Guides / Judge the deal
"Was" prices and fake discounts
A big percentage off a made-up price isn't a saving.
A "was $120, now $59" tag is designed to make $59 feel like a bargain. The question is whether anyone ever actually paid $120.
Watch for
- "Compare at" or "list price" that the item rarely sold for
- Items that are always on sale
- Outlet versions made for outlets, compared with mainline prices
- Prices raised just before a sale event
What helps
- Check the price history with a price tracker or your own price book
- Compare with other stores
- Ignore the percentage; look at the final price
Good to know
The FTC's guides on deceptive pricing say a former price should be one the item was actually offered at, in good faith, for a reasonable time. You can report misleading pricing at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
General educational information. Store policies and prices vary. Daily Deal Nest isn't paid by any store, brand or deal site.