The September price check: are you really getting a bargain?

September can often be a month of sales and special offers, as retailers clear their summer stock, and ‘back to school’ promotions and early Christmas deals appear in the shops. But before you go on a spending spree, ask yourself whether what you’re buying is really a bargain.

A discount doesn't automatically mean a saving. A product reduced from £100 to £70 might look like a great deal, but only if £100 was a genuine previous selling price – and, most importantly, only if you actually need the product.

It’s easy to be influenced by phrases such as ‘limited time’, or ‘last few remaining’, but remember these are designed to create a sense of urgency and encourage us to buy before we've had time to consider whether we’re really getting good value.

Before buying something in a sale, follow these five checks:

• Shop around. Check what the same product costs elsewhere, including local retailers and reputable online sellers. A product described as 30% off isn't necessarily the cheapest option.
• Check the price history. If you're shopping online, don't assume that a crossed-out price represents what the product normally costs. Look at how the price has changed over time if you can, using sites such as camelcamelcamel.com.
• Ask yourself whether you really need it. The biggest saving is often not buying something simply because it is discounted.
• Watch out for multi-buys. ‘Three for two’ only saves you money if you would have bought three anyway.
• Check the small print. Look at delivery charges, exclusions, minimum spends and any conditions attached to the offer.

Prices.je highlights how much prices can vary between retailers and is designed to help you compare everyday supermarket items and make more informed purchasing decisions.

But when you’re shopping in other stores, and particularly when you’re buying larger items, make sure to follow these five checks so you don’t spend more than you need to.

Remember, a bargain is only a bargain if you're getting something you actually want at a price worth paying.