The short answer
Check the item's 90-day price history, not the crossed-out "was" price. If the current price is not below the 90-day average, it is not a sale. Set an alert and wait — most prices repeat within 8 weeks.
Reference pricing is the oldest trick in retail. One habit defeats almost all of it.
Step by step
- Look up the 90-day price history with a price tracker before buying.
- Ignore the crossed-out RRP entirely — it is rarely a real recent price.
- Compare the total landed cost: price plus shipping plus return cost.
- Check the return window and whether returns are free.
- Set a price alert at your target and wait one cycle if it is not urgent.
- For big items, check the model number — "sale" models are often retailer-specific variants.
What it costs
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Price tracking tools | free |
| Typical saving from waiting one cycle | 10–25% |
| Return shipping if not free | $8–$20 |
Common questions
Are Black Friday deals real?
Some are. Roughly half of advertised items were cheaper or the same at another point that year.
Retailer-exclusive models?
Common in TVs and appliances. Different model number means you cannot compare reviews.
Extended warranties?
Usually poor value. Card and statutory protections often cover the same ground.