There’s no arguing the fact that shopping on Amazon is pretty darn convenient, especially if you’re a Prime member. Who wouldn’t like free 2-day shipping and prices that are almost always competitive with the likes of Walmart and Target? While I have talked about the many perks of a Prime membership before, I thought it was time to delve into some of the lesser known ways to save money at Amazon, “Amazon hacks” if you will. Many of which you probably had no idea existed…until now that is.

1. The Amazon Double Browser Trick

In an effort to recoup 2-day shipping costs, Amazon has been known to charge Prime members more for products compared to non-members.

I have personally seen this Amazon hack work when Christmas shopping for my kids.

A great way to determine if you’re paying more for items because you’re a Prime member is to use two Internet browsers and trick Amazon. Here’s how it works…

In one browser, let’s say Firefox, login to your Amazon account and find the item you want to purchase, but DON’T add it to your cart. Just take note of the price.

Then in another browser, perhaps Chrome, check the Amazon price. BUT…before you do, be sure to clear your browser’s cookies and cache so that Amazon thinks you’re a non-Prime member.

Once you’ve done that, visit the Amazon website and check the price of the item. If it’s lower than what you saw on your Firefox browser, you know you’re being messed with.

To get the lower price, simply add the item to your cart using Chrome, then login to your Amazon account and buy as you normally would.

If Amazon tries to raise the price on you after you login, you should call them at 1-(888)-280-4331 and make sure you get the lower price.

Update: An even easier tip is from a blog reader Adrian, “To execute the “Double Browser Trick”, you can also simply open an incognito (Chrome) or private browsing (Firefox) window to do the price check, then login and purchase if it’s cheaper that way.

Setup and maintenance time is exactly zero: you don’t need to install another browser, and when you’re done, simply close the incognito window – all cookies, logins and other tracking devices on that window are discarded instantly.”

Overall, this tip seems to be loosing its luster as now Amazon hides the price if you’re not logged into your account.

They then try to sway you heavily towards Prime when you do log-in to a “Non-Prime” account and the price seems to stay the same in these scenarios.

2. Search Results Often Hide the Best Deals

When doing a search on Amazon for a specific brand and model, don’t always trust the search results.

The brain-trust at Amazon realize they probably have a “sure-fire” buyer if you’re doing such a specific search, and will often steer your search results towards the item that’ll pad their profits the most, i.e., the most expensive.

When doing specific searches, one of the most secretive ways to save on Amazon is to always dig a little deeper and don’t buy the first item that appears.

This is especially true on consumer electronics that sell for more than $100.

Always browse through the “Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought” carousel as well as the “Sponsored Products Related To This Item” carousel located on the individual product page.

Many times you’ll find a cheaper version of the same exact model, either sold by a 3rd party or the actual manufacturer.

See Also: 6 Brilliantly Slick Ways to Get Amazon Prime for Free

3. Master the “Add-On Items” Scenario

If you’re a Prime member, you’ve probably noticed that Amazon has gotten very good at using “Add-On Items” (example) to save on their overall shipping costs.

They do this by only offering these lower-priced items if, and when, your total order amount surpasses $25.

An awesome workaround is to add all your add-on items to your Amazon “Shopping List” and then buy only when your list reaches $25. By mastering this technique, you can easily beat Amazon at their own game and still get free 2-day shipping.

4. Score 7-Day Price Protection

I was once told by an Amazon chat rep that they’ll give shoppers price protection for up to 7 days after your item is delivered.

To make it happen, simply start a chat session and politely tell the rep that an item has gone down in price since you purchased it and they’ll quickly refund you the price difference.

To qualify, the item must have been fulfilled by Amazon and not a 3rd party seller. Because Amazon is famous for constantly lowering and raising prices, you stand a great chance of getting money put back in your pocket when a price drops.

I highly recommend using CamelCamelCamel.com as an easy way to automatically track Amazon prices.

You enter the product whose price you want to track, and they’ll notify you via email when the price drops, at which point you go get money back from Amazon.

Update: Amazon is no longer offering 7-day price protection on your purchases. Apparently this was never an “official” policy, and was offered as a one-time exception at the discretion of customer service reps.

