Executive Summary
The HardwareZone forum discussions surrounding Amazon Prime deals in Singapore during late November and December 2024 reveal a mix of excitement, frustration, and savvy shopping strategies. Users actively sought the best prices on tech products like SSDs, RAM, and motherboards, navigating various promotions and coupon codes. While some experienced shipping delays and issues with used items, the overall consensus is that Amazon’s customer service and return policies are a significant advantage. Key takeaways include the importance of stacking coupons, the ongoing debate about DRAM vs. DRAM-less SSDs, and the fluctuating availability of popular items. A key statistic to note is the SGD 15 off coupon for SGD 150 spend, which was a significant driver for many purchases.
Key Developments
Coupon Codes and Promotions
The forum saw intense discussion surrounding various Amazon coupon codes, with users actively sharing and attempting to stack them. On November 29th, users reported issues with the 15SPH code being discontinued, and the MC10 code being limited to MasterCard users. A notable SGD 8 off SGD 80 coupon was also widely discussed, with users like Wockets mentioning using it with Grab at 12pm on November 29th. Another popular promotion was the 10TSL code for SGD 10 off SGD 60, as highlighted by Koenig168. Laztgear noted issues with the SGD 8 off SGD 80 coupon, stating it didn’t work around 1:50pm despite being valid until 2pm. The ability to stack these coupons, such as the SGD 8 flash coupon with the SGD 10 code for a total of SGD 18 off SGD 80, was a recurring theme in the discussions.
“Got a 8 off 80 coupon, but need grab at 12pm later.” – Wockets (29 Nov 2024)
“chill …. can use 10TSL for SGD 10 off SGD 60” – Koenig168 (29 Nov 2024)
SSD Price Fluctuations and Recommendations
The discussion heavily focused on NVMe SSDs, particularly 2TB models. Users debated the merits of different brands and models, with the WD SN850X and Samsung 990 Evo being frequently compared. Vulpix bought two 2TB MSI M482 for SGD 282. Uramasa was holding off on a 2TB SN850X at USD 142.05 (including shipping and GST), feeling it wasn’t the best deal yet. Mindgamey recommended the 990 Evo or SN850 for budget options, while Phen8210 emphasized the importance of DRAM, stating, “ssd with no dram is not real ssd”. 1a2a3a asked about warranty for US-purchased SSDs, and if they could be RMA’d locally. The consensus was to buy locally from Lazada/Shopee distributors if warranty was a concern. There was also discussion around the Crucial P310, with astones153 and watzup_ken noting its QLC NAND and lower endurance rating. The Lexar Ares (NM790) 2TB was also mentioned as a strong contender from Taobao at around SGD 150, with a claimed 1500TBW endurance.
“get sn850x, ssd with no dram is not real ssd” – Phen8210 (29 Nov 2024)
“I would be highly wary of the p310, that endurance rating looks pretty abysmal. Only 440tbw, definitely using QLC.” – astones153 (30 Nov 2024)
Shipping Delays and Delivery Issues
Several users reported delays and inconsistencies in shipping times. ChromeIT’s order for a B550 motherboard took five days to ship. Xonix pointed out that delays are common during big sales like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas. There were also reports of packages being marked as “lost” and requiring refunds. Slowdown mentioned having to wait over two weeks before an order was flagged as “May Be Lost” and having to request a refund, receiving a SGD 10 voucher as compensation. Some users noted that Amazon often overestimates delivery times, with NightRaven49 reporting deliveries arriving a day earlier than the ETA. Steyr69 received their Crucial SSD earlier than expected, delivered by Ninja Van without prior contact. This lack of communication from couriers was a recurring point of discussion.
