How to tell if a fragrance deal is actually a good deal

Five checks to separate genuine fragrance discounts from inflated "was" prices, before you buy.

A big red "50% off" label doesn't always mean a good price. Here are five quick checks to tell a real deal from a marketing one.

1. Ignore the "was" price

Retailers often compare against the recommended retail price (RRP) or a short-lived higher price. Few people ever paid it. What matters is what the bottle has actually sold for recently.

That's why The Ledger compares each price against the item's own 30-day median at that retailer, not against its RRP.

2. Compare the same size and concentration

A 100ml eau de toilette and a 100ml eau de parfum are different products at different prices. So are 50ml and 100ml bottles. Make sure you're comparing like for like before deciding a price is low.

Price per ml is the fairest comparison. Divide the price by the bottle size.

3. Check more than one retailer

The same bottle can sell for very different prices at different UK shops on the same day. A "sale" at one shop can still be more expensive than the normal price at another.

Each product page on The Ledger lists today's price at every retailer we track.

4. Look at the price history

One day's price tells you very little. A chart of the past month tells you whether today is unusually low or just ordinary. If you see the same "deal" price most weeks, it's not really a deal.

5. Be wary of prices that look too good

If a bottle is far cheaper than every major retailer, ask why. Common reasons include testers (often sold without a box or cap), very old stock, or counterfeits. See our guide on avoiding fake fragrances.

A simple rule

A good deal is in stock, at an authorised retailer, and clearly below what that bottle normally sells for. If all three are true, buy with confidence.