5. Prime 2-Day Shipping Fail?

If you don’t get an item delivered on-time via Prime 2-day shipping, you stand a great chance of getting a free 1-month extension of Amazon Prime added to your account.

It doesn’t matter if the shipping delay is due to bad weather, or a screw up from the shipping company, Amazon has your back.

Again, just start a chat session and explain to the rep that your item wasn’t delivered when promised. They’ll quickly verify this information, and in most cases, offer you a free 1-month extension to your Prime membership (a $8.25 value).

They’ll simply tack the extra month onto your current membership.

See Also: 4 Ways to Get Free Shipping at Amazon (Without Paying for Prime)

6. Trade-In Unwanted Stuff for Amazon Gift Cards

Instead of donating stuff you don’t want to Goodwill, consider the Amazon Trade-In program as a great way to offset future Amazon purchases.

The cool thing about the program is that it’ll automatically look through your old Amazon orders and tell you what specific items are worth.

For example, right now, Amazon will pay me $91.87 for used items that I’ve purchased in the past couple years.

But, the items you trade-in do NOT have to be purchased originally through Amazon.

Just enter any item and they’ll tell you if they’ll buy it and for how much. Products must be in reasonably good and working condition. The best part? Shipping is completely free via a prepaid shipping label.

7. Yes, Amazon Has Coupons Too

Being the coupon nerd that I am, I’m always taking advantage of coupons on Amazon. Most shoppers I talk to have no idea they exist which always blows me away.

But yes, it’s true, they actually have coupons available and they’re a great way to save money. They have a little-known section of their site dedicated to these coupons.

Here is a breakdown of the most popular coupon categories that they offer:

• Automotive
• Baby
• Books
• Electronics
• Home
• Kitchen
• Lawn & Garden
• Pet Supplies
• Sporting Goods
• Tools & Home Improvement
• Toys

Make it a smart frugal habit to always check for a coupon when shopping at Amazon.

8. Get Diapers Delivered For Free at 20% Off

Do you have a baby in diapers along with a Prime membership?

If so, you’d be crazy to not take advantage of Amazon Family and get 20% off all diapers mailed to you via their Subscribe and Save program. Free shipping. Cancel anytime. Choose the delivery date that fits your needs.

With the 20% discount in your pocket, you’ll get the cheapest price around and never have to lug home a huge box of diapers from Costco again. Win-win.

Happy savings. I think these Amazon hacks can definitely help you save some money on your purchases in the future.

By Kyle James

Over the past few years, Walmart has announced that they’ve closed well over 160 locations in 27 states throughout the U.S., affecting over 10,000 employees.

The states hit the hardest in recent years include Texas (29), North Carolina (17), and Arkansas (11). It will be interesting to see what happens in the communities where a Walmart will be closing. Will new local businesses open up and fill the void? I certainly hope so. My guess is that the Target’s and Amazon’s of the world will simply step in and swallow up the competition, but time will tell.

Below is a running list, state by state, of all the Walmart locations that have already closed in the past 3 years or will be closing soon in 2024.

So you might be asking why are these stores closing?

There are several reasons that some Walmart store location have been closing in recent years.

They include the following:

• Underperforming location
• Hit by theft and organized crime
• Unable to secure a lease with the property owner

Here’s my running list of store closures:

Walmart Stores Closing in 2024:

CALIFORNIA:

• 2121 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA (closing on February 9, 2024) – According to a Walmart spokesman, they were unable to renew a lease with the property owner.
• 605 Fletcher Parkway, El Cajon, CA (closing on February 9, 2024) – El Cajon is a town northeast of San Diego and this location was also unable to renew their lease.

See Also: Target Stores are Closing Too….Here Are the Ones That Have Closed So Far

Walmart Stores That Closed in 2022 and 2023:

All of the following locations shuttered their doors in 2022 and 2023.

