Shopping at Costco isn’t just about buying in bulk—it’s about knowing the secret language of price tags. Behind those seemingly simple white and green rectangles lies a sophisticated coding system that can help you spot the best deals and avoid missing out on must-have items. From mysterious asterisks to specific number combinations, understanding these hidden messages can transform your shopping strategy.
The meaning behind price endings at Costco
When you see a price ending in .99 at Costco, you’re looking at the standard retail price. These are regular-priced items that haven’t been marked down. However, keep an eye out for prices ending in .97—these are clearance items that have been marked down from their original price, often representing significant savings.
Manager specials end in .88 or .00, indicating items that need to move quickly. These might be returned items, floor models, or products with slight imperfections. While the savings can be substantial, remember to inspect these items carefully before purchase.
Watch for the asterisk of opportunity
That small asterisk in the upper right corner of a price tag isn’t just decoration—it’s a crucial signal. When you spot this symbol, it means the item won’t be restocked once the current inventory runs out. This could be due to seasonal changes, discontinuation, or poor sales performance.
If you find an asterisk on a favorite product, consider stocking up. But what if you’re unsure about bulk-buying? Check the date in the bottom right corner of the price tag—it shows when the price was last changed. A recent date might indicate more markdowns to come.
Green tags signal organic options
Costco uses a simple color-coding system to help shoppers identify organic products. Green price tags indicate organic items, while white tags are used for conventional products. This visual system makes it easier to spot organic options without examining every label.
The pricing rules apply equally to both organic and conventional items. An organic product with a .97 ending is still a clearance item, just like its conventional counterpart. This consistency in pricing across categories helps maintain Costco’s transparent pricing strategy.
Seasonal items follow special rules
Seasonal merchandise at Costco often follows a predictable markdown pattern. Items typically start with .99 endings and gradually decrease to .97 or even .88 as the season progresses. The sweet spot for seasonal shopping is usually about two weeks before the season ends.
Imagine finding summer furniture in early fall—these items often carry both an asterisk and a .97 price ending, signaling the best possible time to buy. The combination of these markers indicates both clearance pricing and discontinued status.
Date codes reveal price change patterns
Every Costco price tag includes a date code showing when the price was last modified. This information helps predict future markdowns. If an item has maintained the same price for several weeks and still shows healthy inventory levels, it might be prime for a price reduction.
Understanding these date codes becomes particularly valuable when combined with other price tag signals. For example, a .99-priced item with an old date code and an asterisk might soon transition to clearance pricing—patience could lead to better savings.
Mastering Costco’s price tag system transforms routine shopping trips into strategic savings opportunities. While the basic .99 versus .97 distinction helps identify deals, the true power lies in combining multiple indicators—asterisks, dates, and price endings—to make informed purchasing decisions. Remember that prices can vary by location, and markdowns often depend on local inventory levels. The next time you’re at Costco, take a moment to examine those price tags—they might tell you more than you think.
