01
The inflated "was" price
A high "compare at" or "was" price makes the sale price look like a bargain, even if the item rarely sold for it.
Instead: Ignore the percentage. Compare the final price with other stores or your price book.
12 sales tricks, and how to see through them
Stores and websites use well-tested tactics to help you decide faster and spend more. Knowing them doesn't mean never buying; it means buying on your terms.
02
The countdown timer
"Deal ends in 02:14:59" pushes you to decide before you've thought about it.
Instead: If it's a real need, it will be on sale again. Close the tab and decide tomorrow.
03
"Only 3 left!"
Low-stock messages create a fear of missing out.
Instead: Ask whether you'd buy it if there were 300 left.
04
The free-shipping threshold
"Spend $15 more for free shipping" gets you to add things you didn't plan to buy.
Instead: Only add items from your list, or choose in-store pickup.
05
The decoy option
A pricey "premium" option makes the middle one look sensible.
Instead: Decide what features you need before you look at the options.
06
Buy more, save more
"3 for $10" or "buy 2, get 1 half off" encourages buying more than you need.
Instead: Check the unit price, and whether you'll use it all.
07
Charm pricing
$19.99 feels much closer to $10 than to $20.
Instead: Round prices up in your head.
08
"Pay in 4" at checkout
Installments make a price feel smaller.
Instead: Ask whether you could pay the full price today.
09
Subscribe and save
A small discount for automatic deliveries that are easy to forget.
Instead: Set a reminder to review, and cancel what piles up.
10
Mail-in rebates
The advertised price assumes you'll send in the rebate. Many people don't.
Instead: Compare the price before the rebate, unless you'll really file it.
11
The checkout add-on
Protection plans and accessories offered at the last moment.
Instead: Check what warranties you already have. Say no and decide later.
12
Members-only pricing
A discount that needs a paid membership or a store card.
Instead: Count the membership fee or card interest in the price.
Check any deal in a minute
Put the numbers into the is it really a deal? calculator to see the real price, the real discount and the cost per use.
General information. We don't post deals or earn commissions from any store.