When you walk through Costco, those giant price tags might look simple, but they’re actually full of hidden clues. From a tiny asterisk in the corner to the last two digits of the price, Costco uses internal codes to quietly signal which items are on sale, discontinued, or about to disappear for good. Most shoppers miss them. But once you know what to look for, you’ll start spotting deals everywhere — and saving more money with every visit.
Why Costco Uses Pricing Codes (and Why It Matters to You)
Costco runs on volume and efficiency. Unlike traditional retailers with colorful sales signs and coupon events, Costco keeps things simple, no flashy markdowns, no weekly flyers. Instead, they communicate discounts and inventory shifts quietly, through their price tags.
That’s where the pricing codes come in. These codes help Costco employees manage stock and make quick decisions on when to clear out products. But for shoppers who know what the codes mean, it’s like unlocking a cheat sheet for when to buy and when to wait. Learning to read the price tag the way a store manager does means you’ll never second-guess whether a deal is worth grabbing.
Most people overlook these details and miss the window to stock up before something disappears or jumps back to full price. Knowing how it works gives you a small but real edge, the kind that adds up over a year of shopping.
The Meaning Behind the Endings: .97, .88, .00, and More
One of the easiest ways to tell what kind of deal you’re getting at Costco is by looking at the last two digits of the price. These tiny numbers carry a lot of meaning, if you know what they’re trying to say.
Here’s what the most common endings usually mean:
- .99 – Regular price
This is Costco’s standard pricing. If you see something ending in .99, it means it’s not on special markdown. It could stay at that price for weeks or months. - .97 – Manager markdown
This is one of the best-known insider tips. A .97 ending means the item has been marked down by the store, not by the manufacturer. It often signals that the store wants to clear out inventory, so it may be your last chance to grab it. - .00 or .88 – Final clearance
If you see a price ending in .00 or .88, pay attention. These usually mean the product is being discontinued or has been returned in bulk. It’s a strong hint that once it’s gone, it’s gone for good. - .49, .79, .89 – Special deal from the manufacturer
These aren’t store markdowns, they’re promotional prices negotiated with the brand. You’ll sometimes see this on seasonal food items or bulk health products.
While the exact meaning can vary by location, these patterns are consistent enough that seasoned Costco shoppers use them to guide their buying decisions.
The Secret Star: What the Asterisk (*) Really Means
If you’ve ever spotted a tiny asterisk in the top right corner of a Costco price tag, that’s not decoration, it’s a quiet signal from the store.
The asterisk means the item is being discontinued or won’t be restocked. It doesn’t always mean it’s on sale, but it does mean it’s your last chance to buy it at that location.
Here’s how to use it to your advantage:
- Grab it now if you love the product, it won’t be around next trip
- Look for a markdown to follow, it’s often paired with a .97 or .00 price soon after
- Think seasonally the asterisk is common on holiday items, limited-time snacks, and furniture right before resets
The asterisk is one of the easiest signals to overlook, but once you know what it means, it’s hard to ignore. Shoppers who spot it early can often beat the crowd to clearance buys or stock up on favorites before they vanish.
Reading the Tag: What Else to Watch For
Beyond the price endings and asterisks, Costco tags include other subtle clues that can help you make smarter decisions. Once you know what to look for, even the layout of the sign starts to work in your favor.
Here’s what else to pay attention to:
- Date codes – In the bottom right corner of many signs, you’ll find a small date. This shows when the sign was last printed or updated. If it’s recent, there may be a price change coming soon.
- Item numbers – Each product has a unique Costco item number. If you’re trying to look up reviews or check stock online, this number is your best friend.
- Price tags with rebate mentions – Sometimes the price includes a manufacturer’s rebate built in. If you see “instant savings” or a price that’s set to expire, that discount may disappear after the listed date.
- Font changes – Occasionally, tags with bold fonts or larger prices are used to draw attention to high-turnover items or featured sales. While not always a signal, it can help you spot what’s being pushed.
These details won’t jump out right away, but over time, you’ll start to notice patterns. Costco signage may look plain, but it’s designed to communicate a lot of information quickly, especially for employees. Once you learn to read between the lines, you’ll start shopping more like an insider and less like a casual browser.
When to Buy, When to Wait: Timing Costco Discounts
Knowing how to read the price tag is one thing. Knowing when to act on it is what really helps you save. Costco doesn’t follow a traditional sale cycle like other retailers, but there are still patterns that can guide your timing.
Here are a few ways to tell whether you should grab it now or hold off:
- .97 prices often go lower
If you see a .97 markdown and the item isn’t flying off the shelf, you might see it drop again soon. But there’s no guarantee. If it’s something you use often, it’s usually worth grabbing before it disappears completely. - Watch the expiration date on signs
If a price tag includes a rebate or promo expiration, that discount usually ends quietly without warning. Check the bottom of the sign for small print. Once that date passes, the price usually jumps back to full retail. - End of month and seasonal flips
Managers tend to clear out products right before seasonal resets or monthly inventory. You’ll often find more .97 and asterisk tags near the end of the month or during a change in seasons. - Weekday restocks mean early markdowns
Costco restocks shelves throughout the week, but Wednesdays and Thursdays often bring new price tags. If you’re trying to catch markdowns early, shopping mid-week can help.
Buying at the right time takes some observation, but over time you’ll start to notice the rhythm. Combine that with understanding the price codes and you’ll start to get more out of every Costco trip.
Costco Price Code Cheat Sheet
| Price Ending or Symbol | What It Means | What You Should Do |
|---|---|---|
| .99 | Regular price | Wait unless it’s a high-demand or limited item |
| .97 | Store markdown (manager’s decision) | Buy soon — likely a good deal, may sell out fast |
| .00 or .88 | Final clearance or returned stock | Buy now if you want it — unlikely to restock |
| .49, .79, .89 | Manufacturer promotion | Temporary deal — check for expiration on sign |
| Asterisk (*) | Discontinued — won’t be restocked | Stock up if it’s a favorite — it’s leaving soon |
| Date in bottom corner | When the price sign was last updated | New date may mean recent markdown or price change |
| “Instant Savings” text | Time-limited rebate from manufacturer | Check expiration — price goes back up afterward |
FAQ: Costco Pricing Code Questions Shoppers Always Ask
Do Costco pricing codes work the same at every location?
Not always. While many price endings are consistent, individual warehouses may apply markdowns based on their own inventory or regional promotions.
Can I find the same codes on Costco’s website?
Costco.com doesn’t use the same signage system as the warehouse. Online pricing may not follow the same markdown codes or symbols.
What happens if I miss a markdown?
Once an item sells out — especially if it had an asterisk or ended in .00 or .88 — it usually doesn’t come back. Check with a staff member using the item number if you’re not sure.
Can I request a price adjustment if an item gets marked down after I buy it?
Yes, Costco’s return policy often includes price adjustments within 30 days. Bring your receipt and ask at the membership desk.
Key Takeaways for Smarter Costco Shopping
Understanding Costco’s pricing codes gives you more control over your spending. Instead of guessing which deals are worth it, you’ll know exactly what the signs are trying to tell you.
Here’s what to remember:
- A price ending in .97 means a manager markdown — these are often limited-time deals
- .00 or .88 signals a final clearance — buy it if you want it, because it won’t be restocked
- The asterisk (*) means the item is going away — stock up if it’s something you love
- Watch the date and wording on the tag for rebate expiration or fresh markdowns
- Learn the timing at your store — midweek and end-of-month visits often offer more markdowns
Most people walk past these clues without noticing. But once you train your eye to spot them, shopping at Costco becomes a lot more strategic and a lot more fun.
