How to Identify Fake Discounts During Sales

But here’s the uncomfortable truth: not every discount is actually a good deal.

Many sales are designed to look generous while quietly keeping prices the same. Once you understand how fake discounts work, they become much easier to spot.

The “Original Price” Was Never Real

One of the oldest tricks is inflating the original price.

You’ll see something like: “₹9,999 — now ₹4,999 (50% off)”

It looks impressive. But if you check carefully, that product may have been selling for around ₹5,000 all along.

Some sellers raise the price shortly before a sale and then “discount” it back to normal. On paper, it looks like a huge drop. In reality, nothing changed.

If a discount is genuine, the sale price should be lower than the usual price, not just lower than an exaggerated one.

Big Percentages, Small Reality

“Up to 70% off” sounds amazing. But the key words are up to.

Usually, only a handful of items get the biggest discount. Most products are discounted lightly, or not at all.

Your job isn’t to chase the percentage. It’s to look at the final price and ask one simple question: “Is this cheaper than it normally is?”

If the answer is no, the discount doesn’t matter.

Bundles That Make You Spend More

Bundles often look like great value.

Buy one product and get two extras. Save big. Limited offer.

But pause for a second. Would you buy those extra items if they weren’t bundled?

If not, you’re probably paying more for things you don’t need. Bundling works because it hides the real cost of the main product.

A good deal is only good if it matches what you actually want to buy.

Urgency Is Often Artificial

“Only 2 hours left.” “Last chance.” “Almost sold out.”

These messages are meant to rush you. They create fear of missing out.

In many cases, the same deal comes back the next day, or never really ends at all. The countdown is psychological, not real.

If a seller truly offers a strong discount, it will still look good after you take a few minutes to compare prices elsewhere.

Discounts Based on MRP Can Be Misleading

Many discounts are calculated from the MRP, not the usual selling price.

MRP is just the maximum allowed price. Most products don’t sell at MRP in normal conditions.

So a “30% off MRP” deal may still be the same price you’d pay on a regular day. This is common with electronics, clothing, and household goods.

Always compare the sale price with current market prices, not just the MRP tag.

Small Savings Made to Look Big

Sometimes the discount sounds large but isn’t.

“Save ₹1,000” feels significant. But on a ₹50,000 product, that’s only a small percentage.

Marketers know people react emotionally to numbers. That’s why savings are framed in a way that feels impressive.

Do the quick math. It often tells a very different story.

A Simple Example

Imagine a jacket usually sold for ₹3,000.

Before a sale, the price is raised to ₹4,500. During the sale, it’s listed at ₹2,999 with a “33% off” badge.

You think you saved big. But you paid almost exactly what you would have paid before.

Nothing was cheaper. Only the label changed.

How to Avoid Fake Discounts

Track prices for things you actually want. Compare across different sellers. Ignore flashy banners and countdowns. Focus on the final amount you pay.

Final Thoughts

Fake discounts don’t depend on lying. They depend on rushing you.

When you slow down and check calmly, most “great deals” lose their shine. A real discount holds up even when you think twice.

The smartest savings come from patience, not pressure.