Every weekday morning, millions of Americans watch "Good Morning America" roll out its "Deals and Steals" segment, where brands slash prices on everything from air fryers to skincare.
The pitches sound irresistible: 50% off, 60% off, "while supplies last." But before you punch in that promo code, it's worth asking a simple question — a discount off what, exactly?
Brands pay ABC for the exposure, then offer a limited-time promo code on a set number of units.
That's not a knock on the show; it's just the business model.
They're buying advertising, and the "deal" is the ad.
Once you understand that, the math gets a lot more interesting.
The biggest issue is the reference price.
A blender listed at "$199, now $79" sounds like a steal until you check that the same model sat at $89 on Amazon for most of the year.
Some of these products are made specifically for TV promotions, which means they may never have sold at the "original" price anywhere.
Retailers have been sued over this exact practice, and the FTC has rules about deceptive pricing — but enforcement is spotty.
Many codes are limited to one per customer, exclude certain sizes or colors, and expire within 24 hours.
Shipping isn't always free, and a $9.99 handling fee can quietly eat a chunk of your savings.
Return policies are often stricter than what you'd get buying the same item at a store, which matters if the thing arrives and doesn't fit, doesn't work, or just isn't what you pictured.
The scarcity is engineered too. "While supplies last" is technically true, but it's also a nudge.
When a code sells out in minutes, that's not a sign you missed something magical — it's a sign the quantity was small by design.
FOMO is the product being sold alongside the blender.
Some genuinely beat typical retail, especially on brands that rarely discount.
The smart move is boring but effective: copy the product name, paste it into a search engine, and check the price history on a tool like Camelcamelcamel for Amazon items.
If the "deal" still looks good against real street prices, buy it.
Also check the warranty terms and who's actually shipping the item.
If it's a third-party fulfillment house you've never heard of, factor in the hassle of a return.
And set a budget before the segment starts.
The fastest way to lose money on a discount is to buy something you never needed. **Our take:** "Deals and Steals" is entertainment wrapped in a shopping cart, and there's nothing wrong with enjoying it.
Just remember that the show gets paid whether you save money or not.
Final Thoughts
Treat every code like a claim to verify, not a favor to accept — and your wallet will thank you.