Shopping during sales is a great way to save money, but not all discounts are as real as they seem. Many retailers use marketing tricks to create the illusion of massive price drops, leading customers to believe they are getting the best deals when they aren’t. If you’ve ever felt like a sale wasn’t as good as it appeared, you’re not alone. In this blog, we’ll share expert tips to help you identify genuine discounts and avoid falling for fake sales.
Table of Contents
1. Compare Prices Before and During Sales
Many retailers inflate prices just before a sale and then show a fake discount. To spot this trick:
✔ Use price comparison websites like Google Shopping or BuyHatke.
✔ Check historical prices using apps like Keepa for Amazon.
✔ Save screenshots of product prices before the sale starts to verify the actual discount.
2. Don’t Fall for “Limited-Time Only” Tactics
Flash sales and countdown timers create a sense of urgency to push impulse purchases. In reality, many of these deals come back frequently.
✔ If a website says “only a few left,” check after a few days. The stock might be the same!
✔ Wait until the last few hours of a sale—sometimes, retailers offer even bigger discounts towards the end.
3. Compare Prices Across Different Websites
Just because a product is on sale on one website doesn’t mean it’s the cheapest option.
✔ Always check multiple platforms (Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, etc.) before buying.
✔ Some brands increase prices on their official site while selling for less on marketplaces.
4. Read Customer Reviews Carefully
Reviews can reveal a lot about a product and its true price value.
✔ Look for verified buyer reviews to see if the product was really worth the listed price.
✔ Be cautious of overly positive or generic reviews, as some may be fake.
5. Check for Genuine MRP (Maximum Retail Price)
Some sellers manipulate the MRP to make a discount seem larger.
✔ Cross-check the MRP on the brand’s official website.
✔ Avoid sellers with huge price gaps between the MRP and sale price—it might be a pricing trick.
6. Beware of “Combo Offers” That Cost More
Retailers often bundle products together and claim they are at a lower price, but the individual items might be cheaper separately.
✔ Calculate the total cost of items individually before buying a combo pack.
✔ If you only need one product, buying separately might be more cost-effective.
7. Don’t Be Fooled by Free Shipping Gimmicks
Some sellers increase product prices to offer “free shipping,” making you think you’re saving money.
✔ Compare the total cost (product price + shipping) before making a purchase.
✔ If possible, buy multiple items together to get free shipping without inflated prices.
8. Use Bank Offers and Cashback for Additional Discounts
Some sales highlight discounts but hide the fact that extra savings come only from bank offers.
✔ Check if the final price includes credit/debit card offers or instant cashback.
✔ Use wallets like Paytm, Google Pay, and Amazon Pay for extra savings.
9. Read Return and Refund Policies Carefully
During big sales, return policies might change, making it harder to get refunds.
✔ Always check if return policies remain the same during a sale.
✔ Be cautious of “Final Sale” or “No Return” items.
10. Shop from Trusted Sellers and Brands
Scam sellers take advantage of big sales to list low-quality or fake products at massive discounts.
✔ Always buy from authorized sellers or the brand’s official store.
✔ Check seller ratings and reviews before placing an order.
Final Thoughts
While sales can offer real savings, many discounts are designed to mislead shoppers into thinking they’re getting a better deal. By following these tips, you can shop smartly, avoid fake discounts, and make informed purchases. Always take your time, compare prices, and research before hitting the “Buy Now” button!
Happy Shopping!
Content Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. Prices, offers, and discounts may vary based on time, retailer policies, and individual products. MakeShoppingEasy.com does not guarantee specific discounts or deals and advises customers to verify all offers before making a purchase.
