Unpacking the Tricks Behind Those Too-Good-To-Be-True Discounts: A Friendly Heads-Up From this Small Business Owner

While in the midst of one of our biggest sales of the year, I wanted to dive into a topic that's both fascinating and a bit frustrating—the world of discount tactics.

I've learnt a lot in the ten years that I have been in business and I often feel sick to the stomach when I'm "let in" on a few tricks of the trade that really aren't in the customer's best interest.

This is why I wanted to give you some insight into some of the tactics out there that I would say border on dishonest - tactics that we and many small businesses would never do. By doing so, I really hope you understand what many Australian small businesses are up against.

Ever noticed a product suddenly becoming "50% off" but felt like the original price was never that high to begin with? You're probably onto something. Some businesses inflate their regular prices right before a sale period. It's like marking up a product to $20, only to slash it down to $10 and call it a "massive half-price sale." In reality, $10 might have been its price all along. This tactic creates an illusion of saving big, while in essence, you’re not getting any special deal.

Another sleight of hand to watch out for is the shrinking product. Picture this: a brand announces a "same great price" deal but quietly reduces the product's size or quantity. I got stung recently buying some Easter eggs for my daughter - the bag was discounted to $4 but it looked like it was half the size of previous years.

It’s a subtle way to offer a "discount" by giving you less for the same price. It's like paying full price for a front-row magic show, only to find out you’re seated at the back—you still enjoy the show, but it’s not quite what you paid for.

"Buy now, or regret it forever!" Sounds familiar, right? Some businesses create a false sense of urgency by claiming an offer is available for a "limited time only." This tactic plays on our fear of missing out (FOMO). You might rush to grab the deal, fearing it'll vanish, only to find it reappears a week later, or it’s actually a recurring offer. Real discounts don’t need to pressure you; they give you the space to decide.

Join our exclusive club for the best deals—how enticing! However, sometimes, these "VIP" or "members-only" discounts aren't much different from the deals offered to the general public. It’s like being invited to an exclusive party, only to find out the whole town’s invited. The catch? You might have paid a membership fee, signed up for a newsletter that floods your inbox, or shared personal information, all for a discount that’s not so exclusive after all.

Remember, the best deals are transparent, straightforward, and make you feel good about your purchase—not just because you "saved" money, but because you spent it wisely. Here’s to shopping smarter, not harder!