When it comes to offering discounts and promotions, a retailer might use a variety of different terms to describe markdowns. Some synonyms for mark downs include sale prices, clearance deals, discounts, reduced prices, and bargains. Other options might include price cuts, reduced rates, slashed costs, lowered prices, or promotional pricing. Regardless of the term used, the purpose of a markdown is usually to offer customers a deal that they can't resist, often with the aim of reducing inventory or boosting sales before the end of a season or quarter. From a customer's perspective, a markdown is a chance to score a great deal on a product they want or need.