31 Best Amazon Prime Benefits to Use in 2019

Talk about impulse shopping. Amazon’s Prime Now service delivers the goods to Prime members for free within two hours, currently in 89 (and growing) select markets, including Atlanta, Boston, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, San Diego, Virginia Beach and Central Jersey (Hi Mom and Dad!). Free two-hour delivery includes grocery orders from Whole Foods, which is owned by Amazon, in select cities. Can’t wait two hours? You can get the goods delivered for free in an hour in some areas. As I’m writing this, my Amazon account tells me I can get same-day delivery of a 12-pack of Liquid Death Mountain Water Tallboys (“100% pure mountain water from Austria”) for $21.99 if I order “$35 worth of qualifying orders within 3 hours and 41 minutes [by noon].” Prime Now specializes in delivering items ranging from food and pet supplies to electronics and beauty products. And, of course, Amazon-only products such as Kindles. The service will also deliver food from member restaurants in select cities to your door (home, work, hotel) in an hour — and you can app-track delivery in real time.

<h3 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="SEE ALSO: 15 Secrets to Shopping at Trader Joe’s” data-reactid=”51″>SEE ALSO: 15 Secrets to Shopping at Trader Joe’s

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Getty Images” data-reactid=”60″>Getty Images

Hey, if you can have patience with some of your orders, it just may pay off. Choose no-rush shipping at checkout, and you can earn either a discount or a promotional award that can be used for future Amazon purchases. Your no-rush order will arrive within six business days, rather than the standard two days for Prime members (and I’ve found that “six days” was really three days a couple of times I’ve used no-rush). You can use your awards to snag movies on Amazon Instant Video, buy e-books and more. Awards are applied after your no-rush order ships. Typical givebacks include a $5 credit toward purchases on Prime Now or Prime Pantry each time you choose no-rush shipping.

<h3 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="SEE ALSO: 49 Companies Amazon Could Destroy (And 1 It Already Has)” data-reactid=”63″>SEE ALSO: 49 Companies Amazon Could Destroy (And 1 It Already Has)

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Getty Images” data-reactid=”72″>Getty Images

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="You like to try on before you buy, yes? I mean, when you go to a brick and mortar clothing store, you don't buy the clothes then try them on in the dressing room, do you? Because that's just weird. Amazon has you covered — in clothes. Prime Wardrobe is Prime’s answer to the dressing room. Pick out clothing, shoes and accessories online at Amazon Wardrobe. Pick two or more items (making sure they have the Prime Wardrobe logo) and they’ll be shipped for free and at no charge to you. You have seven days to try them on and check out what you want to buy. It’s free to return anything you don’t want to purchase. Your Prime Wardrobe order comes in a resealable box with a prepaid return label. You just have to haul it over to a UPS outlet. They’ll take care of the rest.” data-reactid=”74″>You like to try on before you buy, yes? I mean, when you go to a brick and mortar clothing store, you don’t buy the clothes then try them on in the dressing room, do you? Because that’s just weird. Amazon has you covered — in clothes. Prime Wardrobe is Prime’s answer to the dressing room. Pick out clothing, shoes and accessories online at Amazon Wardrobe. Pick two or more items (making sure they have the Prime Wardrobe logo) and they’ll be shipped for free and at no charge to you. You have seven days to try them on and check out what you want to buy. It’s free to return anything you don’t want to purchase. Your Prime Wardrobe order comes in a resealable box with a prepaid return label. You just have to haul it over to a UPS outlet. They’ll take care of the rest.

