I keep finding new ways for Prime to surprise me. From everyday conveniences to holiday specials, I frequently check Amazon.com to see what new deals or services I can find. I’ve combined Prime in exciting ways that have helped me save the day or look like a rock star planner. I decided to start noting these things. “Prime Lifehacks,” as I like to call them.
Free Shipping
Everyone knows Amazon Prime’s first and arguably most significant benefit is the free two-day shipping. However, you may have yet to learn that you can also filter for items that allow for free same-day delivery. If you download the Prime Now mobile app, you can get free 2-hour delivery on certain items. Prime Now has flash sales too, and you can get all kinds of things for half off or completely free! It’s like what your parents used to do by cutting coupons, but you know, on your phone and without effort. Just pure savings; I love it! If you’re like me, this means you pretty much don’t even know what a mall looks like anymore. Seriously, what does a mall look like?
Videos
I’m so surprised that people don’t know more about this! Amazon Prime Videos has access to original programs like Emmy-award-winning Transparent and other shows like The Man in the High Castle and my favorite, Fleabag! Initially, their catalog of TV shows and films was pretty weak, but it’s gotten much better lately. I still have Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max (what?!). Still, since Prime Videos comes with my subscription, I’m not paying anything more for additional content. It’s worth checking out; you can indulge in all the Vikings you like.
Music
THIS. This has been my savior at work! I listen to Jazz springtime playlists when it is cold and rainy outside. Or when I’ve got a huge deadline looming, I’ve got the Hamilton soundtrack on repeat! They’ve got a paid option, like an upgraded version of what you get with your Prime account. Still, really all the music already there is incredible! You can play it on your phone or computer and transfer it to Alexa when you get home. I never missed a beat when I sang “Shiny” from the Moana movie soundtrack!
Books
This was something neat that I thought others might like. If you own a Kindle and love books or comic books, you can access a whole bunch of stuff for free. It rotates, and there is always something new to read. I love comic books, and like that the selection isn’t restricted to big publishers. I’ve found some remarkable new series by just browsing. My family mainly uses this, but sharing is caring, right?
Audible
I’ve only used them for books, but now they have original channels that seem like podcasts. Cool, TedTalks appear here, which I plan to check out in the new year. ALSO! Now, I can’t confirm this, but I also got a few free books. I snagged PlayerOne, read by Wil Wheaton, and it was fantastic! It really helped my boring commute to work fly right by. Sometimes I’m so engaged I miss my stop but isn’t that how a good book is anyway? They just seem to pull you right in! Audible is new to me, but if I keep checking in, I must find some fantastic deals, right?
Twitch
YASSS! Let’s be honest; you already had a Twitch account; this is just like a level-up! You get your account but with more goodies. I’m also digging the creative channel, especially since my friend started broadcasting his sculpting. The Twitch community is fun and helps me relax after a long day at work; I can always count on Twitch Plays Pokemon to help me brighten my mood. I look forward to free game loot every month!
Photos
Okay, so unlimited storage sounds boring, and it is. It is helpful, but it could be better. Do you know what is cool? Having Amazon store your photos and then helping you pick out the best ones to print. Oh yeah! When your images are stored, it makes it even easier to use Amazon Prints. So this is just my opinion, but I’ve used almost every photo/holiday card printing site, and I’m never quite satisfied. Some are cheap, but the quality is inferior. Some are great, but the prices are too great. Amazon Print is just right; it was easy to look through all my photos since I had them on my account. I’m not pulling a Goldilocks you here, but the selection is excellent; not having to remember every photo you took is helpful, and the turnaround was fast! New services keep appearing, and new ways to use your account seem challenging to keep up with! Let me know if you know of a neat hack to maximize your Prime account! I’m always looking for ways to simplify the everyday.