The Secret Meaning of Costco Price Tags

If you’re a card-carrying Costco member, chances are you appreciate a good deal. The warehouse retail club sells goods in bulk to better offer discounted prices, both from third-party manufacturers and from its own private label, Kirkland Signature. 

The idea is that, simply by shopping at Costco, you’re getting access to deals. You’re not going to find clearance signs or dramatic red slashes on Costco shelves, but individual store managers will often mark down products even further. And you can find them with the help of eagle-eyed superfans and content creators (such as money educator Dr. Jessica Spangler of @ecommjess) who claim to have cracked Costco’s secret code. Here’s how to decode some of Costco’s most common price tag patterns so you can shop smartly.

When the price ends in $.99

Most items in Costco are marked with a price that ends in $.99, which indicates a full-Costco-priced item. This means the item hasn’t been marked down further from the original deal that Costco secured.

When the price ends in $.97 

Keep a lookout for these price codes, say Costco superfans. They indicate clearance items or manager markdowns that are exclusive to the location at which you’re shopping. While the tag won’t include the original price for you to compare, you can always ask a manager at your local warehouse for more information. This is typically the lowest price you’ll find for an item at a Costco. 

When the price ends in $.00 or $.88

These price codes denote manager markdowns on individual items in special cases. That means these products could have been returned, might have superficial damage or missing parts, or are running low in inventory. Ask a warehouse manager if you have specific questions. 

When the price ends in a 9 (but not $.99)

Prices like $3.79 or $12.59 are limited-time promotional deals on brand-name products that come directly from the manufacturers, like Hellman’s or Starbucks. That means the item will likely return to its regular — and higher — price sometime in the future, and it may be worth grabbing now while it’s cheaper.

What does a price with an asterisk mean?

Sometimes called the “death star,” an asterisk next to Costco price tag may indicate that the item likely won’t be restocked in the near future (or ever), that the item could be discontinued, that it’s a seasonal item, or that it might just not be selling well. The end may be nigh, so snatch these items up while you still can! 

What does the date below the price mean?

It’s always worth taking a look at the fine print. The date listed below the price on a Costco price tag indicates the last time the price changed. This is information that can help you make an educated guess as to whether the item will be marked down again in the near future. If the date listed is from a couple weeks ago, and quite a lot of stock remains, you may be able to score a deal if you wait.

What about the hot dogs?

Don’t worry, this pricing system doesn’t apply to Costco’s legendary hot dog combo deal, which remains $1.50 — and a great value.