<h3 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="SEE ALSO: 15 Things You Can’t Return to Amazon” data-reactid=”75″>SEE ALSO: 15 Things You Can’t Return to Amazon

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Getty Images” data-reactid=”84″>Getty Images

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Did you know you could shop, buy and give to your favorite registered charitable organization through Amazon Prime? Neither did I. It's called AmazonSmile. Simply pick a charity and do all of your shopping on your personal AmazonSmile page. It has the exact same products and prices as your regular Amazon.com page, and you can switch between your regular Prime account and AmazonSmile. Amazon will gently nudge you to AmazonSmile if you forget, but here’s a hint: Just as you’ve bookmarked your regular Amazon.com account, you can bookmark your AmazonSmile account and toggle if you wish. There are more than a million eligible 501(c)(3) public charitable organizations to choose from, and the one you pick will receive 0.5% of the value of your eligible purchases. Amazon says charities have netted nearly $100 million via AmazonSmile to date. I’m helping support Friends of Frying Pan Park Farm, a county park in Virginia that is a working farm interpreting farm life of the 1920s to the 1950s.” data-reactid=”86″>Did you know you could shop, buy and give to your favorite registered charitable organization through Amazon Prime? Neither did I. It’s called AmazonSmile. Simply pick a charity and do all of your shopping on your personal AmazonSmile page. It has the exact same products and prices as your regular Amazon.com page, and you can switch between your regular Prime account and AmazonSmile. Amazon will gently nudge you to AmazonSmile if you forget, but here’s a hint: Just as you’ve bookmarked your regular Amazon.com account, you can bookmark your AmazonSmile account and toggle if you wish. There are more than a million eligible 501(c)(3) public charitable organizations to choose from, and the one you pick will receive 0.5% of the value of your eligible purchases. Amazon says charities have netted nearly $100 million via AmazonSmile to date. I’m helping support Friends of Frying Pan Park Farm, a county park in Virginia that is a working farm interpreting farm life of the 1920s to the 1950s.

<h3 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="SEE ALSO: 18 Best Kirkland Items to Buy at Costco” data-reactid=”87″>SEE ALSO: 18 Best Kirkland Items to Buy at Costco

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Getty Images” data-reactid=”96″>Getty Images

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="You can share your Amazon Prime membership with your household via Amazon Household. Here's the catch: Your Prime benefits can be shared with one other adult in a household — as long as you both agree to share your payment methods (you link your accounts via Amazon Household). That’s fine for, say, a spouse or significant other, but giving your roommate access to your credit or debit card might be a deal-breaker. Your partner in Prime has to have a separate Amazon account to be able to be added to your Prime membership. You’ll then be able to share certain Prime perks including free two-day shipping. Teens and younger children can also be added (up to four) but they have parental-restricted access, praise be (younger children cannot buy anything on Amazon).” data-reactid=”98″>You can share your Amazon Prime membership with your household via Amazon Household. Here’s the catch: Your Prime benefits can be shared with one other adult in a household — as long as you both agree to share your payment methods (you link your accounts via Amazon Household). That’s fine for, say, a spouse or significant other, but giving your roommate access to your credit or debit card might be a deal-breaker. Your partner in Prime has to have a separate Amazon account to be able to be added to your Prime membership. You’ll then be able to share certain Prime perks including free two-day shipping. Teens and younger children can also be added (up to four) but they have parental-restricted access, praise be (younger children cannot buy anything on Amazon).

<h3 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="SEE ALSO: 5 Alternatives to Amazon Prime” data-reactid=”99″>SEE ALSO: 5 Alternatives to Amazon Prime

You can replenish millions of everyday products from Amazon at the touch of a virtual button on your Amazon page. The secret is the Dash Button, a personalized shortcut to reorder your favorite, frequently purchased products. (Amazon used to utilize physical plastic devices about the size of a thumb drive that were shipped to your home; the emphasis is on the virtual buttons now.) Let’s say you’re running out of toilet paper. Simply add the Charmin dash button to your Amazon page or mobile app, push the Charmin Dash Button and bingo: In a day or two you’ll get more rolls on your front porch. Think of it as a shortcut, so you’re not wasting precious seconds searching Amazon for a regularly purchased product. (Amazon also automatically adds Dash Buttons on your Amazon page for items you frequently order.)

You can organize, add and delete Dash Buttons at your leisure. Prices for the products are listed on the virtual button you’re about to push, but be cautious: You might not remember the order had 24 bags of pretzels when you only wanted one or two. Plus, prices may have changed, usually in the northward direction. Also? I find accessing Dash Buttons on the mobile site a convoluted process.

