How to Spot Fake Discounts & Compare Prices

This guide shows you how to compare prices effectively during online sales and identify fake discounts that make deals look better than they are. You’ll learn practical techniques to verify the true value of an offer, avoid common pitfalls, and make confident purchasing decisions. No special tools are needed—just a few minutes of your time and a critical eye.

What You’ll Need

• A web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
• A price tracking website or browser extension (e.g., CamelCamelCamel, Keepa, or similar)
• A calculator or the calculator on your phone
• Access to the retailer’s website and possibly competitor sites

Step-by-Step

1. Check the original price history. Before you get excited about a discount, look up the product’s price history. Use a price tracker like CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon) or Keepa to see if the “original” price was ever actually charged. Many retailers inflate the MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) temporarily before a sale to make the discount look larger. If the product has been selling at the “discounted” price for months, it’s not a real discount.
2. Compare across multiple retailers. Don’t rely on a single store’s claim. Open tabs for the same product (exact model, size, color) at 3-4 different retailers. Compare the current sale price, but also note the regular price at each. If one retailer’s “sale” price is still higher than another’s everyday price, that’s a red flag.
3. Calculate the actual discount percentage. Use the formula: (Original Price – Sale Price) / Original Price × 100. For example, if an item is listed at $100 originally and is now $75, the discount is (100-75)/100 × 100 = 25%. If the retailer claims “50% off” but the math shows 25%, the original price was likely inflated. Always do this calculation yourself—don’t trust the store’s percentage.
4. Look for hidden costs. Shipping fees, handling charges, and taxes can eat into your savings. A product with a 30% discount but $15 shipping might cost more than the same product with a 20% discount and free shipping. Add all costs to get the final price, and compare that final price across retailers.
5. Check the product’s typical price range. If you know the product category, you can estimate a fair price. For example, a 65-inch 4K TV typically ranges from $500 to $1,200. If a “sale” price is $300, it’s either a very old model, a refurbished unit, or a scam. Use your knowledge or a quick search to see what similar models sell for.
6. Use your browser’s incognito mode. Some retailers show different prices based on your browsing history or location. Open the product page in an incognito window (or use a different device) to see if the price changes. If it does, you might be seeing a personalized “discount” that isn’t available to everyone.
7. Read the fine print. Look for terms like “while supplies last,” “excludes clearance items,” or “minimum purchase required.” Some discounts apply only to certain sizes, colors, or bundles. Also check the return policy—if the sale is final, you lose the ability to return a defective item.
8. Set a target price and wait. Instead of buying impulsively, decide what you’re willing to pay. Use a price tracker to set an alert for that price. If the sale doesn’t reach your target, wait. Many products go on sale multiple times a year. Patience often yields better deals.

Common Mistakes

• Trusting the MSRP. Manufacturers set MSRPs high to give retailers room to “discount.” A product may never actually sell at MSRP, so a 50% off MSRP might be the normal price.
• Ignoring shipping costs. A $10 difference in price can be wiped out by a $12 shipping fee. Always compare total cost, not just the item price.
• Falling for urgency tactics. Countdown timers and “only 3 left” messages are designed to pressure you. They’re often fake or based on limited stock that gets replenished. Don’t let urgency override your price comparison.
• Not checking the model number. Retailers often make small changes to model numbers (e.g., TV-55A vs TV-55B) to make price comparison harder. The “new” model might be missing features or have a lower-quality panel.
• Assuming “sale” means “best price.” A sale price might still be higher than the price during a flash sale or a competitor’s clearance. Always compare against multiple sources.

Tips

• Use price tracking tools consistently. CamelCamelCamel, Keepa, and similar services show price history charts. Look for a pattern: if the price drops to the same level every few weeks, that’s the real “sale” price.
• Check refurbished and open-box options. Sometimes a refurbished item from the manufacturer is cheaper and comes with a warranty. Open-box items from retailers can be significantly discounted but still in great condition.
• Sign up for newsletters. Many retailers give an extra 10-15% off to new subscribers. You can use a temporary email address to get the discount without cluttering your inbox.
• Use cashback sites. Cashback services (like Rakuten or Honey) can give you 1-10% back on purchases. Combine this with a sale price for extra savings.
• Check social media and deal forums. Sites like Slickdeals or Reddit’s r/deals often have community-vetted deals. Users frequently point out when a “deal” is actually a fake discount.

Troubleshooting

• If you can’t find price history: Try a different tracker. CamelCamelCamel only works for Amazon. For other retailers, use a general tracker like PriceHistory or check the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine to see past versions of the product page.
• If the retailer blocks price trackers: Some sites use dynamic loading that confuses trackers. Manually check the price every few days and note it in a spreadsheet. Or search the product name on Google Shopping to see current prices across multiple stores.
• If the discount seems too good to be true: It probably is. Check if the seller is the manufacturer or a third-party. Look for reviews of the seller. If the price is drastically lower than anywhere else, it could be counterfeit or a scam.
• If you already bought an item and found a better price: Many retailers have price-match policies. Contact customer service within the return window (usually 14-30 days) and ask for a price adjustment. Some credit cards also offer price protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if a discount is fake without a price tracker?

Check the product’s price on competitor sites and use your general knowledge of the product category. If the “original” price is higher than what the same product sells for elsewhere, it’s likely inflated. Also, look at the discount percentage—if it’s over 70%, it’s often fake unless it’s a clearance item.

Is it worth using a price tracker for small purchases?

Not usually. Price trackers are most useful for items over $50. For smaller items, the time spent checking history might not be worth the savings. But for electronics, appliances, or furniture, it’s definitely worth it.

Do retailers really inflate prices before sales?

Yes, some do. This is called “price anchoring.” They set a high MSRP or temporarily raise the price a few weeks before a sale, then “discount” it back to the normal price. This is why checking price history is crucial.

What’s the best way to compare prices across multiple stores?

Use Google Shopping or a price comparison website. These aggregate prices from many retailers. But always check the final cost including shipping and taxes, as some stores have hidden fees.

Can I get a refund if I find a lower price after buying?

Yes, many retailers offer price matching within a certain window. Contact customer service and ask. You’ll need to provide proof of the lower price (a screenshot or link). Some credit cards also offer price protection as a benefit.

Are “flash sales” on social media trustworthy?

Sometimes, but be cautious. Flash sales on social media often use fake countdown timers and scarcity tactics. Always verify the retailer’s legitimacy, check the price history, and read reviews before purchasing.

Related

• US Water Heater Calculation: Estimate Tank Size
• PPM Error Calculator for Mass Spectrometry
• Voltage Conversion Calculator: Volts, Millivolts and More