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Amazon Prime Day is here, with major discounts expected on a wide range of household goods and electronics. With so much to choose from, it’s easy to get swept away by the sheer volume of deals available.
However, before splashing out on a new piece of kit, it’s important to check competitor brands before you buy. It’s also important to understand that you’re not just looking at the difference in price. There are added extras that brands such as John Lewis, AO and Argos can offer that Amazon won’t.
From longer guarantees on certain appliances, to repair and replacement packages on your electronics, sometimes it is worth spending a little bit more to save in the long run.
To help consumers make the best decision possible this Prime Day, we’ve rounded up some of the top discounted products from last year’s Prime Day that you may have been better off buying elsewhere.
1. Cookers
When you’re buying a product like a microwave, air fryer or slow cooker, you have to accept that it’s going to pick up a lot of wear and tear over the years from constant use. While these products are among the most heavily discounted on Prime Day, they tend to come with very standard warranties, such as 1-2 years max. This means that if they do break down, you’ll have to pick up the repair bill yourself. Several competitors currently offer longer guarantees on cooking appliances, as well as a range of repair and replacement packages.
Take last year’s Prime Day deal on Amazon’s Ninja Air Fryer [AF100UK], for example. Despite its generous discount, Amazon only offers a one year warranty, with no repair package. In comparison, Currys offers a 3 year instant replacement plan for just £26.00, and John Lewis also offers an extended warranty of 2 years for a similar price.
2. TVs
Every year, TVs feature heavily as part of the Prime Day deals, but it’s important to look beyond the discount itself. With such a high value product, repairs are not really possible, and replacements are costly, so additional damage cover, installation packages and disposal options are essential when deciding where to buy.
In last year’s Prime Day sale, Amazon offered a mega discount on its Samsung 43″ TU7100 HDR Smart 4K TV with Tizen OS. However, they only offered 1 year warranty on the product as standard. In comparison, John Lewis offers a 5 year guarantee on the same TV as part of the base price, with accidental damage cover, installation and disposal available as add ons. Argos also offers a monthly care subscription for this product, starting from just £7.19 per month.
3. Smartwatches
Smart watches have been steadily increasing in popularity each year, so many will be looking to pick up a bargain this Prime Day. Although the discounts aren’t necessarily the best option. Buying direct from the brand will often come with a monthly care plan and even free accessories, something you won’t get with Amazon.
For example, buying a Huawei GT 2E Smartwatch directly will get you free earbuds as an exclusive add-on, as well as a guarantee to match Amazons. Also, if you want to make sure your kit lasts the test of time, Currys offers a monthly care plan from just £1.50 on the same watch.
4. Smart home devices
Amazon is bound to offer out some generous deals on its in-house products this Prime Day. While the brand may offer a good warranty and guarantee on these items, it tends not to give you any replacement plans or care packages as standard. If your smart home devices get a lot of use, particularly in busy households, paying for repairs can end up costing you more in the long run than what you saved on your Prime Day discount.
For example, with the Amazon Echo 5 (1st Gen), you only get a 1 year warranty via Amazon. However, John Lewis currently sells the same product at a competitive price, with a 2 year guarantee included. If you want to try other retailers, Currys offers a 3 year instant replacement plan for just £16.00, and Argos offers a 2 year replacement care package on top of their standard guarantee.
5. Food processors
When it comes to kitchen products, food processors can sometimes pick up even more wear and tear than cooking appliances, depending on how adventurous a cook you are. Often, it’s better to go to a specialist retailer or even direct, in order to pick up the best long term deal.
For example, take last year’s Prime Day deal on the Kenwood FPM810 Multipro Sense. Despite the 30% reduction and 5 year warranty on Amazon, AO still offers more – with a comprehensive care plan package starting from just £4.49 per month.
6. Cleaning kit
General household appliances might not be as exciting on the surface as smart home tech or kitchenware, but they still need care and attention too. High tech irons, vacuum cleaners and steam cleaners are complicated to run and costly to repair, as specialist parts are often needed to get them working once broken.
The Tefal Express Compact SV7111 Steam Generator, which got a massive discount in last year’s Prime Day sale, comes with warranty on Amazon but nothing by way of repair or replacement services. In comparison, AO offers a worthwhile care protection on the same product for a tiny additional amount, just £3.99 per month.
James Andrews, senior personal finance editor at money.co.uk said: “On Amazon Prime Day, it is possible to pick up some fantastic deals, but you should never do so on an expensive product if you’re not getting a decent length warranty.
“Some products, such as TVs, are almost impossible to repair once broken. If your TV receives accidental damage or breaks due to misuse, you’ll need a totally new replacement. If you’re out of warranty when this happens, and you didn’t bother to pick up a care package with your purchase, the replacement will cost you much more than your initial saving.
“No one likes to spend extra cash if they can help it, but if you’re splashing out several hundred pounds on a new appliance, a bit extra for a repair or replacement service isn’t going to break the bank.”
