So how do shoppers know when they're getting a real steal? Go in with your eyes wide open and with a healthy sense of skepticism -- and take advantage of tools that exist, many apps, that will help you track prices -- so you know when a deal is really a bargain.
Before you buy, browser extensions such as The Camelizer, Invisible-Hand or PriceBlink -- scour the web for the best deals. Price Alerts, such as CamelCamelCamel, Price-Tracker, Shop it to Me and Slick-Deals, tell you when prices for the items have dropped. And, price comparison apps like Buy-Via, Now-Discount, Scan-Life and ShopSavvy -- can tell you if there's a better deal out there -- online or even at a local store. While you're shopping, coupon apps such as Coupon Sherpa or Snip-Snap -- offer discounts to use at check out.
Want price protection even after you've shopped? Price adjustment apps continue to search the web after you charge something -- and initiate a refund if prices drop on something you've already bought. But you may have to expose your bank and credit card information, for the apps to work.