_11zon.jpeg "A split-screen visual showing a real discount vs. a fake discount")
How to Spot Fake Discounts During Amazon & Flipkart Sales: 2024 Shopper’s Guide
Amazon’s Great Indian Festival and Flipkart’s Big Billion Days are India’s most-awaited shopping events. But many shoppers fall for fake discounts amid the frenzy of "up to 80% off" banners. A 2023 study by Consumer Voice revealed that 35% of discounted products during these sales were sold at higher prices months before. This guide will teach you how to spot fake discounts, verify genuine deals, and avoid getting scammed.
What Are Fake Discounts?
Fake discounts occur when sellers inflate the "original price" of a product to make the discounted price seem more attractive. For example:
Product X: "Original price" ₹30,000 → "Discounted price" ₹15,000 (50% off).
Reality: Product X was sold for ₹18,000 just 2 weeks before the sale.
7 Red Flags of Fake Discounts on Amazon/Flipkart
1. Inflated "Original Price"
How to Check: Use price-tracking tools like Keepa (Amazon) or Price History (Flipkart) to see the product’s 6-month price graph.
🚩 Red Flag: A sudden spike in the "original price" before the sale.
2. Misleading "Deal of the Day" Tags
Sellers often use urgency tactics like "Only 2 left!" or "30 bought in the last hour" to pressure buyers.
✅ Pro Tip: Use browser extensions like BuyHatke to check real-time stock availability.
3. Fake Countdown Timers
Some countdowns reset automatically, creating false urgency.
🚩 Red Flag: The same deal reappears days later with a new timer.
4. Manipulated Reviews
Check Review Dates: A sudden influx of 5-star reviews just before the sale often indicates paid/fake reviews.
Tools: Use Fakespot or ReviewMeta to analyze review authenticity.
5. Vague Product Titles
Example: "Premium Smartphone with 8GB RAM" (no brand/model mentioned).
✅ Fix: Always verify the product’s exact model number.
6. "Bank Offer" Traps
Offers like "10% off with XYZ Bank card" may apply only to the inflated price, not the actual discount.
Math Check: Calculate the final price with and without the bank offer.
7. Non-Refundable Deals
Products marked "non-returnable" are often counterfeit or low-quality.
Step-by-Step Guide to Verify Discounts
Step 1: Track Prices Before the Sale
Use price trackers like Keepa (Amazon) or Price History (Flipkart) to monitor price trends for 30-60 days.
Step 2: Compare Prices Across Platforms
Check the same product on Amazon, Flipkart, Tata CLiQ, and brand websites.
Step 3: Check the MRP
The Maximum Retail Price (MRP) is legally mandated in India. If the "original price" exceeds MRP, it’s a scam.
Step 4: Use Incognito Mode
Sellers sometimes show personalized prices. Open the product link in incognito mode to see the real price.
Step 5: Verify Seller Authenticity
Avoid third-party sellers with ratings below 4 stars or fewer than 1,000 reviews.
Top Tools to Spot Fake Discounts
| Tool | Platform | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Keepa | Amazon | Price history charts, deal alerts |
| Price History | Flipkart | Tracks 6-month price fluctuations |
| BuyHatke | Both | Compares prices across platforms |
| Fakespot | Both | Analyzes fake reviews |
Real-Life Examples of Fake Discounts
Example 1: A "₹25,000" smart TV was sold for ₹18,000 three weeks before the sale. The "50% off" tag hid the real discount of 10%.
Example 2: A laptop bag with an "original price" of ₹3,500 was consistently priced at ₹1,200 pre-sale.
FAQs
Q1: Are Amazon/Flipkart responsible for fake discounts?
A: No. While platforms ban sellers for fraud, third-party sellers often manipulate prices. Stick to "Amazon Fulfilled" or "Flipkart Assured" products.
Q2: Can I report fake discounts?
A: Yes! Use Amazon’s Report Incorrect Product Information or file a complaint on the National Consumer Helpline (1915).
Q3: Do prices drop further during the sale?
A: Rarely. Most "best prices" are offered on Day 1 to attract early buyers.
Conclusion
Fake discounts prey on FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), but savvy shoppers can outsmart them. Always:
Track prices 30 days before the sale.
Use tools like Keepa or Price History.
Compare prices across platforms.
Pro Tip: Bookmark this guide before the next Amazon/Flipkart sale!
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