How to Read Costco Price Tags Like a Pro

Costco price tags contain a wealth of hidden information that most shoppers walk right past. Once you learn to decode them, you'll never shop the same way again.

The Price Endings

The most important thing to know is what the last two digits of a price mean. A price ending in .97 is a manager's markdown — the store is clearing that item out and it won't be restocked once it's gone. This is often the deepest discount you'll find.

Prices ending in .00 or .88 typically indicate a manufacturer's discount or special buy. These are promotional prices that will revert to the regular price once the promotion ends. If you see a price ending in .49, that usually means Costco negotiated a special deal with the supplier.

The Asterisk

An asterisk (*) in the upper-right corner of the price tag is the most important symbol to watch for. It means the item is being discontinued at that location and won't be restocked. If it's something you love, buy it now or risk losing it forever.

Reading the Fine Print

The price tag also shows the item number (useful for looking up reviews online), the product description, and sometimes the origin country. The date on the tag tells you when the price was last updated — helpful for knowing if a "sale" is actually new or has been running for weeks.

Pro Tips

Combine your price tag knowledge with the Costco app's price history feature and our tracker at FindMyPrice to become a truly informed shopper. Knowing these codes turns every Costco trip into a treasure hunt.