Advent Calendar Day 16: Real vs Fake Bargains

Is it really a sale? We help you decide.

Spot Real vs Fake Bargains

Using Percentage Change

Today's Skill that Counts looks at Christmas and New Year's sales.

Sales often claim big savings, but the numbers do not always match the headline.

Today, we'll help you check whether a discount is real using percentage change.

A jacket was originally priced at £80. It is now on sale for £64.

Step 1: 

Work out how much the price has reduced

80 − 64 = 16

The reduction is £16.

If you need any resources to build this skill, drop me an email or leave a comment for FREE RESOURCES ON PERCENTAGES.

Step 2: 

Divide the reduction by the original price

16 ÷ 80 = 0.2

Step 3: 

Convert the decimal to a percentage

0.2 × 100 = 20%

The discount is 20%.

If you need any resources to build this skill, drop me an email or leave a comment for FREE RESOURCES ON PERCENTAGES.

Step 4: 

Check the offer claim

Shops will often claim “up to 50% off,” which is actually 1% to 50% off.

The saving is real, but in our example, way less than an eye-catching 50% headline may suggest.

Skills that Count Check

Always use the original price. Divide first, then convert to a percentage.

Ignore sale labels and trust the calculation.

The Skills that Count

Understanding percentage change helps you spot genuine bargains and avoid misleading offers. Having this Skill that Counts builds confidence during Christmas and New Year sales.

Share your recent bargains in the comments.