spend $xy in Category ABC.” Sometimes these are ongoing promotions; sometimes short-term sales.
Friday Sale
Every Friday, there are about 120 special “Friday only” deals. I have found some great items through this promotion. Several “Free After Rebate” items, many 50% or 75% off items. Act fast though, these usually have limited quantities!
”Bottom of the Page Deals”
How often do you scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page? You know, where the basic navigation links are (like “Contact Us”, “Help” or “Investor Relations”). Not very often unless you know that there are special deals down there! Items regularly found among the list of eight to ten items are: vitamins, batteries and breath mints. Their slogan for this promotion: Save up to 50% on these one-day-only deals. Guess “up to 50%” is just a guideline because today they have Nature Made Beta Carotene at 65% off!
Trivia Nickels
Amazon has a fairly new promotion called “Trivia Nickels” where you are rewarded for correctly answering questions about their products, categories or services. For each correct answer, you are awarded a nickel. There are usually three to four new questions offered each day (until you have answered all their questions). Most of the questions are pretty obvious but sometimes you need to search the site for the answer. (Don’t worry, they provide you a link to where the answer is to save you time.) At a nickel at a time, you are not getting rich, but if you’re on the site anyway, why not earn a little cash?! The money earned can be applied “up to 10% off the final order subtotal”.
Summary
In addition to a vast array of products, Amazon.com has a lot of great promotions that are not (for lack of a better word) promoted. If you are looking to make a purchase from their site, make sure you are getting the best deal they are currently offering!
Recommended:
Yes
What product did you purchase or try to purchase? Books, toys, electronics and more
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