Six expert tips to save you HUNDREDS of pounds on Amazon – from discount codes to secret price drops

COULD you be paying too much for your Amazon purchases?

It’s possible to save hundreds of pounds a year by using the online retail giant to buy your everyday household items – but only if you are able to spot what is a true bargain.

Rosie Taylor reveals how to avoid getting stung on the site.

Weigh up need for speed

IF you need something quickly, it’s easy to order it on Amazon in a few clicks – but you could be paying over the odds.

Sun Money found a number of everyday items cost more on the site than elsewhere.

For example, Kiwi shoe polish was £2.90 in the top result on Amazon when we searched and around £2.60 to £3.99 from the site’s other sellers – but it only cost £1.30 from Ocado.

Compare prices before you buy by looking up the product on Google Shopping, Idealo or Price Spy to see how other retailers compare.

Cleaning products and other household goods are often cheaper in supermarkets, so you’re often best off picking them up on your weekly shop to save on delivery charges.

If you do buy from another online retailer, don’t forget to factor in delivery costs – if you have Prime and get free delivery, you could still save on the total price by shopping at Amazon.

Bear in mind other retailers might charge more or the same but could offer other benefits which make shopping there a better deal.

For example, a Kindle Paperwhite bought on Amazon only comes with a one-year warranty, but the same one bought from John Lewis comes with a two-year warranty.

Make the most of Prime

DON’T get caught out by accidentally signing up to Prime membership.

You pay £7.99 per month, or £79 per year, for benefits including next-day delivery, special offers and access to Amazon’s video and music streaming services.

Amazon promotes signing up to Prime at the checkout as a way of getting next-day delivery, so read the small print carefully before clicking any links as you might unwittingly be joining.