Methodology & editorial policy
How we score a deal
The score is a shortcut, not a verdict. It gives credit for a clear price and fair terms, and takes points away when important details are missing.
Updated August 27, 2026 · PriceGleam editorial team
The four score inputs
45%
Displayed markdown
We compare the current listing price with the crossed-out price. That is a useful clue, but it is not the same as a verified price history.
25%
Shipping and total cost
Free or clearly priced shipping makes a deal easier to judge. Unknown or expensive delivery lowers the score.
20%
Condition
New, used, open-box, and refurbished are different purchases. Clear grading and warranty details earn credit.
10%
Seller and listing
We look at who is selling the item and whether the page gives shoppers enough information to check the offer themselves.
What the score does not prove
A high score does not prove that the crossed-out price is a normal selling price. It also does not guarantee stock or mean the product is right for you. “Current listing” means we found or checked the offer recently; it does not mean we have a complete 90-day price history.
Retailer APIs and listing data can be incomplete or delayed. The retailer’s checkout page controls the final price, shipping, tax, availability, warranty, and return terms. We therefore ask shoppers to confirm the complete transaction before purchasing.
How editorial selection works
We look for a useful product at a price that makes sense, with clear condition and a workable return path if something goes wrong. We do not repeat scarcity claims unless the retailer gives a real end date or inventory detail. Retailers cannot buy a higher score.
Some links are affiliate links. If a shopper makes a qualifying purchase, PriceGleam may earn a commission at no additional cost to the shopper. A product can appear without an affiliate relationship, and an affiliate relationship does not guarantee inclusion.
Corrections and expired offers
Prices move quickly. When an offer changes, the retailer page may differ from the PriceGleam card until the next refresh or manual review. We remove or update materially inaccurate curated listings when identified. Automated retailer feeds will shorten that interval as approved data access becomes available.
For now, PriceGleam records the deal identifier and retailer destination when a shopper follows an outbound link. That event helps measure which categories are useful and supports affiliate attribution. Device-local preferences and watchlists are not sent to PriceGleam.
Our publishing standard
- Show condition and shipping context near the price.
- Label affiliate relationships clearly before the outbound link.
- Separate visible listing markdowns from true price-history claims.
- Use original explanations instead of copying retailer descriptions.
- Correct material errors without hiding the limits of the beta.
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