Think you’re a savvy Costco shopper? Then you’ve probably spotted some of the differences on Costco’s price tags. But there’s a whole secret code that you might not know about, and it can tell you all kinds of things about the item you’re buying, like whether it’s a markdown or if it’s going away sometime soon. Here’s Costco’s pricing system — once you learn it, you can crack the code for the most savings.
Ends in .99
When the price of an item at Costco ends in .99, that means it’s full price. Not very exciting, is it? But it is helpful to know. Thankfully, Costco’s prices are often lower than those at other retailers, which is why we love Costco so much.
Ends in .97
There are many indications for sale prices at Costco, and ending in .97 is one of them. It means corporate or merchandise buyers mark the price down. The sign won’t say what the original price was, but you can be sure you’re getting a deal.
Ends in .00 or .88
A Costco price ending in .00 or .88 indicates that the item is really cheap right now. Typically, store managers decide these markdowns based on the items they want to clear quickly. It might mean that the item was a return, so check it carefully before you buy, or that the food may expire soon, for instance. Chances are, what you see on the shelf is all that the store has left, so get it quickly. And since store managers determine these, you generally won’t see the same .00 or .88 markdowns at multiple stores.
Ends in 9 (Except .99)
If a Costco item price ends in 9, such as .39 or .79, it indicates that the item is part of a special promotional offer from the manufacturer. That often happens when new products are released, and companies want to entice people to try them. Eventually, the price will go up to a regular .99 price.
Has an Asterisk
If there’s an asterisk printed on the top right corner of the price sign, that means the product is not long for this world — or at least not at Costco. Some store superfans even call it the “death star,” and many Costco shoppers have regretted passing up items marked with it.
There are several reasons the asterisk appears, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the item will never be seen again. Sometimes it’s because the manufacturer stopped making the product, sometimes it’s because Costco decided to stop carrying it, and sometimes it’s because it’s a seasonal product. If it’s seasonal, it might be coming back again next year. No matter what, if you see an item you love with the Death Star, stock up!
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Date on the Bottom
On every Costco price sign is a date in the bottom right-hand corner. That is the date that the sign was updated and printed, which happens every time the price changes. So if you see a discounted price, check the date. If it’s been a while since the price was marked down, it might mean that the price will go even lower soon.
Green Tag
It’s not just what’s on the sign that matters, but what the sign looks like as well. If you’re looking for organic items at Costco, keep your eyes open for green signs. Those bright price sign covers indicate that the item being sold is organic, which makes it a very obvious and easy-to-spot identifier.
More Costco News and Tips from Cheapism
- Costco Officially Changed Its Hours — Here’s Who Benefits — Curious why some members can shop earlier than others? Find out who gets in at 9 a.m. and what perk comes with it.
- 10 ‘Unwritten Rules’ of Shopping at Costco — Seasoned members swear by these tips for beating crowds, spotting deals, and saving even more — see if you know them all.
- 15 Costco Products To Buy If You Live Alone — Shopping for one doesn’t have to be wasteful; this list hints at the surprising items singles should and shouldn’t buy in bulk