<h3 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="SEE ALSO: 5 States With No State Sales Tax” data-reactid=”104″>SEE ALSO: 5 States With No State Sales Tax

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Getty Images” data-reactid=”113″>Getty Images

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Amazon is expanding its private-label offerings — an area that holds huge business potential, as we pointed out in our story about Costco’s Kirkland Signature brands. Amazon Elements products, for example, are already available only to Prime members, and the company is rolling out other exclusive private-label brands (as of December, Amazon had 119 private labels and 223 brand partners in the Amazon Exclusives program, according to the brand-research firm Gartner L2). Also unique about Elements: Scan a special code on the product — using your Amazon Shopping app — and you will see where every ingredient in the product was sourced, down to the water in the baby wipes. The Amazon Elements line also includes vitamins and nutritional supplements.” data-reactid=”115″>Amazon is expanding its private-label offerings — an area that holds huge business potential, as we pointed out in our story about Costco’s Kirkland Signature brands. Amazon Elements products, for example, are already available only to Prime members, and the company is rolling out other exclusive private-label brands (as of December, Amazon had 119 private labels and 223 brand partners in the Amazon Exclusives program, according to the brand-research firm Gartner L2). Also unique about Elements: Scan a special code on the product — using your Amazon Shopping app — and you will see where every ingredient in the product was sourced, down to the water in the baby wipes. The Amazon Elements line also includes vitamins and nutritional supplements.

<h3 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="SEE ALSO: Supermarket Showdown: Aldi vs. Whole Foods” data-reactid=”116″>SEE ALSO: Supermarket Showdown: Aldi vs. Whole Foods

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Getty Images” data-reactid=”125″>Getty Images

You can do your weekly grocery shopping, or a good chunk of it, on Prime Pantry, an Amazon Prime perk where members shop for non-bulk groceries and household products. Prime members can sign up for Prime Pantry and pay a separate monthly fee of $4.99, which includes free delivery on Prime Pantry orders of $10 or more. The advantage of Prime Pantry: It stocks items that aren’t otherwise available on Amazon.com including everyday sizes on groceries and household goods, so shoppers aren’t forced to buy in bulk. New: You no longer have to fill a box to capacity, which was a pain.

And you don’t have to pay $4.99 a month on top of your Amazon Prime fee to shop Prime Pantry. It’s just that the free shipping threshold is higher. You have to spend over $25 for the free shipping (that’s a promotional price; the threshold is typically $35).

<h3 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="SEE ALSO: How Amazon Ruined Whole Foods (Or Maybe Not)” data-reactid=”129″>SEE ALSO: How Amazon Ruined Whole Foods (Or Maybe Not)

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Getty Images” data-reactid=”138″>Getty Images

Amazon Prime members get unlimited photo storage. Yes, unlimited. Plus, you can add up to five others, as in family and friends, connected in the Family Vault. Photos are accessible from any device anywhere you can tap into your Amazon Prime account. If you’re like me, doubling down by having an Amazon Prime account and paying Apple every month for cloud storage for those precious pix, it may be time to trim some costs.

You also get 5 GB of storage for videos, document, and other files just for you, not the crew from the Vault. Want more storage? You can buy it.

Oh, and no worries about tagging photos. Amazon’s scary servers will automatically sort your photos. Want to free up storage on your phone? Use the Amazon app, upload them to Prime Photos and delete them from your phone. What could possibly go wrong?

<h3 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="SEE ALSO: How to Cancel Your Amazon Prime Membership” data-reactid=”143″>SEE ALSO: How to Cancel Your Amazon Prime Membership

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Getty Images” data-reactid=”152″>Getty Images

Just right for sitting around the dorm room and streaming “Stranger Things” during study breaks, here comes Amazon Prime Student. It’s free for the first six months with a legit “.edu” school email address (along with proof you’re actually taking at least one class; maybe not going to class, but taking it). The one-time-only free trial includes free two-day Prime shipping (ramen noodles and Doritos don’t buy themselves), free same-day pickup, unlimited movie streaming and more. After six months it costs $59 a year for Prime Student, and the paid upgrade comes with unlimited streaming of Prime Music. Oh, and you can buy textbooks for cheap. If textbooks are your vibe.

