The Best Things to Buy (and Skip) on Amazon

Find out what’s really worth buying so you don’t regret it later

Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer, offers an extensive array of products, making it a one-stop shop for millions of consumers. However, navigating this vast marketplace can be overwhelming, and not all products offer the same value. To help you make informed decisions, we’ve compiled a guide on the best things to buy—and what to skip—on Amazon.

Best Things to Buy on Amazon

1. Electronics and gadgets

Amazon is renowned for its competitive pricing on electronics. From the latest smartphones to smart home devices, you can find excellent deals. Popular items include:

• Amazon Devices: Echo, Kindle, and Fire TV Stick often come with significant discounts, especially during sales events like Prime Day and Black Friday.
• Laptops and Tablets: Brands like Apple, Samsung, and Microsoft offer competitive prices, and you can often find last year’s models at discounted rates.
• Accessories: Chargers, cables, and phone cases are typically cheaper on Amazon compared to brick-and-mortar stores.

2. Books and e-Books

Amazon started as an online bookstore, and it remains a top destination for book lovers. Benefits include:

• Wide Selection: From bestsellers to obscure titles, Amazon’s library is unparalleled.
• Kindle E-Books: Kindle Unlimited and regular e-book deals make it easy to build a digital library at a fraction of the cost of physical books.
• Used Books: You can find great deals on used books in good condition.

3. Home and kitchen appliances

Amazon offers a broad range of home and kitchen appliances at competitive prices. Key items to consider include:

• Small Appliances: Instant Pots, air fryers, and coffee makers often have excellent deals.
• Smart Home Devices: Thermostats, cameras, and lighting systems can be found at discounted prices, especially during sales events.
• Home Essentials: Items like vacuum cleaners, bedding, and storage solutions are plentiful and competitively priced.

4. Subscription services

Amazon’s subscription services offer significant value, especially for frequent shoppers:

• Amazon Prime: This membership includes free two-day shipping, access to Prime Video, Prime Music, and other exclusive deals.
• Amazon Pantry: Ideal for stocking up on household essentials and non-perishable groceries.
• Audible: Perfect for audiobook enthusiasts, with a vast library of titles.

5. Health and beauty products

Amazon is a convenient place to buy health and beauty products, often at lower prices than drugstores:

• Vitamins and Supplements: A wide selection with customer reviews to guide your purchase.
• Skincare and Haircare: Popular brands and products are frequently discounted.
• Personal Care Devices: Electric toothbrushes, razors, and hair tools often come with competitive pricing.

Things to skip on Amazon

While Amazon is a great place for many purchases, some items are better bought elsewhere. Here are a few categories to consider skipping:

1. Clothing and apparel

While Amazon offers a vast selection of clothing, it can be hit or miss in terms of quality and fit. Reasons to avoid include:

• Inconsistent Sizing: Many brands have varying size charts, leading to potential returns.
• Quality Concerns: Some items may not match the photos or descriptions, resulting in disappointment.
• Better Alternatives: Dedicated clothing retailers often provide better customer service, more reliable sizing, and higher quality.

2. Furniture and large home items

Buying furniture on Amazon can be risky due to several factors:

• Shipping Costs: Large items may incur high shipping fees, even with Amazon Prime.
• Assembly Issues: Many pieces require assembly, which can be complicated without proper instructions or missing parts.
• Quality and Durability: It’s challenging to assess the quality of furniture without seeing it in person. Local stores or specialty furniture websites may offer better options.

3. Perishable groceries

While Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market offer grocery delivery, there are downsides:

• Freshness Concerns: Perishable items may not arrive in the best condition, especially in hot weather.
• Limited Selection: Local grocery stores or farmers’ markets often have fresher and more diverse produce.
• Cost: Prices can be higher compared to local grocery stores, especially for fresh produce.

4. Jewelry and high-end fashion

Expensive items like jewelry and high-end fashion are better purchased in person:

• Authenticity Issues: It can be challenging to verify the authenticity and quality of high-end items on Amazon.
• Better Customer Experience: Specialty stores provide personalized service and the opportunity to inspect items before buying.

5. Specialized or niche products

For highly specialized products, it’s often best to shop from dedicated retailers:

• Expertise and Support: Specialty retailers can offer expert advice and better customer support.
• Authenticity and Quality: Niche products are more likely to be genuine and of higher quality when bought from experts in that field.

Conclusion

Amazon is a fantastic resource for many products, offering convenience, competitive pricing, and a vast selection. By focusing on electronics, books, home appliances, subscription services, and health products, you can maximize your savings and satisfaction. However, for clothing, furniture, perishables, high-end fashion, and niche products, exploring alternative retailers may provide better results. Happy shopping!