Festive sales bring out some eye-catching discount badges — 60% off, 70% off, sometimes even more. But not all of these reflect a genuine price cut. Some sellers inflate the "original price" first, so the discount looks bigger than it actually is. Here's how to spot the difference.
Check the Price History
Before trusting a discount badge, look up the product's price history using a browser extension or price-tracking website. If the "original" price shown was only briefly listed right before the sale started, that's a red flag — a genuine discount is measured against the price the product was consistently sold at, not a price set just days earlier.
Compare Across Platforms
A real deal usually holds up when compared elsewhere. If the same product is available for a similar or lower price on a different platform without any "sale" tag at all, the discount you're seeing isn't as special as it looks.
Watch for Inflated MRPs
Some products are launched with an artificially high Maximum Retail Price specifically so they can be shown at a steep discount later. This is more common with unbranded or lesser-known sellers than with established brands, so it's worth being extra cautious with unfamiliar names.
Be Wary of Countdown Pressure
Countdown timers and "only 2 left in stock" messages are designed to make you decide fast without checking the price properly. If you feel rushed into a purchase, that's usually a sign to slow down and verify the deal first.
Read Between the Lines of "Bank Offer" Discounts
Some discounts are only valid with a specific bank card, or are combined with an exchange offer that isn't clearly disclosed upfront. Always check the fine print to see what conditions actually apply before assuming you'll get the full discount shown.
A Simple 3-Step Check
- Look up the price history for the last 1–2 months.
- Compare the current price on at least one other platform.
- Read the offer terms fully before adding to cart.
Final Word
A three-minute check before buying can save you from an "amazing deal" that was never really much of a deal at all. Genuine discounts exist during festive sales — you just need to verify before trusting the badge.