We all love to get a deal – especially at this time of year – which is why retailers run so many holiday sales. But is that big discount something to get excited about, or is it just marketing hype that’s best ignored?
Researchers at Checkbook.org tracked prices at 25 major retailers for 33 weeks, and found that most of the advertised discounts were bogus.
“Some are worse than others, but these fake sales are overwhelmingly widespread now,” said Checkbook’s Executive Editor Kevin Brasler.
“If someone is advertising that they’re selling you something at a discount; if they have a price that’s crossed out and they have a lower price listed, but they always or almost always offer it at some lower price – and rarely, if ever, actually sell it for that crossed-out price – it’s an attempt to trick you into thinking that you’re getting a deal,” Brasler said.
So how do you protect yourself? Forget the big signs that say 40% or 60% off and focus on the actual price. And find out what others are charging for that item. You can probably do that online, even while you’re in the store.
More Info: Sales Prices Are Rarely Real Deals