<h3 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="SEE ALSO: 11 Tricks to Shopping at Amazon’s Whole Foods Without Going Broke” data-reactid=”155″>SEE ALSO: 11 Tricks to Shopping at Amazon’s Whole Foods Without Going Broke

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Getty Images” data-reactid=”164″>Getty Images

Why pay for ad-free Pandora, Spotify or Apple Music when you’re already making beautiful music with your Amazon Prime account? Included in Amazon Prime Music is free access to more than 2 million songs and more than a thousand playlists and stations programmed by Amazon’s music experts at no additional cost. The drawback? Music fans argue that Amazon’s free playlists and stations aren’t as deep as those of competing streaming services — and it’s true. (I couldn’t access OneRepublic songs on the Prime freebie.) Per Amazon: “The selection of songs and albums available with Prime Music is always changing. New titles are added to the Prime Music catalog, and occasionally titles are removed.” But before you fork over an extra $9.99 a month for Apple Music or Spotify, download Amazon’s music app and take it for a test run. It might be all you need. If not, an upgrade to Amazon Music Unlimited, which features more than 50 million songs including new releases (there you are, OneRepublic), runs $7.99 a month for Prime members.

<h3 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="SEE ALSO: How Much Does Amazon Prime Cost for a Membership?” data-reactid=”167″>SEE ALSO: How Much Does Amazon Prime Cost for a Membership?

You don’t need a public library to get a free loaner when you have Amazon Prime. That’s because the cost of an Amazon Prime membership includes access to a fairly wide collection of thousands of books, magazines and audiobooks nestled in Prime Reading. Prime Reading allows you or your household to borrow up to 10 titles at a time and from a selection of Kindle books, magazines, short works, books with Audible narration, comics, and more. The available content is updated periodically, says Amazon, and titles are added and removed. Prime Reading can be viewed on Amazon’s proprietary Fire tablet and Kindle e-reader, or via the Kindle reading apps for iOS and Android.

As a bonus, Prime members also get free access to certain podcasts and other audiobooks and series through Audible Channels, a limited version of Audible. You need to download the Audible app and log in with your Prime account to start listening. Otherwise, a subscription to the full version of Audible, owned by Amazon, costs $14.95 a month.

<h3 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="SEE ALSO: 70 Valuable Things You Can Get for Free” data-reactid=”172″>SEE ALSO: 70 Valuable Things You Can Get for Free

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Getty Images” data-reactid=”181″>Getty Images

Look at you, Amazon Prime member. Binge-watching at no charge “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan” (an Amazon original series) or the exceptional “A Quiet Place” … wait, that’s me. Yes, I am increasingly taking advantage of watching free movies and TV series via Amazon’s streaming service, Prime Video. If you have a newer TV, like me, the Prime Video app comes built in, so click on it and boom! I’m in the movies. Oh, and don’t you worry. While you’re watching Prime Video, Amazon is watching you. The “personal recommendations based on your viewing history” can be both creepy and convenient. You can even download movies and TV shows to mobile devices for later viewing (and what you buy, you keep in Your Video Library at Amazon). Cable TV and satellite cord-cutters may be pleased to know they can binge on HBO, Showtime, Starz and many more streaming services via the Amazon Prime app. Additional fees for those channels run $4.99 to $14.99 a month for Prime members.

<h3 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="SEE ALSO: 20 Secrets to Shopping at Costco” data-reactid=”184″>SEE ALSO: 20 Secrets to Shopping at Costco

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Getty Images” data-reactid=”193″>Getty Images

You like your deals fast and hot. And you want to be at the front of the pack getting them. Amazon Prime members enjoy access to those one-off, deeply discounted Lightning Deals 30 minutes before the great unwashed as part of Prime Early Access. Lightning Deals are only good for a few hours (or as long as supplies last) so if you really want what’s on sale the early access is an advantage. But even then, Amazon warns that some deals could sell out during the early access period, before opening up to the general public. Recent Lightning Deals ranged from 43% off an Echo Input device to 22% off a Sosun HD video camera camcorder.

