Why Strikethrough Prices Aren't Proof of Savings in India
Published by ShadowMerchant Research · 4 min read · Updated August 2026
When shopping online on Amazon, Flipkart, or Myntra, one of the most prominent visual anchors is the strikethrough price — a crossed-out reference price next to a bright red percentage discount (e.g. ₹12,999 ₹2,499 (80% off)).
1. What Maximum Retail Price (MRP) Actually Means
In India, the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) is the legal upper limit at which a product can be sold. Manufacturers often set the official MRP high to allow flexibility across distribution channels, retail stores, and regional logistics. However, in online e-commerce, products are rarely sold at their maximum MRP.
2. The Optical Discount Illusion
If a product has an MRP of ₹10,000, but has been sold at ₹3,500 every single day for the past six months, listing it at ₹3,200 during a festival sale is a ₹300 real price drop — not a ₹6,800 discount. Calculating savings from the original MRP creates an optical illusion of massive savings where little exists.
3. How ShadowMerchant Tracks Price Truth
Instead of evaluating deals based on the merchant's strikethrough MRP, ShadowMerchant logs daily price observations over time. Our Deal Ranking Scoreevaluates today's price against the product's observed 30-day rolling median price.
💡 Key Takeaway for Smart Buyers
Never judge a deal by its discount percentage. Always check the 30-day observed price range and median price before purchasing.