Discount Calculator
Smart Shopping: How to Calculate and Maximize Discounts
Types of Discounts Explained
Percentage Discounts
- Commonly seen as "20% off"
- Best for higher-priced items
- Easy to compare across stores
- Example: $100 item at 25% off = $75
Fixed Amount Discounts
- Shown as "$15 off"
- Better for lower-priced items
- Often used with minimum purchase
- Example: $50 item with $10 off = $40
5 Strategies for Maximizing Discounts
- Stack discounts: Combine coupons with sale prices when allowed
- Time your purchases: Buy seasonal items at end-of-season sales
- Compare percentage vs. dollar amounts: 20% off $50 ($10) vs. $15 off
- Use price matching: Many retailers will match competitors' prices
- Sign up for loyalty programs: Get access to exclusive discounts
Understanding Discount Psychology
| Tactic | How It Works |
|---|---|
| "Up to" Discounts | Shows maximum possible savings (often only applies to select items) |
| Original Price Comparison | Shows inflated "original" price to make discount seem larger |
| Limited Time Offers | Creates urgency to buy now rather than compare |
| Minimum Purchase Discounts | Encourages buying more to qualify for savings |
Pro Tip: The best discount isn't always the highest percentage. A $20 item at 50% off ($10) is a better deal than a $50 item at 30% off ($35) if you only need the cheaper item.