Ever wondered if that “amazing deal” is truly a bargain—or just clever marketing? I was recently asked to share my top tips for spotting genuine sales and avoiding bogus ones. Here’s everything I shared, plus a few extra gems I think every savvy shopper should know.
🔍 How to Tell if a Deal is Real
1. Be Price Aware
In the EU, retailers must base their “Was” price on what an item cost at least 30 days prior. But here’s the catch—some cheeky retailers increase prices before a sale so they can drop them back down and make it look like a huge discount.
My tip: Start tracking prices a month before key sales (Black Friday, mid-season, etc.). Take screenshots so you have proof of the real price.
2. Use Price Tracking Tools
If you’re shopping on Amazon, try camelcamelcamel.com. It gives you a full price history of any product, so you can see straight away if it’s actually a deal.
3. Compare, Compare, Compare
Don’t trust just one site. A “sale” price on one website might be the standard price on another. Always shop around before you buy.
4. Factor in Delivery & Customs
A deal isn’t a deal if delivery costs and customs charges push the price way up. Also, check if the site offers free returns—especially when buying clothes or shoes.
5. Check Site Legitimacy
If the site is unfamiliar, look them up on Trustpilot before you spend a cent. If it seems too good to be true… it probably is.
🤔 Before You Click “Buy,” Ask Yourself:
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Do I really need it?
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Is this genuinely a good deal?
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Can I afford it right now?
Impulse purchases can end up being regrets—so a little pause can save you a lot of euros!
🛍️ My Sale Shopping Strategy
I always recommend making a list and setting a budget. I personally use a Revolut Vault to set aside money throughout the year for sales seasons.
Do your homework: Start checking prices a month in advance so you know whether you’re actually saving money. And always think about cost per wear. Something might feel pricey upfront, but if you wear it all the time, it could work out to be the best value item in your wardrobe.
🤑 My Best Bargain Tips
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Shop out of season – Buying sandals in winter or coats in spring can score you the biggest discounts.
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Know your sale seasons – Black Friday, post-Christmas, and end-of-season sales are gold mines.
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Sign up for newsletters – You’ll often get early access or exclusive discount codes.
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Abandon your cart – Sometimes you’ll get a cheeky discount code emailed to you!
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Use cashback sites – I love Coupert, Honey, and even Revolut’s cashback features. You can often stack discount codes on top of sale prices for extra savings.
And of course, don’t forget—I share all the best discount codes on salesavvy.ie and have daily drops on my Instagram page @salesavvyireland.
👟 My Favourite Sale Buys
I’ve scored some absolute gems over the years. River Island coats are always a win—super stylish and made to last. I also nabbed a pair of Veja trainers for under €60 (might’ve been a pricing error but they honoured it!). I wear them constantly, so the cost per wear is unreal. And our most-used family item? The Ninja Dual Airfryer—gifted by my mum, on sale, and worth every single cent.
😬 Any Regrets?
Oh yes. The silver Dr Martens I bought when I was 17. Wore them five times, and I still get slagged about them to this day!
✨ For more everyday tips, real-life recommendations and exclusive discount codes, make sure you’re following me over on Instagram @salesavvyireland and sign up to the newsletter over on Salesavvy.ie – especially if you love a good bargain! 💌
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