While Costco is known for its low prices and oversized products for bulk buys, some things about the warehouse are a mystery. Savvy shoppers on the hunt for the best deals know it’s important to decode Costco’s price tag codes to make sure they are saving the most money possible.
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As it turns out, the price tags Costco members see every day have hidden meanings. Using these tips, a sleuth with a keen eye for detail will be able to save big at the checkout by paying attention to Costco price tags.
Asterisk (*)
When a Costco tag has an asterisk (*) on it, that means there is a limited amount of the product, and it will not be restocked. You’ll usually spot it on the top right corner of the tag, and it signals you to buy now if you want it, as you’re likely not to see it again.
Customers are often dismayed to find their favorite seasonal products gone the next time they go shopping. Now, you can have a heads-up to stock up if you see an asterisk on the price tag. In some cases, the product may be going away for a limited time, in others, it may be gone for good.
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Price Tags Ending in .97
Price tags ending in .97 denote a clearance markdown by a manager and are likely for that specific store location only. It’s a good opportunity to stock up before they become full-priced items again.
So, if you prefer to bargain shop at Costco, you’ll want to search the store for price tags ending in these two numbers to ensure you are getting great deals. Costco won’t broadcast the clearance price, so you have to be in the know of these secret codes. It also may not be as low as it can go. Future markdowns are still a possibility.
Price Tags Ending in .99
Sorry, hopeful savers, but a price ending in .99 indicates the standard Costco price for the item. It’s a good deal, but don’t expect further discounts on these items, as it’s just the regular price. While it may not be on sale, it still may be worth the purchase. Even fully marked Costco products can still be cheaper than getting them elsewhere.
Price Tags Ending in .00 or .88
A product ending in .88 or .00 also has a very special and secret Costco meaning. Be on the lookout for these numbers as they indicate Costco manager markdowns for items that may have been returned, are damaged or are seasonal items close to being discontinued.
Make sure to check out the condition of any of these markdowns before buying, but they will be a good steal if they pass your inspection. These discounts often happen because they want to move a product off the shelves.
Price Tags Ending in .49, .79, .89
Products ending in .49, .79, or .89 are generally the subject of manufacturer markdowns and may indicate a special deal. It is important to know that prices may fluctuate over time. The best course of action is to track it and see if it gets an adjustment.
Manufacturer markdowns are often less routine than other reductions, so you won’t see this cheat code as much. Keep in mind that if you peak at the bottom right of the price tag you can often find the last time the tag was updated. If it’s been a while, there’s a chance the price might have dropped further, so you could consider waiting to see if it goes lower before purchasing.
Final Take To GO: Saving Even More at Costco
The mega-warehouse retailer may not take your manufacturer’s coupons, but it offers its own. You can save big by using its coupon book and members receive one each month. Don’t worry, you won’t need to spend hours clipping the coupons out since the reductions are taken off at the register.
“Markdown Mondays” are also a real thing. This is also when it does clear-outs, so if you noticed a product with an asterisk (*) the last time you shopped, you might want to make a quick trip before the fourth Monday to grab a few quick deals.
These little insider tricks can help you save big when you shop. Costco may not broadcast all of the ways you can save, as it does offer fewer public deals. Paying close attention to the price tag can help you reap those savings. It may be difficult, at first, to determine whether you are saving money. You can always track the goods to see if the price adjusts or if these rumors are true.
Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Check Out These 5 Costco Cheat Codes That Can Help Save You Money
