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How to Spot a Real Online Deal (and Avoid Fake Discounts)

How to Spot a Real Online Deal (and Avoid Fake Discounts)

By the DicountDeal team · Published

"90% off — today only!" Online shopping is full of discounts that aren't really discounts. These seven checks will help you tell a real deal from a marketing trick.

1. Compare the price, not the percentage

A "70% off" label means nothing if the original price was inflated. Search the product name and compare the final price on two or three other stores.

2. Look at the price per unit

Bundles can be great value — or not. Divide the bundle price by the number of items and compare it to the single price.

3. Check shipping and tax before you pay

A cheap product with expensive shipping isn't a deal. Reputable stores show the full total before you enter payment details.

4. Be wary of countdown timers

If a timer resets when you refresh the page, the urgency is fake. Real sales have clear end dates.

5. Read the return policy

Look for a clear time window (for example 30 days), who pays return shipping and how refunds are issued.

6. Look for real contact details

A trustworthy store lists an email address, and ideally a business name, address and phone number.

7. Pay with protection

Credit cards and PayPal offer buyer protection. Avoid stores that only accept bank transfers, gift cards or crypto.

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