<h3 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="SEE ALSO: Apple’s 12 Biggest Product Flops of All Time” data-reactid=”196″>SEE ALSO: Apple’s 12 Biggest Product Flops of All Time

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Getty Images” data-reactid=”205″>Getty Images

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="The former Amazon Mom has morphed into Amazon Family, a Prime perk that includes up to 20% off diapers, baby food and more, free shipping and free returns, which we don’t want to think about when we’re talking diapers. Oh, and Amazon Family has lots of other nice perks, meaning discounts on kid-friendly items.” data-reactid=”207″>The former Amazon Mom has morphed into Amazon Family, a Prime perk that includes up to 20% off diapers, baby food and more, free shipping and free returns, which we don’t want to think about when we’re talking diapers. Oh, and Amazon Family has lots of other nice perks, meaning discounts on kid-friendly items.

<h3 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="SEE ALSO: 12 Smart Moves to Save More at IKEA” data-reactid=”208″>SEE ALSO: 12 Smart Moves to Save More at IKEA

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Getty Images” data-reactid=”217″>Getty Images

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="If you own an Amazon Echo or Echo Dot, your Prime membership allows you to place orders through Alexa, the voice-activated digital assistant. For example, if you just ran out of batteries for your flashlight, say "Alexa, order AA batteries" and a 20-pack of AmazonBasics will arrive on your doorstep two days later. Shipping is free for Prime members, natch, and Alexa is already aware of your Prime status. Say "Alexa, what are your deals?" to learn about special Alexa-only discounts, although I find her voiced descriptions a bit difficult to follow. She does, however, tell some pretty corny jokes, and will sing "Happy Birthday" upon request.” data-reactid=”219″>If you own an Amazon Echo or Echo Dot, your Prime membership allows you to place orders through Alexa, the voice-activated digital assistant. For example, if you just ran out of batteries for your flashlight, say “Alexa, order AA batteries” and a 20-pack of AmazonBasics will arrive on your doorstep two days later. Shipping is free for Prime members, natch, and Alexa is already aware of your Prime status. Say “Alexa, what are your deals?” to learn about special Alexa-only discounts, although I find her voiced descriptions a bit difficult to follow. She does, however, tell some pretty corny jokes, and will sing “Happy Birthday” upon request.

<h3 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="SEE ALSO: 10 Ways to Save Money Using DIY YouTube Videos” data-reactid=”220″>SEE ALSO: 10 Ways to Save Money Using DIY YouTube Videos

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Getty Images” data-reactid=”229″>Getty Images

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Amazon purchased Whole Foods in the summer of 2017. Since then, shoppers have been able to order the upscale grocer’s private-label products, including those from 365 Everyday Value, Whole Foods Market, Whole Paws and Whole Catch, and other items on Amazon.com. Amazon recently started rolling out free two-hour delivery of groceries from Whole Foods to Prime members in select cities.” data-reactid=”231″>Amazon purchased Whole Foods in the summer of 2017. Since then, shoppers have been able to order the upscale grocer’s private-label products, including those from 365 Everyday Value, Whole Foods Market, Whole Paws and Whole Catch, and other items on Amazon.com. Amazon recently started rolling out free two-hour delivery of groceries from Whole Foods to Prime members in select cities.

Amazon gives Prime members an extra 10% off on sale items at Whole Foods stores (look for the yellow signs). To receive the discount, in-store shoppers must download the Whole Foods Market app to their phone, log in with their Prime account and have the code scanned on their phones at checkout. The Whole Foods Market app will also alert Amazon Prime shoppers to exclusive in-store deals; virtual coupons, don’t you know?

More, you can also have your online Amazon orders shipped to Whole Foods stores that have Amazon Lockers (you can also make returns there). That’s perfect if porch pirates are prevalent in your neighborhood.

<h3 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="SEE ALSO: 8 Secrets Wegmans Shoppers Need to Know” data-reactid=”234″>SEE ALSO: 8 Secrets Wegmans Shoppers Need to Know

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Courtesy Elliott Brown via Flickr/CC 2.0” data-reactid=”243″>Courtesy Elliott Brown via Flickr/CC 2.0

Amazon has wheels: A fleet of bubble-blowing, music-spewing panel trucks roaming the streets with hot deals on cool items. You buy them online with your Prime membership and hoof it over to the Amazon Treasure Truck to pick up your treasures.

