6 Types of Costco Price Tags Every Frugal Shopper Needs To Know

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Known for its competitive prices and top-notch quality items, Costco is a one-stop shop for all your needs. While the warehouse giant already offers low prices, there’s another way to save money at the members-only club.

Costco has a unique price tag system — knowing how to decode the various prices can unlock deals and provide mega savings. Here are six types of price tags every avid Costco shopper should know.

Discontinued and Discounted 

• What to look for: Price tags with an asterisk

If you see an asterisk on a price tag, you’ve spotted a major deal. “[An] asterisk means the item is on clearance and has been marked down to its lowest price,” according to money-saving expert Andrea Woroch.

If it’s an item you want, don’t wait because it won’t be back in stock. Once it’s gone, it’s not coming back. 

“Known as the ‘Costco Death Star,’ an asterisk in the upper-right corner signals the item is on its way out,” explained Kristen Markel, Costco superfan and voice behind Warehouse Wanderer, a site dedicated to all things Costco. “If you see it, stock up while you can.”

Manager’s Specials

• What to look for: Prices ending in 00 or 88 cents

Costco price tags that end in 00 or 88 cents are manager’s specials, meaning they are good discounts, as these items are closeouts specific to your warehouse. “Many consumers are unaware that local Costco managers can mark down items to sell,” Markel said. “These are limited to what is in stock, so shop early. Members can spot these deals by looking for handwriting on the product tags.”

Price Change Date

• What to look for: Price tags with a date on them

If you’ve been eyeing a product and wondering if it will be further reduced, Costco price tags can reveal if an item will go on sale again. “The tiny date on the bottom right shows when the price was last updated,” Markel stated. “It’s a great trick for keeping track of markdown trends.” If the tag doesn’t have an asterisk and the item has been around for a while, a discounted price is likely in the works. 

Manufacturer’s Deal

• What to look for: Prices ending in 49, 69 or 79 cents

Costco can have odd pricing, but observing the final digitals can mean discounts. Items that end in 49, 69 or 79 cents signal a deal from the manufacturer. “These are items that are possibly on a trial run at Costco,” Markel explained. “Manufacturers offer special pricing to entice members to purchase them.”

Deep Discounted Items

• What to look for: Prices ending in 97 cents

You’ve hit the jackpot of savings when you see a price tag ending in 97 cents at Costco, so grab the item while you can. According to Markel, the product is usually discontinued or clearance deals with the lowest price.

“Sometimes, Death Star items indicate that the product won’t be in the warehouse for long, but sometimes, they’re given to seasonal items that will return,” Markel explained. “Products ending in 97 cents are not set to return to the warehouse soon.”

Organic Items

• What to look for: Green price tags

Costco has an impressive selection of organic produce, including coffee, sugar, meats, fruits and vegetables, but they can be overlooked. To help guide shoppers to organic products, they’re flagged with green tags, which make it easy to spot healthy options, Markel said. 

The best hack to saving even more money at Costco is understanding how to decipher the price. By paying attention to every tag, you can find hidden deals and keep more money in your wallet.

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