ALABAMA:

• 1501 Al Highway 14 E, Selma, AL 36703 (temporarily closed due to a fire on November 7, 2022)

ARKANSAS:

• Arkansas: 3701 SE Dodson Road, Bentonville (Pick-up only store concept) (closed in Feb 2023)

CONNECTICUT:

• 900 Boston Post Rd, Guilford, CT (closed in May 2022)

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA:

• 99 H Street NW, Washington DC (closed in January 2023)

GEORGIA:

• 1801 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta (closed in Jan 2023)
• 835 M.L.K. Jr Dr NW, Atlanta (closed in Feb 2023)

FLORIDA:

• 6900 US Highway 19 North, Pinellas Park (Neighborhood Market store) (closed in Feb 2023)

HAWAII:

• 1032 Fort Street Mall, Honolulu (closed in April 2023)

ILLINOIS:

• 17550 South Halsted St, Homewood (closed on March 10, 2023)
• 12690 S. Route 59, Plainfield (closed on March 10, 2023)
• 840 N. McCormick Blvd, Lincolnwood (Pick-up only store concept) (closed on February 17, 2023)
• 1511 Camp Jackson Road, Cahokia (closing on April 21, 2023)
• Chatham Supercenter, the Walmart Health center, and the Walmart Academy, 8431 S. Stewart Ave., Chicago, IL (closed on April 16, 2023)
• Kenwood Neighborhood Market, 4720 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago, IL (closed on April 16, 2023)
• Lakeview Neighborhood Market, 2844 N. Broadway St. Chicago, IL (closed on April 16, 2023)
• Little Village Neighborhood Market, 2551 W. Cermak Road Chicago, IL (closed on April 16, 2023)

See Also: 9 Freaking Awesome Ways to Save Money at Walmart

INDIANA:

• 3701 Portage Road, South Bend (closed on April 21, 2023)

KANSAS:

• 10303 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS

KENTUCKY:

• 7100 Raggard Road, Louisville, KY (closed in April 2022)

MINNESOTA:

• 1200 Shingle Creek Pkwy, Brooklyn Center, MN (closed in April 2023)

NEW MEXICO:

• 301 San Mateo Blvd. SE, Albuquerque, NM (closed in March 2023)

OHIO:

• Cobblewood Plaza Shopping Center, 1143 Smiley Ave, Cincinnati, OH (closed in April 2022)
• 6594 Mayfield Rd, Mayfield Heights, OH (closed in May 2022)

OREGON:

• 4200 82nd Ave. SE, Portland (closed in March 2023)
• 1123 N Hayden Meadows Dr., Portland (closed in March 2023)

PENNSYLVANIA:

• Waterworks Shopping Center, 877 Freeport Road, Pittsburgh, PA (permanently closed on November 11, 2022)

TEXAS:

• 24919 Westheimer Pkwy, Katy (Neighborhood Market) (closed in March 2023)

WASHINGTON:

• 4055 Factoria Blvd SE, Bellevue, WA (closed in April 2022)
• 11400 Hwy. 99, Everett, WA (closed on April 21, 2023)

WASHINGTON D.C.:

• 99 H St. NW, Washington D.C. (closed in March 2023)

WISCONSIN:

• 10330 W. Silver Spring Dr, Milwaukee, WI (closed in March 2023)

Ask the Reader: Did your local Walmart make the list of stores that will go away soon? If so, how’s it going to affect your shopping habits?

Do you dislike shopping at Walmart, but love their low prices? If you fall into this large (and growing) group of consumers this article is for you. What if I told you that you could stay out of Walmart altogether and still take advantage of their low prices? Well, by getting a price-match on Walmart prices, you can do exactly that. Here are all the popular retailers that will happily price match Walmart’s low prices.

3 Keys to Your Success:

Download the Walmart App

Download this app (iOS, Android) and use it to quickly see what Walmart is selling the item for, and if applicable, use that pricing information to get your price-match at one of the retailers listed below.

The app is very easy to use and lets you scan the item’s barcode and instantly shows the Walmart price.

While some retailers will want to see a printed Walmart ad showing the lower price, the majority will accept the price on the Walmart app, especially if you’re polite.

Save Time In-Store When Asking for a Price-Match

Many “on the floor” employees are either not equipped to give you a price match, or simply aren’t familiar with their own store’s policy.

This is why I always recommend heading straight to the customer service/relations desk, typically located in the front of the store.

