Ever wonder what those quirky Costco price endings actually mean? Smart shoppers know that decoding the secret language of Costco price tags can lead to major savings—and even tip you off when an item is going away for good. From asterisks to double zeroes, here are six hidden Costco price codes every savvy member should have in their shopping toolkit.
.99 – Regular Price Items
If a price ends in .99, you’re looking at a regular-priced item. These are standard prices set by Costco and typically indicate that the item is in steady supply and not on sale. It’s what you’ll see on most Kirkland Signature products and other in-demand staples.
Pro tip:
Items at this price point are unlikely to disappear anytime soon—but they’re also not on sale.
.97 – Manager Markdown
Prices ending in .97 mean store-specific clearance. These markdowns are made by the store manager and usually apply to overstocked or slow-moving items.
Why it matters:
These deals can be significant and may not last long. If you see a favorite product ending in .97, grab it while you can!
.00 – Final Clearance
A price ending in .00 signals a final markdown. These are often applied to items that are discontinued or extremely low in stock, and the goal is to sell through the last remaining units fast.
Hot tip:
Items with .00 are some of the best deals in the store, but they won’t be restocked—so act quickly.
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Asterisk (*) – Product Discontinuation or Packaging Change
Commonly called the “star of death” by Costco superfans, the asterisk in the top right corner of a price sign means the item is being phased out. It could be seasonal, not reordered yet, or about to be replaced by a repackaged version.
What to do:
Love the product? Buy extra or ask a store associate for insights—it may not return.
.49, .79, .89 – Manufacturer Promotions
Price endings like .49, .59, .79, or .89 often indicate limited-time manufacturer deals or rotational items like name-brand snacks and cereals.
Pro tip:
These items may be cheaper than at other retailers due to Costco’s limited markup policy. Stock up while they last!
Green Price Tag – Organic Product Indicator
If you see a green price tag, it typically means the product is certified organic. This is most common in the produce section, but can also appear on organic pantry staples, beverages, and snacks.
Heads-up:
Not all locations use green tags consistently, so double-check the label or ask a staff member if you’re unsure.
Conclusion
Understanding Costco’s secret price codes can help you spot hidden deals, predict product availability, and shop smarter every visit. So next time you’re in the warehouse, look beyond the price itself and read between the lines—your wallet will thank you.
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