No retailer will ever come close to Target in the realm of fuzzy math: sale prices that are higher than regular ones, volume discounts that cost you more for buying large quantities of an item, and substitutions that make no sense. Discounter Family Dollar is doing their best, though.

Reader Alex writes:

On the surface it looks all nice, $13 curtain sets that are all 20% off. Until you read the sale tag saying the regular price is supposed to be $10. Even with the 20% off they’re still more than that. Math fail!

Sometimes the “discounts” in a discount store add confusion, not savings.

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.