First rolled out in 2016 in Seattle, Amazon’s hometown, they’re now popping up in 24 major U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Nashville, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, Tampa, and Washington, D.C., getting all hip selling tech trends, outdoor essentials, fresh foods including giant porterhouse steaks, the latest Nintendo releases and more. You use the Amazon app (or sign up for text notifications) to see what the day’s deals are on your local Treasure Truck (or in the city you’re visiting), and make your purchase with the app by clicking “I want this.” You’ll get a confirmation email that will also tell you where the Treasure Truck is parked (think Whole Foods). It’s your job to go claim your purchase. Warning: You may see dancers, costumed characters, costumed dogs, games and more at the tricked-out TT.

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Getty Images” data-reactid=”256″>Getty Images

Are you waiting for that hot new video game, book (yes, we still love print) or movie, or the latest jam from your favorite band? Get it by 7 p.m. the day it’s released, courtesy of Amazon Prime.

Maybe you’re looking forward to the August release of Daemon X Machina for Nintendo Switch, Metroid Prime 4 for Nintendo Switch releasing Dec. 31, 2022 (yes, 2022), or Dark Age: Book 5 of the Red Rising Saga (Red Rising Series), a soon-to-be released book by Pierce Brown. Choose “release date delivery” when you make your purchase and, hello, Primer, you’re among the first to be checking out something hot and fresh.

<h3 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="SEE ALSO: Great Gift Ideas for $1,000 or Less” data-reactid=”260″>SEE ALSO: Great Gift Ideas for $1,000 or Less

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Getty Images” data-reactid=”269″>Getty Images

Amazon.com launched its Black-Friday-in-July Prime Day back in 2015, ostensibly to celebrate its 20th anniversary. In reality, Prime Day is a way for Amazon to juice sales in mid-summer, when consumers tend to spend more time on vacation and less time in stores and online. Amazon tries to grab the attention (and dollars) of its 100-million Prime members worldwide by offering them exclusive deals on Prime Day itself, as well as in the days leading up to the big event.

Prime Day 2019, if Amazon stays true to form, will actually be a day and a half, in mid-July. Prime members can expect red-hot deals on a smorgasbord of gadgets and geegaws, especially on Amazon’s proprietary products including Alexa-activated devices. You have to be a Prime member to buy, but news flash: You can sign up for a 30-day free trial. Some shoppers cancel after Prime Day and before the 30 days are up to dodge the $119-a-year Prime membership fee. Just sayin’.

<h3 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="SEE ALSO: Amazon Prime Day 2019: Best Things to Buy” data-reactid=”273″>SEE ALSO: Amazon Prime Day 2019: Best Things to Buy

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Getty Images” data-reactid=”282″>Getty Images

Sometimes, you just forget. You forget where you purchased the water filter for your fridge, and when it’s time to get it replaced. Or you forget where (and when) you bought those fading off-brand, discount (but excellent) replacement ink cartridges for your printer. Or you just want to do price comparisons on those items between Amazon and the manufacturer’s online store. Prime has you covered.

Click on the Orders button at the top of your Amazon.com page (near the cart). It will take you to Your Orders page and will default to show you your purchases from the last six months. You can also go back to the very first order you made, mine being Oct. 24, 2007, a schizophrenic cart containing an electric toothbrush, a 24-pack of canned salsa, a book (In the Shadow of No Towers) and a pack of replacement heads for the new toothbrush. No judgments, please.

