Checking the price…
The verdict
BIC Mechanical Pencils #2 XtraSmooth
BUY.
Its usual price has drifted steadily lower for months — this isn't a one-off dip, so waiting may catch it lower still.
$17.99
Price checked 7h ago · live price on Amazon
We earn a small commission if you buy — never changes the call.
Its price this year
A fair price — but not a real “sale.”
Sale check Amazon shows “38% off,” measured against a $29 “list price” it doesn't charge. Its usual price is $19 — real discount ≈ 3%.
The phantom Amazon has left this $29 “list price” untouched for 16 months — while the item actually sold for about $19. It's a fixed anchor, not a price it charges.
Prices from Amazon.com · Data sourced from Keepa