Is This Actually a Good Deal? How to Spot Fake Discounts

Not every “sale” is a real saving.
Retail pricing has become more sophisticated — and so have discount tactics. If you want to know whether something is actually a good deal, you need to look beyond the percentage label.
Here’s how.
Check the Real Price History

A genuine deal usually shows:

  • A consistent previous selling price
  • A clear drop below normal market value
  • A competitive position against other retailers

Red flag:

“Was £199, now £89” - but it was £89 last month too.

A percentage discount means nothing without context.

Watch for Inflated RRPs

Some listings use:

  • Old launch prices
  • Recommended retail prices that no one actually sells at
  • Marketplace sellers with unrealistic comparisons

If every retailer is selling it for £79 and one says “Was £129”, that’s marketing — not savings.

Look at Timing

Strong deals often happen when:

  • New models launch
  • Stock clears
  • Competitors undercut each other

Random midweek “flash sales” without broader price movement are often artificial urgency.

Compare Across Retailers

A real deal usually stands out across the market.

If multiple trusted retailers adjust pricing around the same time, it’s likely genuine competition-driven discounting.

Quick Checklist

Before buying, ask:

  • Has this price existed consistently before?
  • Is the discount relative to real selling price?
  • Is the retailer reputable?
  • Would I buy this at full price?

If the answer to the last one is “no”, it might not be a good deal — just a lower price on something you don’t need.

Why Deals365 Filters Fake Discounts

We analyse:

  • Real price patterns
  • Retail competition behaviour
  • Historical selling data

Then surface only deals showing genuine movement.

Final Thought

A real deal isn’t about percentage size.

It’s about genuine price movement.