Spotting Inflated 'Original' Prices: Your Guide to Genuine Savings
2026-09-04
The Inflated Original Price: A Common Deal Deception
When you see a deal advertising a product at 40% off, your first thought is often about the savings. However, a crucial step before clicking 'buy' is to question the 'original price' from which that discount is calculated. Retailers sometimes inflate the original price to make the current sale price appear more attractive than it genuinely is. This tactic can make a 20% discount look like a 60% markdown, tricking shoppers into thinking they're getting a steal.
How to Verify the Original Price
Here are practical steps to ensure you're looking at a legitimate discount:
1. Use Price Tracking Tools
Browser extensions and websites like Camelcamelcamel (for Amazon), Keepa (also for Amazon), and Honey can track the historical pricing of a product. These tools show you the price fluctuations over weeks or months, revealing if the 'original price' is the actual standard selling price or a temporary, artificially high benchmark.
2. Check Competitor Pricing
Do a quick search for the same product on other reputable retailer websites. If the 'original price' on the deal site is significantly higher than what competitors are consistently selling it for, it's a red flag. Be aware that some products are exclusive to certain retailers, which can make direct comparison harder, but not impossible.
3. Look for 'MSRP' or Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price
While not always strictly adhered to, the MSRP can give you a baseline. If the retailer's 'original price' is far above the MSRP, it's highly likely to be inflated. You can often find the MSRP on the manufacturer's official website.
4. Be Skeptical of Vague 'Original Prices'
If a deal simply states 'Was $100, now $40' without specifying when it was $100 or if that was a common selling price, exercise caution. Legitimate sales often reference a recent selling price or a clearly established RRP (Recommended Retail Price).
5. Understand Different Product Categories
Certain product categories are more prone to inflated pricing tactics. Apparel, home goods, and electronics can sometimes be subject to this. On the other hand, highly regulated markets or staple goods might have more consistent pricing across retailers.
Why This Matters for 40%+ Off Deals
At DealVault, we focus on deals that are 40% off or more because this threshold typically represents a significant saving. However, this percentage is only meaningful if the starting 'original price' is genuine. Before DealVault publishes live deals, our process is designed to check these original prices so the discounts we show are genuine. By adopting these verification habits, you empower yourself to make informed purchasing decisions and avoid the illusion of a discount, ensuring your savings are real.