How to spot a real loot deal (and skip the fake ones)

Every sale season, the same product shows “80% off”. Most of that is the MRP printed on the box, which almost nobody ever paid. A real loot is a price that is clearly lower than what the product normally sells for. Here is how we check, and how you can too.

1. Ignore the MRP, look at the price history

MRP is a ceiling, not a benchmark. What matters is what the same product cost last month and the month before. Free tools such as price-history trackers show a chart for most Amazon and Flipkart listings. If today's price is at or near the lowest point on that chart, it is a good deal. If the chart shows it hovering around the same number every week, the “sale” is just the normal price.

2. Check the final price, not the headline price

Bank offers, coupons and exchange bonuses can change the price you actually pay. Some need a particular card, a minimum cart value or a first-time app login. Work out the final amount for your own situation before you get excited.

3. Look at the seller and the reviews

A cheap price from an unknown seller with a handful of reviews deserves a second look. Prefer the store's own fulfilment or a well-rated brand store, and skim the one-star reviews to see what goes wrong.

4. Move quickly on stock-limited deals, calmly on the rest

Genuine loots can sell out in minutes, especially lightning deals and pricing errors. But if a deal is only “ending soon” in the banner, it often returns in the next sale. Decide whether you truly need the item before the timer pushes you.

5. Know the return policy

Fashion, electronics and groceries have different return rules. A great price is not a great deal if you cannot return something that does not fit or arrives damaged.

On this site every deal is time-stamped, shows the price as it was when posted, and disappears when it ends, so you never chase an old offer.