Holiday sales are the best time to score deals, right? But have you ever noticed that those “doorbuster” discounts sometimes don’t feel as amazing as they should? You’re not imagining things. Many stores use clever pricing tactics to quietly raise prices before big holiday sales, making those flashy discounts look better than they really are. Understanding these strategies can help you become a savvier shopper and truly maximize your savings. If you want to make the most of your holiday sales shopping, knowing what’s happening behind the scenes is crucial. Let’s remove the curtain and reveal the eight most common ways stores quietly raise prices before big holiday “sales.”
Image Source: unsplash.com
1. Price Markups Before Discounts
One of the oldest tricks in the book is marking up prices just before a holiday sale. Retailers know shoppers are hunting for bargains, so they’ll often increase the regular price a week or two before the event. When the sale hits, the “discounted” price is close to, or sometimes even higher than, the original price. This tactic is so widespread that the Federal Trade Commission has issued guidelines about deceptive pricing practices. To avoid falling for this, use price comparison tools or apps to track prices ahead of time. That way, you’ll know if a deal is truly a deal during those holiday sales.
2. Shrinking Package Sizes
Have you ever noticed your favorite cereal box or bag of chips looking a little smaller? This is called “shrinkflation,” and it’s a sneaky way for stores and brands to raise prices without changing the sticker price. By reducing the amount of product in a package, you end up paying more per ounce or serving, especially during holiday sales when you’re stocking up. Always check the unit price on the shelf label, and compare package sizes to ensure you’re getting the best value.
3. Bundling Products
During holiday sales, stores love bundling products and advertising them as a special deal. While bundles can sometimes save you money, they can also mask price increases. For example, a “buy two, get one free” offer might cost more per item than a single unit at the regular price before the sale. Before grabbing a bundle, do the math and see if you’re really saving, or if the store is just making the deal look better than it is.
4. Limiting Sale Quantities
Another subtle tactic is limiting the number of items you can buy at the sale price. Stores might advertise a great deal, but only allow you to buy one or two at that price. After that, the price jumps back up. This creates a sense of urgency and scarcity, making you feel like you’re getting an exclusive deal during holiday sales. If you need more than the limit, consider shopping with a friend or family member, or look for similar deals at competing stores.
Image Source: unsplash.com
5. Changing Product Placement
Stores are masters at using product placement to influence your spending. Before big holiday sales, they’ll often move higher-priced or “sale” items to eye-level shelves or end caps, making them more tempting. Meanwhile, better deals might be hidden on lower or higher shelves. Take a moment to scan the entire aisle, not just the most prominent displays, to find the real bargains during holiday sales.
6. Creating “Exclusive” Sale Items
Some stores introduce special “holiday edition” products or exclusive sale items unavailable at other times of the year. These items often come with a higher price tag, but because they’re marketed as limited-time offers, shoppers are more likely to splurge. Don’t let the holiday sales hype sway you—compare these exclusive items to regular versions to see if you’re actually getting more for your money.
7. Using Psychological Pricing
Retailers are experts at using psychological pricing to make you think you’re getting a better deal. For example, they might price an item at $9.99 instead of $10, or use “was $19.99, now $14.99” to highlight the discount. These small changes can significantly affect how you perceive value, especially during holiday sales when you’re primed to look for savings. Stay aware of these tactics and focus on the actual numbers, not just the perceived discount.
8. Reducing Coupon Values
Before big holiday sales, stores may quietly reduce the value of their coupons or make the terms more restrictive. You might notice that a coupon that used to save you $2 now only saves $1, or that it can’t be combined with other offers. This makes it harder to stack savings during holiday sales. Always read the fine print on coupons and look for digital offers or cashback apps to maximize your discounts.
Outsmarting the Holiday Sales Hype
The next time you’re gearing up for holiday sales, remember that not every deal is as good as it seems. You can shop smarter and keep more money in your pocket by staying alert to these subtle price-raising tactics. Track prices ahead of time, compare unit costs, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or use technology to your advantage. Holiday sales are a great opportunity to save, but only if you know how to spot the real bargains.
What sneaky pricing tricks have you noticed during holiday sales? Share your stories and tips in the comments below!
Read More
10 Ways Supermarkets Influence Your Spending and How to Outsmart Them
