Big seasonal sales events are designed to create urgency, with countdown clocks, limited quantities and bold claims about record-low prices. Some of those deals are genuine. Others are ordinary prices dressed up as special offers.

One way to tell the difference is to start tracking prices on items you want well before the sales begin. Many browser tools and retailer apps can show price history or alert you when something drops. If the sale price matches what the item has sold for most of the year, the discount may not be as impressive as the banner suggests.

Also watch for products made specifically for sale events. Some electronics and household goods are sold in special versions with slightly different features or lower-quality parts, which can make them look cheaper than the regular model. Compare model numbers and specifications carefully, check whether the store will adjust the price if it drops after you buy, and remember that a deal on something you didn't need isn't really savings.