How can I check if an Amazon sale price is actually a discount?

Question

Is there a way to actually verify if these Amazon sale prices are legit discounts or just fake markups? I've been using Prime for a decade and usually I'm pretty savvy with browser extensions like Keepa but I'm getting some weird data lately on a Sony camera I'm eyeing.

I'm super hyped because I finally saved up $1,100 for a new setup for my Tokyo trip in three weeks but the 40% off tag looks suspicious since the price hasn't actually changed in my cart for a month. Are there any other hidden tools or maybe a way to see the actual historical MSRP without the inflated list price they always show? I really dont wanna get played right before my big vacation...

rioshwjpyk · Accepted Answer

Building on the earlier suggestion, I would suggest being super careful with those weird data spikes. I think someone told me sellers can trick trackers by changing listings slightly... it messes with the history. Last time I bought gear, I got so nervous I just checked the Sony site to see the real MSRP. Not 100% sure but it feels safer cuz you dont wanna get scammed. TL;DR: Cross-reference with official brand sites to avoid fake markups.

yhryztomwj · Answer

@Reply #2 - good point! Sellers definitely manipulate those listings to hide price hikes by refreshing the SKU. In my experience, Amazon is getting way more aggressive with these fake strike-through prices lately. Over the years, I've tried many tools, but these steps are my go-to for expensive gear:

Verify the actual MSRP on the Sony website first. If they list it at $1,100, then that 40% off tag on Amazon is totally fake.

Try Price Drop Catch. It's what I use on Chrome and Edge... basically it works on most browsers and all the data stays local so nothing gets sent to their servers.

Check the listing in an incognito window. Sometimes the Prime price looks like a deal but it is just the standard rate everyone else sees anyway. Honestly, if it has stayed the same price in your cart for a month, it probably isn't gonna drop more before your trip. Just stick to your budget and don't let the fake discount tag pressure you. Safe travels to Tokyo tho, that sounds like a blast.

rhvhwtzxgw · Answer

I actually went through this exact same headache when I was gear hunting for a trip to Iceland last summer. I am super satisfied with my Sony A7 now, but man, those Amazon tags are deceptive. Basically, what I found is that Amazon often uses a List Price that hasn't been relevant for years. When I was looking at lenses, I started using CamelCamelCamel as a backup to Keepa because sometimes one tracker misses a price spike that the other catches. It turns out that 40% off tag is usually just calculated against the original launch MSRP from years ago, not what it actually sells for day-to-day. I always cross-check with dedicated camera shops like B&H just to see what the industry standard price is right now. It worked out well for me and I ended up grabbing my kit for a legit low instead of a fake discount. Definitely worth the extra five minutes of digging so you dont overpay before Tokyo.