Bargain vs. Discount: What's the Difference?

Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on September 30, 2023

A bargain is a deal or transaction agreed upon as beneficial for all parties; a discount is a reduction in price.

Key Differences

A bargain and a discount are terms often used interchangeably in the context of purchasing, but they hold different meanings. A bargain refers to an agreement between buyer and seller on the price and terms of a transaction, implying that both parties perceive the deal as beneficial. It emphasizes mutual agreement and perceived value. In contrast, a discount is straightforward; it is a reduction applied to the original price of a good or service, granted by the seller to the buyer.

In the context of retail and sales, a bargain is generally associated with negotiation. It often refers to an item being bought at a price lower than the initial asking price, achieved through discussion and compromise between the buyer and the seller. In contrast, a discount is a predetermined reduction in price, often calculated as a percentage of the original price. It is typically offered by sellers to entice buyers and does not involve negotiation.

The term bargain is also used more broadly to denote an agreement between parties in various contexts, not limited to commercial transactions. It can be related to agreements about terms, conditions, and expectations in various situations. On the other hand, the term discount is specifically tied to pricing and is primarily used in the context of selling goods and services. It denotes a unilateral price concession given by the seller to the buyer.

The essence of a bargain lies in its mutual agreement and the perceived beneficial outcome for all involved parties, while the essence of a discount lies in its role as a pricing strategy, reducing the purchase cost for the buyer. Both concepts play crucial roles in commerce, impacting buying decisions and transaction dynamics, but they operate on different principles and contexts.

Comparison Chart

Definition

An agreement between buyer and seller on price and terms.

A reduction applied to the original price.

Nature

Mutual agreement and perceived value.

Predetermined and unilateral price concession.

Application

Applies to various contexts, not limited to commercial transactions.

Primarily used in the context of selling goods/services

Involves

Discussion and compromise between buyer and seller.

Typically does not involve negotiation.

Focus

On the deal or transaction as beneficial for all parties.

On reducing the purchase cost for the buyer.

Bargain and Discount Definitions

Bargain

The act of negotiating the terms of a transaction.

After a lengthy bargain, they settled on a fair price.

Discount

A reduction of the original price.

The store offered a 20% discount on selected items.

Bargain

A commitment made between parties on specific terms.

They struck a bargain to maintain peace.

Discount

A concession in price to attract the buyer.

The company provides discounts to regular customers.

Bargain

An agreement between parties fixing obligations that each promises to carry out.

Discount

To sell or offer for sale at a reduced price

Discounting all merchandise.

Bargain

An agreement establishing the terms of a sale or exchange of goods or services

Reached a bargain with the antique dealer over the lamp.

Discount

To reduce in quantity or value

Discount a price.

Bargain

Property acquired or services rendered as a result of such an agreement.

Discount

To deduct or subtract from a cost or price

Discounted 30 dollars off the price of the coat.

Bargain

Something offered or acquired at a price advantageous to the buyer

That silk dress is a bargain at that price.

Discount

To determine the present value of (a future payment or series of payments).

Bargain

To negotiate the terms of an agreement, as to sell or exchange.

Discount

To price (a bond or other debt security) at a reduction to its face value, especially in place of a coupon.

Bargain

To engage in collective bargaining.

Discount

To disregard or doubt (something) as being exaggerated or untrustworthy

Discount a rumor.

Bargain

To arrive at an agreement.

Discount

To underestimate the significance or effectiveness of; minimize

I made sure in my report not to discount your accomplishments.

Bargain

To exchange; trade

Bargained my watch for a meal.

Discount

To anticipate and make allowance for; reckon with in advance.

Bargain

An agreement between parties concerning the sale of property; or a contract by which one party binds himself to transfer the right to some property for a consideration, and the other party binds himself to receive the property and pay the consideration.

Discount

A reduction from the full or standard amount of a price or value.

Bargain

An agreement or stipulation; mutual pledge.

Discount

The amount by which the face value of a bond or other debt security exceeds its market price.

Bargain

An item purchased for significantly less than the usual, or recommended, price

Discount

Offering products or services for sale at low or reduced prices

A discount retailer.

A discount airline.

Bargain

A gainful transaction; an advantageous purchase.

To buy a thing at a bargain

At that price, it's not just a bargain, it's a steal.

Discount

Sold or offered for sale at a low or reduced price

Discount merchandise.

Bargain

The thing stipulated or purchased.

Discount

Reduced in quantity or value

Discount airfares.

Bargain

(intransitive) To make a bargain; to make a deal or contract for the exchange of property or services; to negotiate

They had to bargain for a few minutes to get a decent price for the rug.

Discount

Priced below face value, especially in place of a coupon

A discount bond.

Bargain

(transitive) To transfer for a consideration; to barter; to trade

Discount

To deduct from an account, debt, charge, and the like.

Merchants sometimes discount five or six per cent for prompt payment of bills.

Bargain

A contract is a bargain that is legally binding.

Discount

To lend money upon, deducting the discount or allowance for interest

The banks discount notes and bills of exchange

Bargain

An agreement or stipulation; mutual pledge.

And whon your honors mean to solemnizeThe bargain of your faith.

Discount

To take into consideration beforehand; to anticipate and form conclusions concerning (an event).

Bargain

A purchase; also ( when not qualified), a gainful transaction; an advantageous purchase; as, to buy a thing at a bargain.