<h3 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="SEE ALSO: Frugal Habits of the British Royal Family” data-reactid=”286″>SEE ALSO: Frugal Habits of the British Royal Family

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Getty Images” data-reactid=”295″>Getty Images

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="It's a European thing, now available in the states: If you own a certain make and model car, Amazon will deliver your Prime packages to your car instead of your front porch, the better to deter porch thieves. Starting off in 37 cities, the service is only available for 2015 or later Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC vehicles that have active OnStar accounts or Volvos with active Volvo on Call accounts. Select Ford and Lincoln vehicles are now part of the pack. See if your ride is eligible for Key by Amazon delivery” data-reactid=”297″>It’s a European thing, now available in the states: If you own a certain make and model car, Amazon will deliver your Prime packages to your car instead of your front porch, the better to deter porch thieves. Starting off in 37 cities, the service is only available for 2015 or later Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC vehicles that have active OnStar accounts or Volvos with active Volvo on Call accounts. Select Ford and Lincoln vehicles are now part of the pack. See if your ride is eligible for Key by Amazon delivery

.

If you have an eligible vehicle, you’ll need to download the Key by Amazon, which will give the delivery driver access to your ride. Amazon said the car must be parked in an “open, street-level, and publicly accessible area.” Depending on the type of vehicle it is and how much space is available, the package will be stowed in the trunk or the cabin.

.

The rest is done by voodoo. You’ll get a four-hour window notification of delivery, you’ll be notified when the driver arrives, the driver will notify Amazon, your car will be unlocked, package inserted, car locked and you’re notified again.

<h3 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="SEE ALSO: 6 Things You Can Get at Costco Without a Membership” data-reactid=”302″>SEE ALSO: 6 Things You Can Get at Costco Without a Membership

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Getty Images” data-reactid=”311″>Getty Images

Car deliveries when you’re not there are way cheaper than home deliveries when you’re not home. But the latter’s a thing, too. You just have to fork over a couple of hundred bucks to outfit your home with a special Amazon kit that includes a smart lock and an in-home camera to eyeball the delivery. Again with Key by Amazon, you’ll be notified when the delivery is about to be made, and remotely unlock your door. The package is placed just inside your door and you notice this because you’re watching, remotely, through that camera via your mobile device. You’ll spend about $220 (plus installation fees if you’re not comfortable installing the smart lock) for this one-time setup.

<h3 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="SEE ALSO: 21 Best (And Worst) Buys at Aldi” data-reactid=”314″>SEE ALSO: 21 Best (And Worst) Buys at Aldi

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Getty Images” data-reactid=”323″>Getty Images

Whether receiving or returning, Amazon Locker is a nice perk for Prime shoppers who live in porch-delivered, package-theft-prone areas. Amazon-owned Whole Foods stores and other retailers are getting the lockers installed. The mall near where I live in Northern Virginia just installed one. They’re free to use for picking up items or returning them.

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Here's the drill: Sign into your Amazon account and find the closest Amazon Locker to you. Put that address in your address book and choose it as the default delivery site for your goods when you check out and pay for your order. When the package is delivered, you’ll receive a code to unlock the locker. Follow the instructions on the screen.” data-reactid=”326″>Here’s the drill: Sign into your Amazon account and find the closest Amazon Locker to you. Put that address in your address book and choose it as the default delivery site for your goods when you check out and pay for your order. When the package is delivered, you’ll receive a code to unlock the locker. Follow the instructions on the screen.

<h3 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="SEE ALSO: 50 Great Places for Early Retirement in the U.S.” data-reactid=”327″>SEE ALSO: 50 Great Places for Early Retirement in the U.S.

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Getty Images” data-reactid=”336″>Getty Images

If you’re not at all concerned about gift-wrapping gifts during the holidays or on birthdays and anniversaries, you can fast-gift family and friends via Amazon Prime (and, of course, with free two-day shipping). Add their address to your Amazon address book, shop, and when you’re paying for your cart, choose their address as the default shipping destination. Just remember to change the default address back to your home when shopping for yourself.

<h3 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="SEE ALSO: 10 Ways to Spend Less at Target” data-reactid=”339″>SEE ALSO: 10 Ways to Spend Less at Target

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Getty Images” data-reactid=”348″>Getty Images

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Here's a new discovery: You can shop at women-owned businesses to give budding female entrepreneurs a boost. The service is available on Amazon Storefronts, and offerings include everything from clothing and spa goods to books and party supplies.” data-reactid=”350″>Here’s a new discovery: You can shop at women-owned businesses to give budding female entrepreneurs a boost. The service is available on Amazon Storefronts, and offerings include everything from clothing and spa goods to books and party supplies.

