Is It a Deal? How I Review Discounts Before I Buy

We’ve all been there—scrolling through an online store, seeing a bold tag that says “70% OFF” and thinking, Wow, I need this! But do we? Over the years, I’ve come to realize that not every deal is truly a good one. Many discounts are designed to make us buy things we don’t need.

That’s why I started doing something different. Before I hit that “Buy Now” button, I take a moment to review the offer carefully. This little habit has saved me a significant amount of money and helped me become a more informed shopper.

Why Discounts Aren’t Always What They Seem

Let’s be honest—some deals are just marketing tricks. Stores sometimes increase the original price, only to show a big discount later. That 70% off might not be a real saving after all. I’ve seen products listed as “sale items” that were never actually sold at their so-called “original” prices.

Now, I don’t fall for those flashy tags so easily. If something feels too good to be true, it probably is.

My Simple 5-Step Discount Review Method

Here’s how I review discounts before making any purchase:

1. Ask: Do I need this?

This is the first question I ask myself. If I wasn’t already planning to buy it, I would stop and think. Is it something useful, or just something that looks cheap?

2. Check the original price

I quickly search the product online or check price history tools (like price trackers). This tells me whether the discount is actually real or just made-up.

3. Compare with other stores

I check the same product on two or three other websites. It’s surprising how often one site has a better everyday price than another site’s “big sale.”

4. Look for extra promo codes

Sometimes, even after a sale, you can find a promo code or cashback offer that saves you more. I always take a minute to search for codes before checking out.

5. Sleep on it (if possible)

Unless it’s something urgent or limited stock, I like to wait a few hours—or even a full day. Often, I realize I don’t need the item, or I find a better deal later.

Real Example: My Headphone Purchase

Last month, I saw a pair of headphones I liked on sale for 60% off. It seemed like a great deal. But after checking a few other sites, I noticed the same model was being sold for a similar price everywhere. The "original" price was just inflated. I waited a day, and another brand I trust more dropped its price even further. In the end, I got a better product for the same money.

The Benefits of Shopping Smart

Since I started reviewing every discount, my impulse buying has gone down a lot. I no longer feel that shopping guilt where you buy something just because it looks like a bargain.

Now, I only spend money when I feel confident that the product is worth it—and that I got the best possible value.

A Final Tip for Smart Shoppers

Not every deal is urgent. Not every discount is real. But with a little patience and some smart thinking, you can make sure your money goes toward things that truly matter.

And when you're ready to find real, updated deals and promo codes you can trust, check out my recommendations at TrandyReviews. I make sure to only list deals that actually offer value—no tricks, no fake discounts, just honest savings.