A bigger discount is not always a better deal

Start with an equivalent basket

A percentage only becomes useful when you know the price it applies to. Compare the same model, size, colour, quantity and condition. A refurbished item, a bundle without accessories and a new item with a full accessory kit are different offers. Write down the precise variant before comparing two shops.

Calculate the payable total

Use this order: eligible item subtotal minus the actual discount, plus delivery and any mandatory charges. If a tax or import charge is not known, show it as unknown rather than silently treating it as zero. Keep optional extras separate so they do not obscure the comparison.

For example, a hypothetical $120 item with 20% off becomes $96. Add $12 delivery and the total is $108. Another seller offering the identical item for $105 with delivery included is $3 cheaper, despite displaying no coupon. This is a calculation example, not a live offer.

Check how discounts combine

Two sequential percentage reductions do not normally add together. If both are allowed and a 20% reduction is followed by 10% off the remaining amount, a $100 item becomes $80 and then $72. The total reduction is 28%, not 30%. If the merchant permits only one code, compare each eligible code separately using the checkout total.

Value gifts and credit conservatively

A gift is useful only if you would otherwise want it. Store credit or a later reward should be listed separately from money saved on this order. Check any expiry, minimum redemption amount and future spending requirement before assigning it a value.

A short decision checklist

• Is the item and seller comparable?
• Does the promotion apply to this exact basket?
• Are delivery and known mandatory charges included?
• Are returns, warranty and item condition acceptable?
• Would you buy the item without the countdown or headline percentage?

Save a copy of the final order summary for your own records. A lower total is valuable when the product and buying conditions also fit your needs.