Consumer Alert: Amazon and other retailers are slashing prices early. Here’s how to score!

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Do you need a new TV?  If you’re in the market, for a new one, Amazon promises a whopper of a good deal. It’s an Amazon Fire 55” 4K smart TV.  The regular price is $560.  And right now it’s on sale for $509.

But during Amazon’s Prime Early Access sale, that TV will be on sale for $112.  It’s one of the lightning deals being offered on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 11^th and 12^th.  That’s 80 percent off.

Amazon is actually breaking from tradition and having a second prime sale this year. Like other retailers across the country, Amazon has too much stuff and they’re desperately trying to get you to buy it.  Retailers are facing serious overstock issues.  They are literally swimming in inventory.  And Amazon is no exception.  So if you didn’t get what you wanted on Prime Day this summer, no worries.  It’s likely on sale again.

But experts say not all of Amazon’s deals are the best deals right now.

• If the TV on sale is *not* an Amazon brand, they say you should wait.  We usually see the best deals on TV’s on Black Friday.   So if you’re not able to snag the Amazon fire smart TV for 80 percent off, you should likely wait until Black Friday.
• The experts also say you should wait to buy laptops and computers. The discounts are usually far more competitive during Black Friday sales.

Here’s what the experts say you should buy during Amazon’s Prime Early Access sale.

• Toys – Experts say a lot of them will be discounted on Amazon.
• Gift cards – Amazon will be offering deals like a $10.00 credit.
• Amazon devices -. Kindles, the Echo, doorbell cameras, and streaming devices will all be deeply discounted.

And just like Prime Day this summer, other retailers are also having sales.  Target, Walmart, Kohls, Macy’s and Bed Bath and Beyond are among those slashing prices right now.

So first things first.  If you’re not a prime member, sign up.

You can try it free for 30 days and drop it after you get your deals.  Here are the three types of deals:

• Deals of the Day – They are 24-hours.
• Lightning deals – Those deals are usually just a couple of hours or until the product runs out.
• Alexa Deals – You can ask your echo for deals, and Alexa will offer exclusive deals not offered anywhere else.

And here’s the most important tip to score those lightning deals.  Download the Amazon app.  You can sign up for alerts about lightning deals before they’re active.  Click here for more great tips from Consumer Reports.