How to Tell If a Deal Is Real: Learn How to Spot True Discounts

Not every discount is actually a good deal — and during Orange Friday, that couldn’t be more true. With the surge in promotions and the rush to find the best opportunities, it becomes easier to get confused between genuinely good offers and prices that are simply dressed up to look irresistible.

The good news is that with a few simple tips, you can easily tell the difference between a real discount and a misleading promotion — and enjoy Inter’s Orange Friday with much more confidence and savings.

Why It’s Important to Recognize Real Discounts

For years, consumers have run into tactics like the classic “half of double”: when a retailer raises the price shortly before a promo, then lowers it again just to make it look like a big discount. Besides being frustrating, this directly affects your budget.

Impulse purchases triggered by pressure, countdowns, or “too good to be true” prices can throw off your financial goals and lead to unnecessary spending.

Learning how to evaluate a deal is an essential part of financial literacy. The more informed you are as a shopper, the less likely you are to fall for tricks — and the more you can take advantage of opportunities that are truly worth it.

How to Analyze Prices and Avoid Fake Promotions

Spotting a real discount doesn’t have to be difficult. A few steps make a big difference:

1. Understand the “base price”

This is the average price a product usually has over time. Without it, it’s hard to know whether the discount is real.

2. Track price history

Price-comparison tools show how much an item has cost over the past weeks or months. A sudden drop after several increases may indicate pre-promotion price manipulation.

3. Use comparison tools and price alerts

Specialized websites and apps let you track price changes and even create alerts when an item reaches the amount you consider fair.

4. Watch out for red flags

  • Price raised just a few days before Orange Friday
  • High shipping costs or restrictions that cancel out the discount
  • Offers with too many fine-print conditions
  • Stores with poor transparency or weak reputations

5. Check the seller’s reputation

Ratings, reviews, and customer service history help you avoid issues — even when a discount looks great.

Practical Strategies to Find Great Deals on Orange Friday

To shop smart and ensure Orange Friday truly pays off, follow these strategies:

  • Makea list of what you really need before the sale to avoid impulse buying.
  • Look up the product’s lowest price in recent weeks to get an accurate reference.
  • Evaluate the full cost of the purchase: shipping, delivery time, extended warranties, cashback, and other perks.
  • Prioritize trusted stores with good return and exchange policies.
  • Don’t fall for pressure tactics: countdown timers and urgent messages often rely on emotional triggers.

How Inter Helps You Find Real Discounts

During Orange Friday, Inter acts as your shopping partner — bringing together deals from trusted brands with transparency and consumer focus.

With cashback on the marketplace and gift cards, reliable campaigns, and partnerships with well-known companies, Inter makes your shopping experience safer and easier. Inter also reinforces the importance of financial education, conscious spending, and fair pricing.

This way, you don’t just find real discounts — you shop with confidence knowing you’re getting a great deal.

Shop Smart and Save More

Orange Friday is a great opportunity to save — as long as you know how to identify a real promotion. Researching, comparing, and understanding price history can make all the difference when it comes to finding the best deals without overspending.

And throughout the season, Inter is right there with you, offering guidance, curated opportunities, and a secure environment for smart shopping.

Download the super app today and stay on top of the best Orange Friday deals.

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Inter (NASDAQ: INTR) is the pioneer financial super app serving over 40 million consumers across the Americas. The Inter ecosystem offers a broad array of services, including banking, investments, mortgages, credit, gift cards, and cross-border tools. The super app also boasts a dynamic marketplace, linking consumers with shopping discounts, cashback rewards, and exclusive access to marquee events across the globe. The company is expanding rapidly in the United States, as evidenced by its naming rights sponsorship of the Inter&Co Stadium that hosts soccer teams “Orlando City” and “Orlando Pride”. Focused on innovation and captivating member experiences, Inter&Co delivers comprehensive financial and lifestyle solutions to meet the evolving needs of modern consumers.

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