“Bought a B550 motherboard and its almost 4 days still havent ship out… Stacked SGD 15 off + 6% shopback amazon gift card” – chromeIT (01 Dec 2024)
“My WD Blue SN580 1TB arrived on Monday, ordered 28 Nov, arrived 2 Dec. My Crucial P310 2TB ordered 27 Nov, arrived 6 Dec. Lol cannot udnerstand why order later arrive earlier.” – commandowolf (07 Dec 2024)
Community Insights
User Experiences
Several users shared their specific purchasing experiences. ahbard mentioned finding a Hydro Flask mug for SGD 20 on Prime Day, while the same item was SGD 30 during Black Friday. Phen8210 bought a head massager for around SGD 30, finding it “not bad.” Vulpix decided to purchase two 2TB MSI M482 SSDs for SGD 282. firesong purchased 48GB of Crucial RAM for SGD 151.81, opting to stay within conservative voltage limits for their motherboard. Spectre007 bought a Panasonic charger, stacking it with other items to use a SGD 10 off SGD 50 promo. eddy0505 and other users reported receiving used items sold as new, sometimes with damaged packaging, highlighting a potential issue with Amazon’s return handling. SNAG recounted receiving a blank envelope with a 0.07kg weight, prompting a refund.
“hannor. prime day hoot my hydro flask mug for SGD 20. BF can only find at SGD 30…” – ahbard (29 Nov 2024)
“i bought the head massager, not bad SGD 30+ only.” – Phen8210 (29 Nov 2024)
“MyCrucial 48GB RAMarrived. Decided that my mobo (Asrock B760m Wifi) might not like the extra voltage cos it’s only 9-phase so I stayed with the 1.1V conservative limit rather than push it. Paid SGD 151.81. Happy with my purchase.” – firesong (30 Nov 2024)
Tips and Recommendations
Users offered various tips for navigating Amazon deals. One common suggestion was to stack multiple coupons to maximize savings, with laztgear demonstrating how to combine the SGD 8 flash coupon with a SGD 10 code. For SSD purchases, watzup_ken advised caution with the Samsung 990 Evo due to its potential PCI-E x2 limitation. He also recommended the WD SN850X as a higher-end option. Users like gpgtmeowmeow and Phen8210 stressed the importance of DRAM in SSDs, cautioning against DRAM-less drives. For those concerned about warranty, gpgtmeowmeow suggested buying from local distributors on Lazada/Shopee. If purchasing from overseas, users were advised to check the return policies and be prepared to handle RMAs through the manufacturer rather than locally. Phen8210 advised to scrutinize items closely upon arrival to ensure they are new and sealed, given the possibility of receiving previously returned goods.
“Ok managed to stack the SGD 8 flash coupon with the SGD 10 so SGD 18 off SGD 80 purchase.” – laztgear (30 Nov 2024)
“The WD drive on the other hand is a higher end SSD with DRAM. But ultimately, it depends on your budget.” – watzup_ken (29 Nov 2024)
“You will most likely need to return it from where u bought it, i.e. <30 days Amazon, >30 days Manufacturer I suggest you buy from Laz/Shopee from one of the local distributor if you are worried about warranty.” – gpgtmeowmeow (29 Nov 2024)
Important Considerations
The forum discussions highlighted several important considerations for Singaporean Amazon shoppers. Users should be aware that coupon codes can expire quickly or be limited by availability, as noted by laztgear. Shipping times can be unpredictable, especially during peak sales periods. It’s crucial to check product specifications carefully, particularly when it comes to SSDs and their NAND type (TLC, QLC) and DRAM presence. Users should also be mindful of warranty issues, especially when buying from overseas, and the potential need to return items to the country of origin. The possibility of receiving used items sold as new is a reality, requiring close inspection upon delivery. Finally, it’s important to note that Amazon may not always reimburse bank promotion vouchers if a refund is issued, as confirmed by Slowdown.
Looking Ahead
The forum discussions hint at potential changes and community expectations for future Amazon sales events. Users are anticipating better deals during Prime Day, as NightRaven49 noted the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales were not as good. The focus on Prime membership incentives is expected to continue. The debate about DRAM vs. DRAM-less SSDs is likely to persist, with users continually seeking the best price-performance balance. The community will likely continue to share coupon codes and tips for stacking them, given their importance in maximizing savings. Additionally, users will likely continue to monitor shipping times and share their experiences, informing others of potential delays or delivery issues. The trend of users comparing Amazon’s customer service with local retailers is also expected to continue, with Amazon often being seen as more reliable in resolving issues.
Discussion Sources
This update is based on community discussions from the following HardwareZone Forums threads:
Last updated: 27 December 2024