The “Subscribe & Skip” Amazon Hack That Saves You Money Without Actually Subscribing
Most people use Amazon like a regular ol’ online store: search, click, checkout, done. But if you’re not gaming the system just a little, you’re probably overpaying like a rookie. So let’s fix that. Today, we’re diving into one of Amazon’s weirdest (and most underused) money-saving hacks. It sounds shady, but I promise it’s fully legit.
Meet the “Subscribe, Skip, and Save” Trick
Amazon’s Subscribe & Save program was built for people who are wildly organized. You know the type: they never run out of paper towels, their recycling is color-coded, and their dog gets flea meds delivered like clockwork.
But what if I told you…
You can sign up for Subscribe & Save, get the discount, then immediately cancel (or skip indefinitely) and still keep the deal.
That’s right. Amazon’s basically handing out discounts for a subscription you never have to follow through on.
I’ve been doing it for years. And guess what? Jeff Bezos has yet to show up at my door demanding I explain myself.
PRO TIP: ORDER 5 THINGS AT ONCE
If you subscribe to five or more items in one month, you’ll get 15% off instead of 5%.
It’s like unlocking the boss level of savings. Even if you don’t need five things, add extras like soap, trail mix, or toilet paper. Cancel them all later.
See Also: Check Quantity Pricing on Amazon, They’re Prolly Messing With You
A Quick Step-By-Step for the Chaos-Loving Shopper
Let’s break it down like the Amazon savings goblin you were born to be:
1. Find a product with “Subscribe & Save”
Look underneath the price and it’ll usually say something like:
Save 5% (or up to 15%) with Subscribe & Save
Click it. Pick your flavor of “every 2 months” or “every 6 months.” Doesn’t matter. We’re never letting it get that far.
2. Check for a Clickable Coupon
Amazon loves dangling those little “Save $2 now” coupons right under the price.
You can clip that and still use Subscribe & Save. That’s double discounts. That’s math magic. That’s what we live for.
3. Place your order like a Responsible Adult
Hit “Subscribe & Save”, pretend you’ve got your life together, and check out like you didn’t just impulse-add Oreos at 2 am.
4. Wait for Shipping Confirmation
As soon as the item ships, or even sometimes before, go to:
Your Account → Subscribe & Save → Manage Subscriptions
From there, you can do the following:
- Cancel it
- Skip it for 6 months
- Reschedule it for the year 2099
- Whatever makes your chaotic couponer heart happy
Boom. You keep the discount, Amazon forgets about you, and no one shows up with a clipboard asking questions.
PRO TIP: KEEP A “CANCEL CALENDAR” IF YOU’RE NERVOUS
Worried you’ll forget and end up with monthly shipments of peanut butter?
All you gotta do is set a calendar reminder on your phone or go old-school and use a post-it. Or just live dangerously. I’m not your dad.
See Also: 8 Amazon Savings Hacks You Gotta Start Using
Real Life Example: I Needed Chlorine
So early this year, I needed to order some chlorine tablets for my pool so the water wouldn’t be green by the middle of July.
I always order these 3″ tabs from a company call In The Swim.
This year I noticed I could “Subscribe” to the chlorine tablets and save a quick $9.50, so I gave it a try.
I then went and immediately Cancelled the subscription and kept the $9.50. Why aren’t we all doing this? Especially on expensive items like the tablets.
Here’s how it broke down:
In The Swim 3 Inch Chlorine Tablets – 50 Pounds
Regular price: $188.99
With Subscribe & Save: $179.54
Just under $180 for 50 pounds of tabs is a GREAT price. I will now hoard these like a raccoon with anxiety.
I canceled the subscription before the box even made it out of Kentucky. No one noticed. Everyone’s fine.
Why This Works (and Why Amazon Lets You Do It)
Here’s the thing: Amazon just wants you in the system.
They know a percentage of shoppers will forget to cancel and get charged full price next month. They’re playing the odds.
You, however, are not like other shoppers. You’re the main character. You cancel the moment your delivery hits the doorstep like a ninja in pajamas. You are the 1%, the discount elite if you will.
See Also: All the Amazon Prime Benefits You’re Not Using or Forgot About
Best Things to Use This Hack On:
This works best on household stuff you’d normally grab at Target or Costco:
- Trash bags
- Dish pods
- Paper towels
- Toilet paper
- Snacks for your feral children
- Coffee (especially K-cups)
- Deodorant (you stink but you’re frugal)
You can even use it on gifts and seasonal stuff. I once did it with a Halloween candy variety pack and got 20% off. My kids’ dentists have never forgiven me.
Ask the Reader: Have you ever used Subscribe & Save just to ghost it like a bad Tinder date? What was the item and how much did you save?
By Kyle James