Towards the end of the year we are inevitably bombarded with the promise of stellar savings and “devastatingly good discounts”. From Black Friday to Cyber Monday, every retailer is calling out for you to spend your hard-earned cash in preparation for Christmas — but how can you tell which deals are decent, and which are duds?
Why “stellar savings” can be misleading
When we hear the term “stellar savings”, our instinct is to act fast. But that urgency is exactly what many retailers rely on. According to consumer adviser Which?, six in ten so-called savings were based on inflated “was” prices that had never reflected genuine prior selling prices. Which?+1
Moreover, the trusted site MoneySavingExpert highlights insider tricks — such as leaving items in your basket to trigger discount codes — which emphasises that deals aren’t always what they seem. MoneySavingExpert.com
So: the phrase “stellar savings” can be helpful as a mental prompt, but you need the tools to separate real value from marketing noise.
Step 1: Plan ahead – don’t rely on snap decisions
Think ahead of what you’re going to want
Instead of making rash purchases during the sale frenzy, take time to ask: What do I actually want and need?
By doing so, you give yourself the chance to:
- Keep track of the price of an item in the weeks before the sale → this enables you to identify whether the “discount” is truly a bargain.
- Compare brands and reviews ahead of time → this helps avoid buyer’s regret later on.
For example: if you’ve been wanting a new vacuum cleaner, note its price today. When you see it advertised as part of “stellar savings” at a 40% discount, you’ll know whether that 40% is real or just marketing.
How to monitor price history
Use price-comparison tools or browser extensions. Which? recommends using sites like Price Runner or Price Spy to check whether a claimed “was” price was in place for a meaningful duration. Which?
Another tip: set alerts for items you’re watching. Many deal sites permit notifications when price drops occur. Money Saving Central
By adopting this planning mindset you’re far less likely to be swayed by the countdown timers and flashing banners.
Step 2: Be pricing-strategy savvy
Ignore the giant “deal” signs and flashy promises
Shops will often highlight huge percentages, e.g., “Up to 70% off”, but always ask: 70% off what baseline?
Which? found many “was” prices had existed for less than half the period the product was available – so the discount was misleading. Which?
Here are the tactics to watch for:
Inflated original prices (anchor pricing).
Retailers may list a high “original” price just to make the discounted figure look impressive.
Psychological pricing.
Deals like “Buy One Get One Free” may not offer genuine savings if the original price was inflated.
Comparative shopping.
Always compare the same item (brand, model, size) across multiple retailers. If you find one retailer selling it cheaper already, the “deal” might not be so special.
Quick checklist
- Was the “original” price ever real for a decent length of time?
- Is the discount for exactly the item you want (model, size, colour)?
- Are there hidden delivery or return charges that erode the saving?
By using such a checklist you’ll treat “stellar savings” as a caution signal rather than a guarantee.
Step 3: Invest in quality — price isn’t everything
A low price is only a good deal if the product is durable and fits your needs. (And yes — the phrase “stellar savings” doesn’t guarantee quality!)
Consider materials, craftsmanship and after-sales
- How well made is the item? For example, a cheap coat might look good, but if the stitching is weaker and you’ll replace it within a season, it may cost you more in the long run.
- What is the warranty or return policy? A product with a strong return policy or warranty gives you greater assurance.
- What is the long-term value? Sometimes spending a bit more now yields much better value later — especially for items like electronics or durable goods.
Which? stresses: “Don’t base your decision on price alone”. Which?
Therefore, when you see “stellar savings”, ask: Does this meet my quality standards, or am I tempted purely by the discount?
Step 4: Timing matters
Knowing what to buy and when makes a material difference.
Seasonal timing advantage
Certain items follow predictable patterns: for example, new TV models release between April and July. After the hype, older models often drop in price. Which?
If you can plan ahead:
- Buy seasonal items after the relevant event (e.g., Christmas decorations in January) → large markdowns occur.
- Stock up on long-shelf-life items (if you have storage) when they are off-season.
