Ever wondered how to know if a deal is good, really good?
With bold banners claiming “70% OFF” and countdown timers screaming urgency, even savvy shoppers can fall into the impulse-buying trap. But smart shopping is less about how flashy the discount looks and more about understanding what’s worth your money.
Here’s how to break through the hype and make sure you’re actually saving money.
Don’t Trust the “Original Price” at Face Value
Some retailers inflate the original price just to make the discount seem impressive. That $120 jacket at a department store marked down to $59 might sound like a steal until you check Amazon and see it’s been selling for $62 for the past six months.
This is why tools like CamelCamelCamel and Keepa are game changers. They show you the actual price history of a product, especially on Amazon.
You might think you’re scoring a rare deal when, in fact, you’re just buying at its usual sale price. Bottom line? If the item never truly sold at its “full” price, it’s not a real discount.
Compare Unit Prices, Not Just the Total
A classic supermarket trick is to sell larger packages at a “bulk value” price that’s more expensive per unit.
You’ll find a 12-pack of bottled water at $4.99 and a 24-pack for $9.49. The larger pack seems like a better deal until you calculate the unit price and find that both cost nearly 21 cents per bottle.
This comes up often with pantry staples, paper products, and cleaning supplies. Warehouse clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club rely on this psychology of sales, so double-check the math. The best deals don’t always come in the biggest sizes.
Track Prices Before You Commit
If a product just popped up in a “flash sale,” pause and check the history. If that $299 espresso machine you’ve been eyeing dropped to $229 for the third time in two months, chances are it’ll drop again soon.
Use browser tools like Capital One Shopping, Honey, or Price.com. They show you when a product was last discounted and can automatically apply working promo codes at checkout.
For more tips like this, check out our guide to How to Find the Best Daily Deals Without Scams.
Watch for High-Pressure Tactics
Retailers love to create false urgency. “Only 2 left!” or “Ends in 3 hours!” are psychological tricks designed to override your better judgment. Before you hit checkout on that $85 sneaker deal, ask: Would you still want it at full price?
The Federal Trade Commission recommends stepping back and verifying the details, especially with online deals. High-pressure messages often accompany less-than-stellar products. Good deals don’t need fake hype to sell.
Read More: 9 Ways Retailers Trick You Into Spending More (And How to Outsmart Them)
Ask the Right Questions Before Buying
The best way to figure out if a deal is really worth it is to run through a quick mental checklist. Let’s say you’re looking at a Bluetooth speaker marked down from $129 to $69 at Kohl’s.
- Has it ever actually sold for $129?
- How does it compare to similar models at Target or Walmart?
- Do you need a new speaker, or is it just shiny and on sale?
- Will you use it regularly or stash it after a few uses?
If you’ve already budgeted for it and it beats competing offers, you’re probably making a smart buy. If not, leave it in the cart for 24 hours. If you forget about it, you just saved yourself from a regrettable purchase.
Know the Deal, Not Just the Discount
Learning how to know if a deal is good is about more than the percentage off. It’s about context, timing, and intent.
Retailers are skilled at making bad prices look amazing. But with price tracking tools, unit price comparisons, and a little self-check, you’ll stop chasing sales and start spotting real value.
Read More: The Best Days of the Week to Shop for Groceries (and Why It Matters)
