How to Find Price Errors and Glitches: Complete Guide - Last updated 2026

Price errors and glitches occur when retailers accidentally list items at incorrect prices, often due to system errors, data entry mistakes, or technical issues. Finding these errors can lead to incredible deals, but it requires knowing where to look and understanding how to act quickly. This guide covers strategies for finding and capitalising on pricing errors.

Understanding Price Errors and Glitches

What Are Price Errors?

Price errors (also called pricing glitches) happen when:

• Items are listed at significantly lower prices than intended
• System errors cause incorrect pricing
• Data entry mistakes create wrong prices
• Technical glitches display incorrect amounts
• Currency conversion errors occur
• Discount codes stack incorrectly

Common Types of Errors

• Missing digits: £100 item listed as £10
• Decimal point errors: £99.99 listed as £9.99
• Percentage errors: 10% off applied as 90% off
• Currency errors: USD price shown as GBP
• Stacking errors: Multiple discounts incorrectly combined

Why Price Errors Happen

Technical Issues

• System glitches during updates
• Database synchronisation problems
• Cache issues showing old prices
• API errors pulling wrong data

Human Error

• Data entry mistakes
• Incorrect price updates
• Copy-paste errors
• Manual pricing mistakes

System Errors

• Discount code bugs
• Price calculation errors
• Inventory system issues
• Checkout system glitches

How to Find Price Errors

Manual Methods

Check Regularly:

• Visit retailer websites frequently
• Look for unusually low prices
• Compare prices across retailers
• Check clearance sections

Look for Patterns:

• Items priced much lower than competitors
• Prices that seem too good to be true
• Round numbers when prices should be specific
• Missing currency symbols or decimal points

Using Peachy Pings

Utilising the deals section inside Peachy Pings and combining that with the Pinger app/web dashboard is the best way to find price errors and glitches, as we monitor hundreds of UK retailers and often catch pricing mistakes before they're corrected.

What We Find:

• Price errors: Items listed at incorrect prices
• System glitches: Technical errors causing wrong prices
• Stacking errors: Discount codes incorrectly applied
• Currency errors: Wrong currency conversions
• Calculation mistakes: Incorrect price calculations

How It Works:

1. Continuous Monitoring: We monitor hundreds of UK retailers 24/7
2. Instant Alerts: Get notified immediately when errors are found
3. Web Dashboard: Monitor from your computer
4. Pinger App: Receive alerts on your phone
5. Organised Feed: All errors in one place

Acting on Price Errors

Speed is Essential

Price errors are usually corrected quickly:

• Act immediately: Don't wait or hesitate
• Have payment ready: Save payment methods in advance
• Complete checkout fast: Errors can be fixed mid-transaction
• Don't overthink: If it's clearly an error, act fast

Best Practices

1. Verify the error: Check if it's actually a mistake
2. Compare prices: See what competitors charge
3. Check reviews: Ensure the item is legitimate
4. Read descriptions: Make sure it's the right product
5. Act quickly: Complete purchase before it's fixed

Retailer Policies on Price Errors

Most Retailers' Stance

Most UK retailers reserve the right to:

• Cancel orders with pricing errors
• Refund payments for incorrect prices
• Refuse to honour mistaken prices
• Correct errors at any time

Consumer Rights

However, UK consumer law states:

• Once payment is taken, a contract may be formed
• Retailers can cancel if it's a genuine mistake
• You're entitled to a full refund if cancelled
• Some retailers honour errors as good customer service

What to Expect

• Some retailers honour errors: As goodwill gestures
• Many cancel orders: Especially for obvious mistakes
• Refunds are standard: You'll get your money back if cancelled
• No guarantee: Don't assume errors will be honoured

Ethical Considerations

Is It Ethical?

Finding and purchasing price errors is generally considered ethical because:

• Public pricing: Prices are publicly displayed
• No hacking: You're not breaking into systems
• Legitimate purchases: Using normal checkout processes
• Retailer choice: Retailers can cancel if they choose

Best Practices

• Don't exploit obvious mistakes: If it's clearly a £1000 item listed at £1, be reasonable
• Respect cancellations: If a retailer cancels, accept it gracefully
• Don't abuse systems: Don't try to create errors yourself
• Be honest: Don't try to hide or manipulate errors

Common Price Error Scenarios

Example 1: Missing Zero

• Intended price: £199.99
• Error price: £19.99
• Savings: £180
• Action: Purchase immediately if legitimate

Example 2: Percentage Error

• Intended discount: 10% off
• Error discount: 90% off
• Result: Massive savings
• Action: Complete purchase quickly

Example 3: Currency Error

• Intended price: £100 (GBP)
• Error price: $100 (USD) = ~£75
• Savings: £25
• Action: Purchase if conversion is favourable

Strategies for Finding Errors

1. Monitor High-Value Items

• Expensive items have bigger error potential
• Small percentage errors = large savings
• Worth monitoring premium products

2. Check New Listings

• New products often have pricing mistakes
• Fresh listings may have data entry errors
• Early detection is key

3. Watch for Sales

• Sales periods increase error likelihood
• Discount calculations can go wrong
• Stacking discounts creates opportunities

4. Use Peachy Pings

• We monitor hundreds of retailers
• Instant alerts for price errors
• Save time searching manually
• Never miss an opportunity

What to Do When You Find an Error

Step 1: Verify

• Check if it's actually an error
• Compare with competitor prices
• Verify product details match

Step 2: Act Quickly

• Complete purchase immediately
• Have payment method ready
• Don't hesitate or overthink

Step 3: Wait for Confirmation

• Some retailers honour errors
• Others may cancel
• Be prepared for either outcome

Step 4: Handle Cancellations

• Accept cancellations gracefully
• Request refund if needed
• Don't be aggressive or demanding

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Waiting too long: Errors are fixed quickly
2. Not verifying: Make sure it's actually an error
3. Overthinking: If it's clearly wrong, act fast
4. Expecting honour: Don't assume errors will be honoured
5. Being aggressive: Accept cancellations gracefully
6. Not using tools: Manual searching is slow and inefficient

Conclusion

Finding price errors and glitches requires constant monitoring and quick action. While manual methods can work, utilising Peachy Pings' deals section combined with the Pinger app/web dashboard is the most efficient way to find pricing mistakes across hundreds of UK retailers.

We monitor retailers 24/7 and send instant alerts when errors are detected. By acting quickly, verifying errors, and understanding retailer policies, you can capitalise on pricing mistakes while remaining ethical and respectful.

Remember: Speed is essential - price errors are corrected quickly. Use Peachy Pings to never miss an opportunity, but always be prepared for cancellations and accept them gracefully if retailers choose not to honour mistakes.

Want to find price errors and glitches? Sign up for Peachy Pings and get instant alerts when pricing mistakes are detected across hundreds of UK retailers.