Fall is starting to take over Costco, and that usually means two things: a wave of new seasonal finds and plenty of older inventory getting pushed out to make room.
That makes this one of the best times of year to start paying closer attention to Costco’s price signs.
Those little numbers, asterisks, dates, and odd price endings can sometimes tell you whether an item is regular price, marked down, nearing the end of its run, or potentially worth watching for another drop.
Not every so-called Costco “secret code” floating around social media is accurate, though. Some are useful. Others have been repeated so many times that they’ve basically become Costco folklore.
Here are the 18 Costco price-tag clues actually worth knowing before your next warehouse run.
1. Prices Ending in .99
Example: $14.99
This is the one you’ll see everywhere.
A .99 ending is generally just Costco’s normal everyday pricing. It doesn’t mean the item is overpriced, but there’s usually no special markdown signal hiding here either.
If shelves are full and I’m not in a rush, this is the type of price I’m more comfortable watching for a while.
What it means: Usually regular Costco pricing.
2. Prices Ending in .97
Example: $19.97
This is the number Costco deal hunters love spotting.
A .97 price usually means the item has been marked down from its previous price.
That doesn’t necessarily mean it has reached the absolute lowest price it will ever hit, but it’s one of the strongest clues that you’re looking at a genuine Costco markdown.
These can vary dramatically by warehouse, too.
You might see something for $29.97 at one Costco while another location still has it at $39.97.
What it means: Markdown. Definitely worth a second look.
3. Prices Ending in .00
Example: $30.00
These are harder to find, which is why I pay attention when one pops up.
A .00 price is often tied to a warehouse-level markdown, especially when Costco is trying to clear the last few pieces.
You’ll sometimes find these on furniture, clothing, seasonal goods, floor models, or products taking up valuable warehouse space.
What it means: Often a more aggressive local markdown.
4. Prices Ending in .88
Example: $24.88
This is another interesting one.
.88 prices are sometimes associated with manager markdowns, display models, damaged packaging, returned merchandise, or odd leftover inventory.
But I wouldn’t treat every .88 price as automatic clearance.
Costco occasionally uses unusual endings for other reasons, so always look at the entire sign and the condition of the product.
What it means: Possible special markdown, but inspect carefully.
5. Prices Ending in .49
Example: $12.49
This one gets exaggerated online.
You’ll often hear that .49 means a special manufacturer promotion.
Sometimes it might.
But Costco also sells plenty of regular-priced products ending in .49, so I would never assume this is clearance just from the cents.
What it means: Could be promotional, but not a reliable clearance signal.
6. Prices Ending in .79
Example: $8.79
The same caution applies here.
Some Costco pricing guides claim .79 indicates a manufacturer deal or special buy.
In reality, Costco’s regular pricing can also end in .79.
I would pay far more attention to .97 than .79.
What it means: Not enough information by itself.
7. Prices Ending in .89
Example: $15.89
Another price ending that gets lumped into those viral Costco cheat sheets.
You may occasionally find a promotional price ending in .89, but that doesn’t mean every .89 item is discounted.
Look for another clue before assuming you found a hidden deal.
What it means: Usually not a dependable markdown signal on its own.
8. Prices Ending in .29, .39, .59 or .69
Costco pricing myths really start to spiral once every possible number gets assigned its own secret meaning.
The truth is much simpler.
Prices ending in .29, .39, .59, .69, and similar numbers can simply be normal Costco prices.
There’s no reason to chase something just because the cents look unusual.
What it means: Often just regular pricing.
9. Prices Ending in .98
Example: $19.98
Don’t automatically assume this one is clearance either.
.98 is sometimes included on warehouse-club price-code graphics, but it isn’t considered one of Costco’s most dependable markdown indicators.
If I see .98, I look for another clue before getting excited.
What it means: Not a strong Costco clearance code.
10. The Asterisk
This might be Costco’s most famous sign clue.
Look at the upper-right corner of the price card.
See a tiny *?
You May Be Interested In
Costco shoppers often call this the Death Star.
It generally means Costco does not currently plan to replenish that item once the remaining inventory is gone.
That does not always mean the product is permanently discontinued.
Seasonal foods can come back next year. Packaging can change. Products can return under different item numbers.
Still, if it’s something you love, I wouldn’t ignore that little star.
What it means: Current inventory may be the last batch.
11. .99 Plus an Asterisk
Example: $24.99*
This is where shoppers sometimes get confused.
The asterisk tells you Costco may not restock the item.
But the .99 tells you it hasn’t necessarily been marked down.
So you could be looking at a product that’s leaving Costco while still sitting at full price.
That matters with seasonal foods in particular.
If there are two boxes of your favorite pumpkin snack left, waiting for a markdown may not be worth the gamble.
What it means: Possibly leaving, but not necessarily discounted.
12. .97 Plus an Asterisk
Example: $19.97*
Now we’re talking.
This is one of my favorite Costco combinations to find.
You have:
.97 = markdown
and
Asterisk = Costco may not reorder it
That means the item is discounted and could disappear once the remaining inventory sells through.
This combination is especially useful during seasonal transitions.
What it means: Marked down and potentially on the way out.
13. .00 Plus an Asterisk
Example: $50.00*
This is another combination worth stopping for.
A .00 price can point to a warehouse-specific markdown.
Add the asterisk, and Costco may also be trying to clear what’s left.
These are the situations where you may find one remaining piece of furniture, a display model, the final seasonal items, or the last few sizes of clothing.
What it means: Potentially one of the final markdown stages.
14. .88 Plus an Asterisk
Example: $29.88*
This can be another strong “inspect before walking away” signal.
You may be looking at a display item, damaged box, leftover merchandise, or something the warehouse simply wants off the floor.
Just make sure everything is included before throwing it into the cart.
A cheap patio set isn’t much of a deal if half the hardware disappeared.
What it means: Possible final-clearance or oddball inventory.
15. .97 Without an Asterisk
Example: $14.97
A lot of shoppers assume .97 only matters when there’s also a star.
That’s not true.
.97 is still a markdown.
The asterisk and the price ending are telling you two different things.
The price ending tells you about the price.
The asterisk tells you about replenishment.
An item can be discounted without being discontinued.
What it means: Still a legitimate markdown.
16. Green Costco Price Signs
Not every Costco clue is hidden inside the numbers.
Green price signs are commonly used to highlight organic products.
Once you notice them, they’re surprisingly helpful when scanning a crowded aisle.
I wouldn’t use the absence of a green sign as absolute proof that something isn’t organic, but green signage is a quick visual clue.
What it means: Usually an organic product.
17. The Tiny Date on the Sign
Look closely near the bottom of the Costco price card and you may see a small date.
Some shoppers assume it predicts when the next markdown will happen.
It doesn’t.
The date is more closely connected to when that sign or price was printed or updated.
I still like checking it because it can give me some context when I’m watching an item over several trips.
What it means: Useful history, not a guaranteed markdown schedule.
18. “After $X Off”
Example: $11.99 After $4 Off
This is different from clearance.
When Costco advertises a product as “After $4 Off,” you’re usually looking at a temporary promotion or Member-Only Savings offer.
Those deals normally have an expiration date.
Once the promotion ends, the item can go right back to its regular price.
That’s why I always look at the promotion dates before deciding whether I need to buy now.
What it means: Temporary sale rather than clearance.
Recommended For You