These are the employees that can help you with your price match quickly and efficiently.

Save Those Receipts (Especially on Large Purchases)

Always hold on to your receipt as many of the retailers below will give you a Walmart price-match days, or even weeks, after your original purchase.

While it’s too time consuming to constantly check for a Walmart price drop on smaller purchases, it definitely makes sense on larger purchases like electronics, laptops, sporting goods, and home appliances.

Without your receipt in-hand, you’re going to be out-of-luck when trying to go back to the store to get your price adjustment.

All the Stores that Will Price Match Walmart:

Best Buy

The Best Buy Price Match Guarantee absolutely includes matching the price at your local Walmart. Here is what you need to know.

• The Walmart has to be within a 25-mile radius of your local Best Buy location in order to get a price-match.
• The best way to show proof of the lower price is to bring in Walmart’s current ad, or show them the price on Walmart.com via your phone.
• They reserve the right to call the local Walmart and verify the price independently.
• Product must be identical, and in-stock, in order to get the lower Walmart price.
• You cannot use a Best Buy coupon on top of a price match.

Cabela’s

Cabela’s recently instituted a solid price match policy and it absolutely includes Walmart.

• Show evidence of the lower price to a Cabela’s employee and they’ll verify that it’s in-stock at Walmart and identical.
• Item has to be the same brand, model, color, size, and quantity.
• Bonus: If you’re a Cabela’s Club Member they’ll even deduct another 5% off the lower Walmart price.

Dick’s Sporting Goods

I was happy to see that Dick’s now has a price match policy in place and it includes Walmart. You no longer have to shop at Walmart for the lowest prices on sporting goods. Here is the skinny at Dick’s.

• The item must be identical, this includes the brand and model number.
• Just bring in the Walmart ad, or evidence on your smartphone, at the time of purchase and show it to a store associate.
• Exclusions: Rebates, coupons, bonus offers, gift card offers, clearance, including closeouts and used items, limited-quantity or out of stock items, prices advertised only as a percent off or dollar off, services or another retailer’s pricing error.
• Unlike their coupon offerings, I was happy to see that they don’t have a long list of brands which are excluded from a price match.

HHGregg

When buying electronics and appliances, HHGregg will price match Walmart pricing. Here is how to make it happen.

• Price match can only be given at the time of the original purchase.
• Item must be identical and in-stock at booth HHGregg and your local Walmart.
• Simply show evidence to a store associate and they’ll hook you up.
• They also match the price at Walmart.com making it easy to show a store associate the lower price on your smartphone.

Home Depot

Here is how to get a Walmart price match at the Home Depot.

• Home Depot will price-match Walmart, but they won’t beat their price by 10% anymore.
• Show evidence of the lower Walmart price at the customer service desk at the front of the warehouse.
• Item must be in-stock, and only works on the regular retail price at Walmart.
• Exclusions to be aware of:  Special orders, bid pricing, volume discounts, open-box merchandise, labor and installation, sales tax, rebate and free offers, typographical errors and online purchases.

JCPenney

Look to price match kitchen and home items at your local JCPenney as they have many of the same items as Walmart.

• JCPenney will match Walmart pricing on identical items. This is defined as the same brand, style, color, quantity, size, model number, weight, etc.
• Bring in a print-out or advertisement showing the lower Walmart price. Smartphone versions may also be used but will be independently verified before they give you the lower price.
• Exclusions: Sephora, Salon, Optical, Portrait or Custom Decorating.

Kohl’s

Kohl’s will gladly match Walmart pricing on specific items. Here are the details.

• Kohl’s will only match the in-store pricing at Walmart. They will not match Walmart.com.
• Item must be identical to the product sold at Kohl’s.
• Unfortunately, there is a long list of exclusions. Big ones include Nike, Levi’s, Acer, Netgear, Canon, Samsung, and Fitbit.
• Always check out our Kohl’s coupons as well and try to stack one on top of your purchase.

Lowe’s Home Improvement

The Lowe’s price-match policy is quite similar to The Home Depot’s. Here are the details.

