How ToolGenX Finds Deals
We help readers find the best prices on products we recommend. Here's how we identify genuine deals, verify sale prices using price tracking tools, and ensure you're getting real savings—not fake discounts.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. It helps fund our testing at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
We Understand Your Concerns
When shopping online, especially during sales events, you might worry about:
Fake Discounts
"Is this really a deal, or did they just inflate the price before the sale?"
Misleading Comparisons
"They say 50% off, but is that off MSRP or the actual selling price?"
False Urgency
"Is this really a limited-time deal, or is it always on sale?"
Outdated Prices
"Is this price still current, or did the deal expire?"
These concerns are completely valid. That's why we've built a rigorous process to verify deals and ensure you're getting genuine savings. Here's how we address each concern:
How We Find Deals
Price Monitoring & Tracking
We use multiple methods to monitor prices on products we recommend:
- Price tracking tools: We use tools like CamelCamelCamel and similar services to monitor price histories and identify genuine discounts
- Daily price checks: During major sales events (Black Friday, Prime Day, Cyber Monday, etc.), we check prices daily or multiple times per day
- Weekly monitoring: For featured products in active buying guides, we check prices weekly to catch deals as they happen
- Historical price analysis: We compare current prices to 30-day, 90-day, and annual averages to verify if a sale is genuine
- Multi-retailer comparison: When relevant, we compare prices across multiple retailers to ensure we're highlighting the best deal
Sale Event Tracking
We monitor major shopping events and seasonal sales to help you find the best deals:
- Amazon Prime Day (typically July)
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday
- Holiday sales (Christmas, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, etc.)
- Brand-specific sales and promotions
- Clearance events and end-of-season sales
- Flash sales and limited-time promotions
Price History Analysis
We use price tracking tools and historical data to verify if a sale price is genuinely discounted:
- Compare to recent prices: We compare current sale prices to 30-day, 90-day, and annual averages—not just MSRP
- Identify fake sales: We flag products that are "always on sale" or where the sale price is actually the regular price
- Frequency analysis: We distinguish between products that are frequently discounted vs. those with rare, genuine sales
- Savings verification: We verify that sale prices represent meaningful savings (typically 10%+ off recent average prices)
- Price trend analysis: We analyze price trends to identify if a product's price was artificially inflated before a sale
How We Verify Deals
1. Price Comparison Against Historical Data
Our Promise: We compare sale prices to recent historical prices, not just MSRP. A product marked "50% off MSRP" isn't a deal if it's always sold at that price.
What This Means for You: We use price tracking tools to verify that current sale prices are actually lower than what the product typically sells for. We check:
- 30-day average price
- 90-day average price
- Lowest price in the past year
- Price trend over time
If a product is "on sale" but the sale price matches or exceeds recent average prices, we don't highlight it as a deal.
2. Timing & Availability Verification
Our Promise: We verify that deals are current, active, and available when we publish them.
What This Means for You: Before highlighting a deal, we verify:
- Sale expiration dates (if available)
- Stock availability at the sale price
- Whether the sale price is still active when we publish
- Any restrictions or requirements (coupon codes, Prime membership, etc.)
We avoid promoting deals on out-of-stock items or expired sales. If a deal expires after we publish, we update our articles promptly.
3. Deal Legitimacy Check
Our Promise: We avoid fake deals, misleading discounts, and "always on sale" pricing. We only highlight deals that represent genuine savings.
What This Means for You: We filter out:
- Fake discounts: Products where the "sale" price is the regular price
- MSRP inflation: Products where MSRP is artificially high to make discounts appear larger
- Always-on-sale items: Products that are perpetually "on sale" at the same price
- Misleading percentages: Deals that claim high discounts but compare to inflated original prices
We only highlight deals where the sale price is genuinely lower than recent average prices, representing real savings for you.
4. Stock Availability Check
Our Promise: We verify that products are actually in stock at sale prices before promoting deals.
What This Means for You: We check:
- Current stock status at the sale price
- Whether the deal applies to in-stock items only
- Shipping availability and timelines
- Any quantity limitations or restrictions
We avoid promoting deals on out-of-stock products or items with extremely limited availability that most readers can't access.
