How to Spot a Fake Deal (When a Discount Isn't Really a Discount)
How to spot a fake deal: why '50% off' often isn't a real discount, and how to check the true price before you buy. Don't fall for inflated 'was' prices.
Last updated: 2026-07-03
Retailers know a crossed-out price makes you click. But a big discount badge is only meaningful if the "original" price was real. Here's how to see through it.
1. Ignore the crossed-out price — check the actual price
A listing showing "$200, now $99" is only a deal if that item genuinely sells for around $200 elsewhere. Sellers routinely inflate the "was" price to make the discount look bigger. Judge the price you'd actually pay, not the discount percentage.
2. Compare the same item across sellers
The only way to know if $99 is a good price is to see what other sellers charge for the exact same product. If three sellers have it near $95, that "50% off to $99" isn't a deal at all.
3. Watch the quantity
Sometimes a "pricier" listing is a 2-pack, making each unit cheaper. Always check how many you're getting before judging the price.
Tip
A real deal is a low price versus other sellers — not a big number next to a crossed-out one.
4. Let the comparison do the work
This is exactly what 2GoDeals is for: it shows the same product across sellers cheapest-first, so a fake discount has nowhere to hide. You see the real market price instantly.
Check the real market price before you buy.
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