• Just bring in evidence of the lower Walmart price via their ad or from your smartphone.
• Not only will Lowe’s beat Walmart’s price, but they’ll beat it by a cool 10%.
• They limit the number of items in your purchase that you can get a price-match on to what they term “reasonable quantities”.
• If you have any questions about the vagueness of “reasonable quantities” you should call and speak to them directly at 1-877-465-6937.
• Exclusions: Installation labor, closeout pricing, special order, discontinued, clearance, liquidation or damaged items.

Michaels

Buried deep on the Michaels Terms and Condition page is their in-store price match policy which includes Walmart. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen.

• While you traditional think of Joann, Hobby Lobby, and AC Moore when price matching at Michaels, Walmart does indeed have many identical products worth price-matching.
• Simply present a Walmart ad or evidence of a lower Walmart price via a mobile device to a store associate.
• The lower price must be available at your local Walmart location and not solely available at Walmart.com.
• Exclusions include “Online Only” specials and private label brands. If they turn down your price match, use a Michaels coupon (in-store and online) to get comparable savings.

Office Depot & Office Max

Once you understand the Office Depot/Max price match policy, you’ll never troll the crowded aisles at Walmart again shopping for office supplies. Here are the instructions to make it happen.

• The item being price-matched must be identical, in-stock, and brand new.
• Bring in evidence of the lower Walmart price via a printed advertisement, printed in-store signage, receipt of item purchased, picture of in-store signage or online offer from mobile device.
• They also give you 14 days after your Office Depot/Max purchase to get a price adjustment if you find that Walmart has undercut the price you originally paid.
• Exclusions: Service plans, computer services, or other services which include delivery, copy and custom printing, installation, and extended warranties.

Petco

When shopping for pet food and supplies, be sure you’re getting Walmart pricing at your local Petco. Here is how their policy works.

• While kinda vague on their website, Petco will gladly match Walmart and Walmart.com pricing on identical items.
• As long as there is a Walmart within a “reasonable” distance, Petco will honor their lower price.

Sears

The folks at Sears will also honor the lower Walmart price. Here is the skinny:

• The Walmart price match at Sears is only eligible on the day you make your purchase.
• Must be an identical brand and model number.
• Just bring in evidence of the lower Walmart price and they’ll verify it independently.
• Exclusions: Bonus or free offers, special offers, online-only offers, bundled offers, rebates, any special financing offers, coupons, protection agreements, clearance, liquidation, or closeout prices, buy one get one offers, gift card offers, damaged, returned, open box or display merchandise.

Staples

Staples will also price match Walmart, plus throw in a cool little bonus.

• If you find a new and identical item that they sell for less at Walmart, see an associate at the Staples customer service desk to get your price match.
• There was a time when Staples would actually beat Walmart prices by 10%, but unfortunately this went away.

Target

Target’s “Shop With Confidence” policy is definitely worth knowing if you’d rather shop at Target than Walmart. Here is what you need to know.

• Take evidence of the lower Walmart price to the Guest Services desk at your local Target.
• They’ll then use their iPad to verify the lower price.
• Also, keep your Target receipts as they’ll price match Walmart at any point within 14 days of your original purchase date.

Tractor Supply Co.

Surprisingly, Walmart and Tractor Supply have many of the same tools, outdoor equipment, and ranch supplies so I was happy see that they price match Walmart.

• Tractor Supply not only price matches Walmart but pretty much every other retailer except eBay and Amazon 3rd party sellers.
• Item cannot be a Walmart clearance item or closeout special.
• Must also be in-stock and identical.
• Just show a TSC employee the cheaper Walmart price and they’ll hook ya up.

West Marine

I was happy to see that West Marine will price match Walmart, here are the details worth knowing.

• If you have a Walmart location within 50 miles of your local West Marine location, they’ll give you the lower Walmart price.
• Simply provide the Walmart address, item number, and base price of the item and they’ll independently verify the price.
• You can also call them at 1-800-BOATING to discuss your price match.
• From their website, “Price matching does not apply to online auctions, liquidation sales, refurbished or used merchandise, shipping charges, taxes, or promotions such as: mail-in offers, gift-with-purchase, financing offers, installation services, or typographical errors.”

Happy savings.

By Kyle James

Photo by Mike Mozart.