How to shop Amazon Prime Day like a pro

There's no doubt you've seen countless headlines about Amazon October Prime Day, but if you aren't really sure what all the fuss is about, we're here to help. It's some of the biggest sales of the year, with hundreds of retailers dropping their prices on thousands of products in all categories, from tech and electronics to beauty, health and home. There’s an art to shopping these mega-sales because it's not always straightforward deals. Some have time limits or quantity limits, like Amazon's Lightning Deals, so you'll want to do a little prep ahead of time if you want to maximize your savings.

First things first, you need a Prime membership to access the deep discounts on Amazon. If you do not have an Amazon Prime account, you can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. Now that’s out of the way, let’s get you primed for some serious Prime Day deals. And when I say serious deals, I mean a 4k UHD 32-inch Fire TV for $130 (that’s 35% off!).

While some deals you can access right away, you’ll have to wait for the big day starting October 10 through the 11th. To help you navigate the many deals and steals being offered, here is a guide to shopping Amazon Prime Day like a pro, including Amazon’s latest way to save – an invite-only deals lottery that will let you enter a chance to win deep, deep discounts on certain products without having to sit around hitting refresh all day long. Check out some of the early deals we’ve spotted at Amazon and the Walmart deals popping up as we all gear up for the kick-off to holiday shopping season.

Here’s What To Do:

• Make a list

• Shop early deals

• Sign up for invite-only lists

• Price match at other retailers

Make a list

With hundreds of deals already kicking off and running through October 11, we recommend making a wish list. Use your holiday shopping list for family and friends and snag a high-ticket item you've had your eye on, such as an INSIGNIA 43-inch Smart Fire TV or a Ring camera. These are some of the many, many items that will see price drops as the big shopping event nears. Don’t just limit yourself to Prime Day tech deals; use this sale as an opportunity to stock up on your favorite beauty products and home goods items, like the Ninja Foodi NeverStick Stainless 10-Piece Cookware Set when the price drops!

Shop early Prime Day Deals

One thing the pros know is that you don’t have to wait until Prime Day to snag great deals. There are already hundreds of live Prime Day deals, including some fantastic home deals, including the Kitchellence 3-stage knife sharpener that is a reader favorite. It's a kitchen gadget you didn't know you needed because it will turn any old knife into the literal sharpest knife in the drawer. Plus, a set of queen-size cooling bed pillows that are currently 70% off and a Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine for 15% off.

Sign up for the invite-only lists

Some of the most amazing Prime Day Deals are invite-only lottery-style because the discount is so deep, the supply is limited and the invite link prevents unsavory characters from taking advantage of the deals. For example, the Blink Outdoor Security 3-Camera System is currently an invite-only item, where you can request an invite to access that deal, if you are a Prime member, and you'll then receive the opportunity to score the system for $99.

Price Match against Walmart

Amazon is not the only retailer offering Black Friday-style deals starting in October; Walmart is likely to get in on these great savings ahead of Black Friday too. We've gathered a few deals already worth shopping but be sure to check with us as we'll be including the best price options across retailers.

Your Fall Prime Day Shopping Guide: See all of our Prime Day coverage. Shop the best Prime Day deals on Yahoo Life. Follow Engadget for Prime Day tech deals. Learn about Prime Day trends on In The Know. Hear from Autoblog’s experts on the best October Prime Day deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Prime Day sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.