I've Already Mastered 618 Rules: This Year's Most Practical Savings Guide
Listen up, everyone—618 hasn’t even started, and I’ve already decoded all the rules.
This year’s biggest change: the government is issuing “618 special consumer subsidies” for the first time. This never happened before—up to 600 yuan per person.
Honestly, when I saw this news, I almost dropped my phone from excitement.
Bottom Line First
This year’s 618 is the most stock-worthy in three years.
Simple reason: government subsidies + platform coupons + member benefits, triple stacking, discounts on discounts. Plus this year’s policy is strong, covering everything from phones and appliances to daily necessities.
But here’s the catch—you need to understand the rules. Otherwise, like me last year, you’ll buy a bunch of stuff only to discover it’s more expensive than usual.
How to Get Government Subsidies?
This is this year’s biggest highlight.
According to latest news, government 618 consumer subsidies offer up to 600 yuan per person. Covers phones, appliances, electronics, home goods, and more.
Getting it is actually simple:
- Search “618 government subsidy” on JD, Tmall, or other platforms
- Click to claim, automatically stored in your account
- Automatically deducted at checkout (for participating products)
Here’s the key—government subsidies stack with platform coupons. This means you can apply subsidies on top of existing discounts—discounts on discounts.
I did the math: buying a 3000 yuan phone, 200 off from promotions, 300 from government subsidy, final price only 2500 yuan. That’s genuinely good value.
Is 88VIP Worth It?
If you frequently shop on Taobao, 88VIP is absolutely worth it.
Annual fee 88 yuan (Taobao member price), benefits include:
- 5% off coupons (annual total 960 yuan value)
- Youku, Ele.me, Xiami Music memberships
- Dedicated customer service, easier returns
I got 88VIP last year—the 5% off alone saved me over 400 yuan. Plus Ele.me membership, saved quite a bit throughout the year.
This 618, 88VIP has exclusive “Member Day” events with extra discounts.
How Do Discount Rules Work?
This is where people most easily get tripped up.
Tmall: Spend 300, get 50 off, stackable
JD: Spend 299, get 50 off, stackable
Pinduoduo: Billion subsidies, direct price cuts
My advice: Add to cart first, check out together when the sale starts. Don’t impulse-buy just because it looks cheap—you’ll end up with stuff you don’t need.
Pitfalls I Hit Last Year
Let me share traps I fell into last year—don’t repeat them:
Pre-sale price hikes: Some merchants secretly raise prices before 618, then “discount” on sale day—actually more expensive than usual. Check historical prices with price comparison tools.
Failed threshold stacking: Spend 300 to get 50 off, but only bought 280 yuan worth, forcing yourself to add 20 yuan more. Ended up buying unnecessary stuff, actually spending more.
Ignoring shipping: Some items are cheap but have high shipping fees. Last year I bought something for 9.9 yuan, shipping was 15 yuan—total loss.
My Stocking List
Here’s what I’m stocking up on this year:
- Phone: Huawei Mate 70, government subsidy + promotions + 88VIP, expect to save 800+
- Appliances: AC and washing machine, big government subsidies, perfect timing for upgrades
- Daily necessities: Laundry detergent, tissues, shampoo—stock a year’s supply of these essentials
- Skincare: Serums and face cream, 618 has deep discounts, good for stocking up
Final Thoughts
618 is great for stocking up, but only if you’re rational.
Don’t buy just because it’s cheap—ask yourself: Do I really need this? Will I use it all? Do I have space?
Remember, saving money means not wasting. Buying a bunch of unnecessary stuff, no matter how cheap, is still wasteful.
Whether it’s worth spending, you decide. I just tell you the rules—how you choose is up to you.
Don’t ask how I know all this—I’ve made all these mistakes already.