Prices and promotions
Promotions and prices: check the actual reduction
A high percentage attracts the eye, but the good comparison shares the exact product and the price actually charged. The cost delivered and the quality of the offer remain more important than the promotional graphics.
Quick response
Essential in a minute
Check that the reference, quantity and seller are the same. For a discount announcement, the previous price must in principle correspond to the lowest price charged by the trader during the period of payment. 30 Previous days. Then compare the price delivered to other offers and add the options, the possible subscription and the cost of return.
1. Lock comparative reference
Raise model, capacity, colour, quantity, condition and accessories. Some promotions are for an old generation, a different lot or a third-party offer. Without identical reference, the percentage is not comparable.
- The same complete reference.
- Comparable quantity and status.
- Seller and warranty identified.
2. Understand the reference price
An announced reduction must use the previous price provided for in the applicable rules. A manufacturer's recommended price or a comparison price on the market is not the same: the presentation must be able to understand the nature of the comparison.
- Previous price displayed.
- Nature of comparison price included.
- Promotion dated or limited without ambiguity.
3Reconstitute the really useful price
Compare the current price at several sellers and, if possible, its recent evolution. The necessary fees, codes, loyalty cards or subscriptions must be included. A reduced price with expensive delivery may exceed an offer without discount.
- Price delivered calculated.
- Conditions of code or fidelity read.
- At least one comparable offer verified.
4. Deciding from need
An end date or a counter should not replace the reflection. Check the return, warranty and intended use. If the product was not in your original need, the displayed economy is not automatically a good deal.
- Confirmed need and budget.
- Return and warranty unchanged.
- No unwanted options added.
Documented insight
A recommended price is not the seller’s previous price
France’s DGCCRF distinguishes a reduction announcement, referencing the trader’s lowest price over the previous 30 days, from a comparison with another seller’s or manufacturer’s recommended price. The latter must be clearly presented as a comparison, without suggesting a seller discount.
For a crossed-out price, identify the reference: the same seller’s previous price or an external benchmark. Rebuild the total with delivery, fees and equivalent quantity so the saving is not measured against a price that shop never charged.
Record exact reference, capacity, accessories and pack quantity. A larger discount on a small size may still cost more per unit. Check whether the benefit is immediate or requires a separate post-purchase claim.
Keep a screenshot showing price, reference type and visible conditions. Recalculate checkout for your delivery address. If unclear, ask which price underlies the percentage rather than assuming a saving on your usual purchase.
- Product
- Compare equivalent references, sizes and quantities.
- Basis
- Identify what the comparison price represents.
- Basket
- Check the final cost and benefit conditions.
Does the largest percentage always mean the best purchase?
No. Compare final prices for equivalent products and quantities. The percentage depends on its reference and does not capture fees or usefulness.
Try the reasoning
A discount uses a recommended price. Must it be lower than the seller’s previous price?
Reasoning: No: identify the comparison reference before interpreting the saving.
Primary source : DGCCRF — Price-reduction announcements
Compare
Decompose a promotion
| Element | What to record | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Product | Reference, statement, quantity | Compare the same thing |
| Previous price | Amount and nature | Measuring the announced rebate |
| Cost delivered | Price + fee + options | Compare actual expenditure |
| Conditions | Code, map, subscription | Identify counterparties |
Fictional example · No merchant prices
A larger reduction does not always give the lowest price delivered
Fictitious example: A announces a product to 100 € with an immediate reduction of 20 % and 8 € delivery : 100 × 0,8 + 8 = 88 €. B displays the same reference to 85 € including delivery. B rest 3 The calculation must keep the same quantity, the same condition and the same accessories. An immediate reduction and a future purchase voucher are not the same expense; a promotional presentation does not exempt from checking its conditions.
- Bring the complete reference and accessories closer together.
- Compare the amount paid now with the same agreement.
- Separate future credit, gift and immediate discount.
Before you continue
Final checklist : Check a promotion
Check the points you actually checked. Checks stay in this page during the visit; they are not sent to the server. A checked point does not constitute a validation of the merchant.
Guide: Check a promotion · Révision éditoriale : 26 October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Useful answers
What price should be used as a reference to a reduction?
In the general context of discount announcements, this is the lowest price charged by the professional during the course of the 30 previous days, according to the applicable rules and exceptions.
Is a recommended price barred a promotion?
Not necessarily. It may be a comparison with a recommended price; the presentation must indicate the nature of the price rather than confuse it with a decrease by the seller.
Do the guarantees change during the balances?
The general warranty limitations on the sole ground that the product is sold are illegal. A defect explicitly reported before the purchase is a different situation.
To check
Reference sources and documentation
The editorial update date does not guarantee a new verification of each source. See the references for an individual situation or regulatory evolution.
- DGCCRF — Price-reduction announcementsLowest price of 30 previous days and comparison price.
- DGCCRF — Balances: rights and obligationsPrevious price, guarantees and rules specific to the balances.
Putting into practice
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