Author

Ararat Ovsepian

Ararat Ovsepian is the publisher behind Deal Nomad and Singularity Review. He writes the guides on this site, which are based on the sources listed at the end of each article.

6 guides, newest first. To report a correction, see our Contact page or read our editorial standards.

Painted still-life of two woven baskets holding blank papers, with a wooden balance scale and a pencil between them

Deal huntingOctober 23, 2026

How to compare prices without trusting the first headline

A lower number on the first page you open is not the same as a better deal. We explain how to compare total costs and why official consumer guides tell you to shop around.

Painted still-life of a blank cloth banner on a wooden rod above a string of empty cream, yellow and red hang-tags, with brass scissors on the counter

Deal huntingOctober 22, 2026

How to read a sale claim without trusting the badge

A slash through a higher number is not proof you are getting a bargain. We explain what official guidance says about former prices, reference prices and discounts that look larger than they are.

Painted still-life of three blank standing cards of different heights on a wooden desk, with a magnifying glass resting in front

Deal huntingOctober 21, 2026

How to use comparison sites without taking the ranking on trust

Comparison tools are a shortlist, not a verdict. We explain what the CMA says about paid rankings, why you should still go to the seller's page, and how to keep extras in the total.

Painted still-life of blank cream note cards scattered on a yellow and brown surface, with a magnifying glass on one card and a red string circling another

ReviewsOctober 20, 2026

How to spot fake or misleading reviews before you buy

Star ratings are easy to glance at and easy to game. We summarise what the FTC, the CMA and Which? say about reading reviews, checking several sources and watching for sudden bursts of praise.

Painted still-life of an open cardboard box filled with crumpled packing paper and a scrap of red tissue, with a tape roll and a blank card beside it

Safer shoppingOctober 19, 2026

How to check an online marketplace listing before you pay

A marketplace is a crowd of sellers under one roof. We walk through the FTC's advice on checking the site, the seller, the photos, the terms and the way you pay.

Painted still-life of a brown parcel tied with string and topped with a brass padlock, beside a sealed cream envelope with a wax seal and a blank red hang-tag

Safer shoppingOctober 18, 2026

How to avoid common shopping scams and pressure tactics

Some offers are designed to hurry you past ordinary checks. We outline warning signs from the FTC, the CMA and Which?, and a slower routine you can use when a deal feels off.