Checking an offer before purchasing

The first question is whether you want the item at the price being asked, setting the promotion aside entirely. A reduction from a higher figure tells you about the seller's pricing history, not about whether the product suits you.

Check the specification carefully, particularly for electronics, appliances and anything with model numbers. Similar-looking versions can differ in size, capacity, included accessories or warranty length.

The headline figure is rarely the whole story. Add everything you will actually pay before comparing anywhere.

• Delivery, including any surcharge for your area or for a faster service.
• Installation, connection, activation or booking fees.
• Ongoing charges where the purchase includes a contract or subscription.
• Any minimum spend you would need to reach for the offer to apply.
• The cost of consumables the item needs in order to work.

Most offers carry conditions, and they are usually stated plainly if you look for them. Common ones include selected product lines only, one use per customer, a limited date range, membership or account requirements, and exclusions on items already reduced.

Where an offer is time-limited, note the end date rather than relying on a countdown display. Where it depends on a code, confirm the code has been applied and that the total has changed before you complete the order.

On marketplaces and comparison sites, the seller may not be the site you started on. This matters because your contract, your delivery times and your returns rights normally sit with the seller.

Look for a trading name, a contact route and clear terms. If you cannot tell who the seller is, or the only contact is an unmonitored form, treat that as a reason to slow down.

Filbri refers visitors to partner sites where relevant. When you continue to a partner, that organisation's own prices, terms and processes apply, and you should read them there.

• Confirm the item is genuinely in stock rather than on back order, if the timing matters to you.
• Check the estimated delivery window and whether it changes at checkout.
• Note whether delivery is tracked and what happens if you are out.
• For larger items, check whether delivery includes carrying it inside or removing packaging.

Before ordering, find the returns policy and read how long you have, who pays return postage, and whether any items are excluded. Policies differ between sellers and between online and in-store purchases.

Look for how the seller handles faults after the return window, and whether a manufacturer warranty is included. Keeping the order confirmation and any warranty documents makes later contact much simpler.

This guide is general information about how to check an offer. It is not legal advice about your consumer rights. If you need advice on a specific dispute, contact a suitable advice service.

• Check the payment page is on a secure connection and on the domain you expect.
• Be cautious of requests to pay by bank transfer or by an unusual method for a normal retail purchase.
• Avoid completing purchases prompted by an unexpected message or call, and go to the site directly instead of following a link you did not ask for.
• Keep the confirmation email, order number and a copy of the terms that applied at the time.

Before confirming, pause and run through four questions: do I want this item at this total price, do I understand the conditions, do I know who I am buying from, and do I know how to return it? If any answer is unclear, the detail is usually on the seller's own pages.

Prices, eligibility, availability and terms change and must be checked with the relevant retailer or provider at the time you buy. Filbri does not cover the whole market, does not guarantee savings and does not claim that any offer is the cheapest or the best for your circumstances.