Is it a real deal? Check any sale price

How to tell if a sale is real

The percentage on a sale sticker is worked out from the "was" price, and the store picks that number. If the "was" price was inflated, the discount looks bigger than it is. That's why this checker compares against the best price elsewhere, not the store's own claim.

The ACCC says a was/now saving can be misleading if the product has never been sold at the higher price, or was only sold at it in limited amounts immediately before the sale. Read the ACCC guidance.

Four quick checks

1. Price history. Price trackers and comparison sites show what an item sold for over past months. A real deal is below its usual price, not just below a "was" price.
2. Same model, other stores. Search the exact model number. The "sale" price is sometimes the normal price somewhere else.
3. The total, not the sticker. Delivery, card surcharges and payment fees can wipe out a small saving.
4. Bundles. A bundle can hide a small discount behind extras you don't need.

Timing matters too

Some products are always cheaper at certain times of year. Big tech usually drops furthest at Black Friday, clothes at Boxing Day. Check the sales calendar before buying something that isn't urgent.

Common questions

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