Why Some Shoppers Call Prime Day a Scam?

Amazon Prime Day has quickly grown into one of the biggest retail events globally. For many, it’s a chance to snag massive discounts on electronics, home goods, fashion, beauty products, and Amazon devices. Prime Day is eagerly awaited by millions of shoppers. But as the hype around the event grows, so do the skeptics. Many people ask: Why is Amazon Prime Day a scam?

This article explores the reasons behind these concerns, the experiences of shoppers, and practical ways to ensure you’re getting genuine value from the event.

What Is Amazon Prime Day?

Launched in 2015 to celebrate Amazon’s 20th anniversary, Prime Day was originally intended as a reward for Prime members. Over the years, it has evolved into a global shopping festival, rivaling Black Friday and Cyber Monday in scale. You can also check out: Are Deals Better on Black Friday or Cyber Monday?

Prime Day typically occurs once per year, usually during the summer months, giving shoppers exclusive access to deals across tech, fashion, home, beauty, and groceries. However, 2025 is a unique year: Amazon is hosting two major sale events, the regular Prime Day from July 8–11 and the Prime Big Deal Days in October. This double event schedule is designed to give shoppers more opportunities to grab deals before the holiday season, balancing global logistics and marketing strategies while accommodating different regional shopping patterns.

While many shoppers enjoy the bargains, growing concerns about pricing practices, stock availability, and deal authenticity have led to debates online about whether Prime Day is a scam.

Why Some Shoppers Question Prime Day

Inflated Original Prices

A major reason people wonder is Prime Day a scam is the perception of inflated prices. Many shoppers have noticed that before Prime Day, Amazon temporarily raises the “original” price of products, only to mark them down during the event.

This can create an illusion of significant savings. While some deals are genuine, the price inflation tactic misleads customers into thinking they’re getting bigger discounts than they actually are.

Reddit threads such as “is Prime Day a scam reddit” are full of discussions from frustrated shoppers who feel they were misled by artificial discounts.

Limited Stock and Artificial Scarcity

Another concern is stock availability. Popular items on Prime Day often have limited quantities, which leads to quick sell-outs. While scarcity drives urgency, it also means that not everyone can access the advertised deals, making some shoppers feel excluded or misled.

Quality Issues With Third-Party Sellers

Not every deal is sold directly by Amazon. Third-party sellers frequently participate in Prime Day, and some may misrepresent product quality or inflate prices. This variability makes shoppers cautious about purchasing certain items, contributing to the perception that Prime Day is a scam.

Consumer Experiences

Shoppers have shared mixed experiences:

• Price Fluctuations: Some items appear discounted but are actually priced similarly to pre-sale levels. This leads to confusion and disappointment.

• Product Availability: High-demand items like Amazon Echo devices or gaming consoles often sell out within minutes, frustrating those who miss out.

• Quality Assurance: With third-party sellers, the quality of products can vary, and some buyers report receiving substandard items.

These experiences have amplified skepticism, prompting questions such as is Amazon Prime Day a scam.

Are There Genuine Deals on Prime Day?

Despite these concerns, not all deals are misleading. Many shoppers find genuine bargains, particularly on Amazon-branded products, electronics, and household essentials. The key is preparation:

1. Research Beforehand: Tools like Keepa and CamelCamelCamel track price histories, helping you confirm real discounts.

2. Set Price Alerts: Get notified when products drop to your target price.

3. Read Reviews: Check product ratings and feedback to avoid low-quality items.

4. Be Wary of Third-Party Sellers: Stick to trusted sellers or Amazon itself for high-value purchases.

By taking these steps, you can shop Prime Day confidently and avoid falling for misleading offers.

Categories Often Targeted by Scammers

Certain product categories attract more attention due to their popularity:

• Tech Gadgets: Items like laptops, smartphones, and smart home devices often have temporarily inflated prices.

• Beauty Products: Moisturizers, hair tools, and makeup may appear discounted, but sometimes have exaggerated original prices.

• Household Essentials: Cleaning products or kitchen gadgets may have subtle price adjustments to create “savings.”

Understanding which categories are prone to this practice can help shoppers navigate Prime Day more wisely.

Real Examples From Shoppers

In July 2025, shoppers highlighted several deals that were both impressive and legitimate. For instance:

• Tech: Apple AirPods Pro 2 dropped to £179 from £229, and the Meta Quest 3S 128GB reduced from £289 to £237.99.

• Home Essentials: Calgon 4-in-1 Washing Machine Cleaner was available for £12.99, down from £28.

• Beauty: BYOMA Moisturising Gel Cream dropped to £9.60 from £12.99.

These deals demonstrate that, while skepticism is understandable, genuine savings are possible when shoppers plan and monitor products carefully.

Tips for Navigating Prime Day Safely

To maximise savings and avoid disappointment, consider the following:

• Plan Ahead: Identify products you want in advance.

• Track Prices: Use price history tools to confirm the validity of discounts.

• Check Reviews: Always read customer feedback for quality assurance.

• Use Coupons: You can use Amazon Coupons from Discount Codez and stack these coupons with Prime Day deals for extra savings.

• Monitor Stock Levels: Popular items may sell out quickly.

• Compare Prices: Ensure the deal is competitive compared to other retailers.

Why Some People Still Love Prime Day

Despite the criticisms, many shoppers enjoy the excitement and genuine savings of Prime Day. Key advantages include:

• Exclusive Discounts: Prime members get first access to deals on Amazon devices and gadgets.

• Wide Selection: Categories include tech, beauty, fashion, home, and groceries.

• Early Holiday Shopping: Prime Day is an ideal time to buy gifts before the holiday rush.

With careful planning, shoppers can separate misleading deals from authentic bargains.

Conclusion

So, why is Amazon Prime Day a scam? The answer is nuanced. While there are legitimate concerns about pricing strategies, stock limitations, and third-party sellers, many deals are genuine.

Shoppers who research beforehand, monitor prices, check reviews, and use resources like Amazon coupons from Discount Codez can navigate the event safely and profitably. Understanding these pitfalls allows consumers to enjoy Prime Day without falling for misleading promotions.

In the end, Prime Day is not inherently a scam, it’s a high-pressure shopping event where preparation and vigilance are key. By approaching it wisely, shoppers can find remarkable discounts on products they truly want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is Amazon Prime Day a scam?

Not entirely. While some shoppers feel misled due to inflated prices, limited stock, or third-party seller issues, many genuine deals exist, especially on Amazon-branded products and electronics. Preparation and research help ensure real savings.

Q. Why do some people think Prime Day is a scam?

Concerns include temporary price inflation before the sale, scarcity tactics that create urgency, and inconsistent product quality from third-party sellers. These factors make some shoppers feel the event is misleading.

Q. How can I find genuine deals on Prime Day?

Track price histories using tools like Keepa or CamelCamelCamel, set alerts for desired products, read reviews carefully, stick to trusted sellers, and compare prices with other retailers.

Q. Can I use Discount Codez coupons on Amazon Prime Day deals?

Yes! You can stack Amazon coupons from Discount Codez with Prime Day deals for extra savings. By combining these coupons with genuine discounts, shoppers can maximize their purchases and get better value on popular products.

Q. Are all product categories affected by misleading deals?

Some categories are more prone to inflated pricing, such as tech gadgets, beauty products, and household essentials. Being aware of these trends can help shoppers avoid overpaying.

Q. Can Prime Day be worth it for shoppers?

Yes. With proper planning, shoppers can enjoy exclusive discounts, a wide selection of products, and early holiday shopping opportunities. Awareness and research are key to maximizing benefits.