Discount

To leave out of account or regard as unimportant.

They discounted his comments.

They discounted his suggestion.

They discounted his idea.

Bargain

The thing stipulated or purchased; also, anything bought cheap.

She was too fond of her most filthy bargain.

Discount

To lend, or make a practice of lending, money, abating the discount

Bargain

To make a bargain; to make a contract for the exchange of property or services; - followed by with and for; as, to bargain with a farmer for a cow.

So worthless peasants bargain for their wives.

Discount

To believe, or act as though one believes, that one's own feelings are more important than the reality of a situation.

Bargain

To transfer for a consideration; to barter; to trade; as, to bargain one horse for another.

Discount

A reduction in price.

This store offers discounts on all its wares. That store specializes in discount wares, too.

Bargain

An agreement between parties (usually arrived at after discussion) fixing obligations of each;

He made a bargain with the devil

He rose to prominence through a series of shady deals

Discount

(finance) A deduction made for interest, in advancing money upon, or purchasing, a bill or note not due; payment in advance of interest upon money.

Bargain

An advantageous purchase;

She got a bargain at the auction

The stock was a real buy at that price

Discount

The rate of interest charged in discounting.

Bargain

Negotiate the terms of an exchange;

We bargained for a beautiful rug in the bazaar

Discount

(figurative) A lack or shortcoming.

Bargain

Come to terms; arrive at an agreement

Discount

The act of one who believes, or act as though they believe, that their own feelings are more important than the reality of a situation.

Bargain

A mutually beneficial agreement or transaction.

The buyer considered the antique vase a real bargain.

Discount

Specializing in selling goods at reduced prices.

If you're looking for cheap clothes, there's a discount clothier around the corner.

Bargain

An item bought or sold at a price favorable to the buyer.

The shoppers were excited to find several bargains at the mall.

Discount

To deduct from an account, debt, charge, and the like; to make an abatement of; as, merchants sometimes discount five or six per cent for prompt payment of bills.

Bargain

A situation or contract believed to be advantageous.

The new employee accepted the job offer, considering it a good bargain.

Discount

To lend money upon, deducting the discount or allowance for interest; as, the banks discount notes and bills of exchange.

Discount only unexceptionable paper.

Discount

To take into consideration beforehand; to anticipate and form conclusions concerning (an event).

Discount

To leave out of account; to take no notice of.

Of the three opinions (I discount Brown's).

Discount

To lend, or make a practice of lending, money, abating the discount; as, the discount for sixty or ninety days.

Discount

A counting off or deduction made from a gross sum on any account whatever; an allowance upon an account, debt, demand, price asked, and the like; something taken or deducted.

Discount

A deduction made for interest, in advancing money upon, or purchasing, a bill or note not due; payment in advance of interest upon money.

Discount

The rate of interest charged in discounting.

Discount

The act of reducing the selling price of merchandise

Discount

Interest on an annual basis deducted in advance on a loan

Discount

A refund of some fraction of the amount paid

Discount

An amount or percentage deducted

Discount

Bar from attention or consideration;

She dismissed his advances

Discount

Give a reduction in price on;

I never discount these books-they sell like hot cakes

Discount

The amount by which the regular price of an item is reduced.

The customer received a discount of $10.

Discount

To deduct an amount or percentage from the total cost.

The seller decided to discount the damaged goods.

Discount

A lower price offered on a product or service.

The members were given a discount on all purchases.

FAQs

Can a bargain involve negotiation between buyer and seller?

Yes, a bargain often involves negotiation and mutual agreement.

Can discounts be offered as a percentage of the original price?

Yes, discounts are often offered as a percentage reduction of the original price.

Are discounts used as a pricing strategy by sellers?

Absolutely, discounts are used as a pricing strategy to attract buyers.

Is a discount a reduction in the original price?

Yes, a discount is a reduction applied to the original price of an item.

Can a discount be offered to regular customers as a form of loyalty reward?

Absolutely, many companies offer discounts to regular customers as a form of reward for their loyalty.

Can a bargain involve the act of negotiating the terms of a transaction?

Indeed, bargaining often involves negotiating the terms and conditions of a transaction.

Can the term bargain be used outside of commercial transactions?

Absolutely, the term bargain can be used to denote agreements in various contexts beyond commercial transactions.

Is a bargain perceived as beneficial by all parties involved?

Typically, a bargain is perceived as beneficial by all parties involved in the agreement.

Can a bargain also refer to an advantageous situation or contract?

Yes, a bargain can refer to any situation or contract believed to be advantageous.

Does the concept of a bargain focus on mutual agreement?

Yes, the essence of a bargain lies in mutual agreement and perceived beneficial outcome for all involved parties.

Is the concept of a bargain limited to the context of selling goods and services?

No, the concept of a bargain is not limited to commercial transactions and can apply to various agreements and commitments.

Are discounts typically predetermined?

Yes, discounts are usually predetermined and do not involve negotiation.

Can a discount be given on damaged goods?

Yes, damaged goods are often sold at a discount.

Is a bargain always related to purchasing goods?

No, the term bargain can be used more broadly to denote agreements in various situations.

Is the concept of a discount specifically tied to pricing?

Yes, the concept of discount is specifically tied to the reduction in the original price of goods or services.

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About Author

Written by

Janet White

Janet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.

Edited by

Harlon Moss

Harlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.