Tools & Methods We Use
To verify deals accurately, we use a combination of tools and methods:
Price Tracking Tools
- CamelCamelCamel for Amazon price history
- Browser extensions for real-time price monitoring
- Historical price databases
Manual Verification
- Direct price checks on retailer websites
- Stock availability verification
- Sale expiration date confirmation
Data Analysis
- Price trend analysis over time
- Statistical comparison with historical averages
- Pattern recognition for fake sales
Regular Updates
- Automated price change alerts
- Scheduled price checks
- Manual verification during sales events
How We Present Deals
When we identify a genuine deal, we present it clearly and honestly:
Clear Labeling
We clearly label sale prices and explain the discount amount. We specify whether the discount is compared to MSRP, recent average, or lowest historical price.
Context Provided
We provide context about whether this is a rare sale or a common discount. We tell you if this is the lowest price we've seen or if similar discounts happen regularly.
Expiration Noted
When possible, we note sale end dates or limited-time availability. We update our articles when deals expire.
Honest Comparison
We compare sale prices to recent historical prices, not just MSRP. We explain what the comparison baseline is so you understand the true savings.
Our Commitment: We never create false urgency or exaggerate savings. If a deal isn't genuinely significant, we don't highlight it as a major sale. We're honest about deal quality so you can make informed decisions.
What We Don't Do
To maintain trust and accuracy, we avoid these practices:
- Promoting fake or misleading discounts
- Comparing sale prices only to MSRP (which may be inflated)
- Creating false urgency with fake countdown timers
- Highlighting "deals" that are actually regular prices
- Promoting deals on out-of-stock products
- Failing to update articles when deals expire
- Exaggerating discount percentages
- Using misleading "was/now" pricing
Price Update Frequency
We update prices at different frequencies depending on the situation:
During Major Sales
Daily or multiple times per day for featured deals during Black Friday, Prime Day, Cyber Monday, and other major sales events.
Regular Monitoring
Weekly checks for products in active buying guides to catch deals as they happen throughout the year.
Quarterly Reviews
Comprehensive price checks during article updates to ensure all pricing information is current and accurate.
As Needed
Immediate updates when we notice significant price changes, deal expirations, or when readers report price discrepancies.
Transparency: We note "Last price check" dates in our articles so readers know how current the pricing information is. If a deal expires or a price changes significantly, we update the article promptly.
Why You Can Trust Our Deal Information
Verified Price History
We use price tracking tools to verify that sale prices are genuinely lower than recent average prices, not just compared to inflated MSRP.
No Fake Deals
We filter out fake discounts, "always on sale" items, and misleading pricing. We only highlight genuine savings.
Regular Updates
We update prices regularly and note "Last price check" dates so you know how current the information is.
Stock Verification
We verify that products are in stock at sale prices before promoting deals, so you can actually purchase them.
Honest Context
We provide context about deal quality—whether it's a rare sale or common discount—so you can make informed decisions.
Meaningful Savings
We only highlight deals that represent meaningful savings (typically 10%+ off recent average prices), not minor fluctuations.
How to Verify Deals Yourself
We encourage you to verify deals yourself using these tools and methods:
Price Tracking Tools
- CamelCamelCamel: Check Amazon price history to see if current sale prices are genuinely discounted
- Browser extensions: Use price tracking extensions that show price history and alerts
- Price comparison sites: Compare prices across multiple retailers to ensure you're getting the best deal
Red Flags to Watch For
- Products that are "always on sale" at the same price
- Discounts that only compare to inflated MSRP, not actual selling prices
- Fake countdown timers or false urgency tactics
- Deals on out-of-stock products
- Prices that seem too good to be true (may indicate counterfeit products)
Best Practices
- Check price history before buying, especially during sales events
- Compare prices across multiple retailers
- Read the fine print for any restrictions or requirements
- Verify stock availability before making purchase decisions
- Don't rush—take time to verify deals, especially during high-pressure sales
Questions About Deals?
If you notice a price discrepancy, find an expired deal, or have questions about how we verify deals, contact us. We're committed to accuracy and transparency.