For instance: If you spot summer clothing marked down in September, but you know you’ll wear it next year — the long-term saving benefits.
Sale-period awareness
- “Stellar savings” promotions often cluster around events such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the January sales. Wikipedia+1
- Retailers may also run flash sales or clearance events with limited stock. THE ONLINE SHOPPING EXPERT
Therefore: if you’re organised and prepared, you’ll be ahead of the crowd and less likely to fall for rushed decisions.
Step 5: Bundle up — but check if you need everything
In some cases, bundled deals can offer significant savings: e.g., electronics with accessories, starter packs, or complementary product offers.
But: The key word is check. Just because it’s a bundle doesn’t automatically mean a better deal.
How to evaluate a bundle
- List out all items included in the bundle.
- Compare their separate purchase prices.
- Ask: Are any items things you’ll actually use?
If the bundle includes things you won’t use, the “stellar savings” may be illusory.
For example: You’re offered a laptop bundle with a case, mouse and software. If you already have those accessories, you’re paying for stuff you don’t need.
Step 6: Don’t impulse buy
Finally, the most important rule: don’t be swayed by pressure from retailers.
Phrases like “limited time only” or “while stocks last” are designed to encourage panic buying.
One review of shopping-tips noted that abandoning a full basket can trigger email codes from retailers looking to tempt you back. MoneySavingExpert.com
When you feel pressure:
- Pause for a moment.
- Ask yourself: Do I want this because it’s good value or because I’m afraid to miss out on “stellar savings”?
- Check the previously discussed criteria (researched price, quality, timing) before committing.
By controlling the impulse, you protect your budget and ensure that any savings are genuine.
Real-life examples
Example A: The discounted coffee machine
Suppose you’ve been eyeing a coffee machine that normally sells around £399. In the month before Black Friday you track it and see it drop to £349. On Black Friday you see it advertised at £299 with a “70% off” sticker — but the “was” price was inflated to £499 just two weeks prior.
If you pause, compare and check history you’ll realise the real saving is only ~£50. That’s when “stellar savings” turns out to be less stellar than you thought.
Example B: The seasonal clothing buy
You need winter coats for the family and know you’ll need them next year again. You spot an end-of-season sale in January with coats discounted by 60%. If you buy with storage space in mind, you’re effectively buying for next year at this year’s price — that’s a genuine “stellar saving”.
Example C: The bundle trap
A gaming console retailer offers a bundle: console + extra controller + games for £399. You already have the controller and only want one of the games. Separately you check: console alone is £349, controller £30, game £50. So the bundle doesn’t save you anything — you’d be better buying the console alone.
Checking the numbers prevents you falling for “stellar savings” rhetoric.
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FAQ – Answering your common queries
Q: Are all “up to 70% off” deals worth it?
A: No. The “up to” often applies only to selected items, not the one you want. Always check the baseline price and duration of the “was” price.
Q: How can I tell if the “was” price is genuine?
A: Use price-history tools or compare past listings via sites like Price Runner or Price Spy. If the “was” price hasn’t been in effect for long, the discount may be misleading. Which?
Q: Should I avoid all impulse buys during sale events?
A: You don’t need to avoid them altogether, but treat them with caution. Pause, check your criteria (need, value, timing, quality) and if it still stacks up – go for it.
Q: Are bundle deals always good value?
A: Not always. Only if you need all the items in the bundle and the combined separate cost is genuinely higher than the bundle price.
Q: When is the best time to shop for deals?
A: Outside peak hype. For seasonal items buy after season ends. For electronics monitor just before and during sale periods. Timing + preparation = true “stellar savings”.
In today’s high-volume retail landscape, seeing a bold “stellar savings” banner should prompt you to work smarter — not faster. By adopting a structured approach: planning ahead, analysing pricing tactics, focusing on quality, timing your purchases wisely, evaluating bundles and resisting impulse buys — you transform your shopping from reaction to strategy.
Above all: let value be your guide, not just the size of the slash on a price tag.