<h3 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="SEE ALSO: 14 Frugal Habits of the Super Rich and Famous” data-reactid=”351″>SEE ALSO: 14 Frugal Habits of the Super Rich and Famous

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Getty Images” data-reactid=”360″>Getty Images

Now you can tell Amazon what day of the week you want your delivery. This one is especially good if you subscribe to items on Amazon.com for regular delivery, or if you want to be home when your packages arrive. Tell Amazon which day of the week you designate as “Amazon Day” and they’ll lock it in.

<h3 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="SEE ALSO: 9 Ways Costco Tricks Shoppers” data-reactid=”363″>SEE ALSO: 9 Ways Costco Tricks Shoppers

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Getty Images” data-reactid=”372″>Getty Images

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Amazon Key for Garage is a new-for-2019 perk in the Key by Amazon suite. Instead of the Amazon driver putting your package on your porch (or in your house or car), they'll put it inside your garage. As with home and car, you'll need the Key by Amazon app and the right equipment on your garage (available from garage door companies). You'll be notified when the delivery arrives and when the garage is securely closed. You can also watch the delivery in real time if you have an Amazon Cloud Cam (Key Edition) installed in your garage. See if your garage door opener will play nice with Amazon Key for Garage.” data-reactid=”374″>Amazon Key for Garage is a new-for-2019 perk in the Key by Amazon suite. Instead of the Amazon driver putting your package on your porch (or in your house or car), they’ll put it inside your garage. As with home and car, you’ll need the Key by Amazon app and the right equipment on your garage (available from garage door companies). You’ll be notified when the delivery arrives and when the garage is securely closed. You can also watch the delivery in real time if you have an Amazon Cloud Cam (Key Edition) installed in your garage. See if your garage door opener will play nice with Amazon Key for Garage.

<h3 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="SEE ALSO: Worst Things to Buy in Bulk at Costco” data-reactid=”375″>SEE ALSO: Worst Things to Buy in Bulk at Costco

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Getty Images” data-reactid=”384″>Getty Images

Not long after it added milk and cheese under its Happy Belly private-label brand and energy drinks and coconut milk under its Solimo private-label brand, Amazon is spicing up its lineup of condiments under those two labels, according to TJI Research.

Happy Belly is rolling out a variety of mustards (yellow, Dijon and spicy brown), as well as distilled vinegar, red wine vinegar, vegetable oil and canola oil. Solimo is introducing a lineup of salsas, including mild, medium, hot and chunky varieties. All the condiments land in the $2-$3 range.

<h3 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="SEE ALSO: Best (And Worst) Things to Buy at Dollar Stores for Summer” data-reactid=”388″>SEE ALSO: Best (And Worst) Things to Buy at Dollar Stores for Summer

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Getty Images” data-reactid=”397″>Getty Images

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="Amazon.com is partnering with Kohl’s department stores to provide Amazon shoppers with another place to return their Amazon products — and stir up some foot traffic for Kohl’s.” data-reactid=”399″>Amazon.com is partnering with Kohl’s department stores to provide Amazon shoppers with another place to return their Amazon products — and stir up some foot traffic for Kohl’s.

That makes it a win-win for both retailers. Amazon shoppers have another place to drop off returns besides UPS stores, and Kohl’s will gain some potential shoppers, who must drop off their Amazon returns at customer service. Why is it a win for Kohl’s? In my experience, the customer service desks at Kohl’s are deep inside the store (in my nearby Kohl’s, it’s in the back of the second level of the store). That’s a whole lot of merchandise to pass by as you drop off the Amazon package and leave the store.

<h3 class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="SEE ALSO: 31 Kirkland Products Retirees Should Buy at Costco” data-reactid=”401″>SEE ALSO: 31 Kirkland Products Retirees Should Buy at Costco

<p class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm" type="text" content="EDITOR’S PICKS
” data-reactid=”402″>EDITOR’S PICKS

Copyright 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors