Guide · 11.11 / 12.12

How to spot a fake 11.11 discount

Updated 18 Oct 2026 · 5 min read

A big red "-40%" tells you how far the price is from the number the seller chose to compare it with. It doesn't tell you whether the price is good. Here are seven checks we use before buying electronics during Singapore's mega sales.

1. Compare with the recent low, not the "was" price

The crossed-out price is often a list price that almost nobody paid. The useful number is the lowest price the same product sold for in the last 30 to 90 days. If the "sale" price is above that, it isn't a deal.

2. Watch for pre-sale price bumps

Some listings creep up in the weeks before a big sale, then "drop" back to roughly where they were. Price history makes this obvious. If you're eyeing something, note its price now, before the sale starts.

3. Check the official Singapore RRP

For Apple, Samsung, Dyson and most big brands, the brand's own Singapore site lists the recommended price. A discount measured against a number higher than the official RRP is a red flag.

4. Know what warranty you're buying

Parallel-import ("grey") units are often cheaper, but the warranty may be provided by the seller rather than the brand's local service centre. Read the listing's warranty section. For expensive items, the price gap may not be worth it.

5. Do the voucher maths properly

Platform vouchers usually have a minimum spend and a cap. Cashback sites and credit card rebates also have caps and exclusions. Add up what you'll actually pay after everything, and compare that, not the headline discount.

6. Buy from official or mall stores

On Shopee and Lazada, look for the brand's official store or the Mall / LazMall badge. Unusually cheap listings from new sellers are where counterfeits and mismatched models show up.

7. Don't panic-buy

11.11, Black Friday and 12.12 are only weeks apart, and many deals come back. If the price isn't clearly at a recent low, it's often fine to wait.

If a retailer won't honour an advertised price or a warranty, the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) can advise on next steps.