When you shop at Costco as much as we do, you like to think you’re in the know. You’ve figured out the best days to breeze through the aisles and the times of day when the crowds are thinner. You know how to be a considerate, respectful shopper. And of course, you’ve learned one of the golden rules: always compare the unit or ounce price—not just the total price—when making your picks.
But do you know what the prices actually mean, how to use them to get the best deals, and what the heck that asterisk means when you see it on a price tag? If you don’t, you are about to!
A trending TikTok video from user @frankieniu spilled all the secrets, and even we—self-proclaimed Costco experts—learned something new. Here’s what you need to know when it comes to shopping smarter at the big box store.
The Secrets Hidden in Costco’s Price Tags
Deciphering the pricing system at Costco can be a great tool for making sure you always get the best deals and make informed decisions. Here is what we’ve been able to glean from trending videos, as well as our own shopping.
Any price that ends in .99 is at full price, so that will always be the most expensive option in that category.
If you spot a price that ends in either .49 or .79, then there is a special promotional pricing that is set by the manufacturer and will always be a limited-time offer before returning to a .99 number.
If the price ends in .97, it’s on clearance or manager discount, so you will want to snap it up: That is always the lowest possible pricing on most items.
If the price ends in .00 or .88, be sure to check it out closely. It usually means that stock is low and the manager wants it cleared out, so it’s typically priced lower. However, it may also mean the item was a return, so make sure it is undamaged before purchasing.
What Does the Asterisk on Costco Price Tags Mean?
And now we turn to the asterisk—that mysterious little detail on a Costco price tag. Here’s the scoop.
Any item with an asterisk on the price tag means that item is leaving Costco soon. That could mean either that the item will not be restocked because Costco decided to stop carrying it or that the manufacturer discontinued the item, so it will no longer be available anywhere.
This is most common with seasonal or limited-edition items, but it may also be the case for any item in Costco. These are the items to really load up on if you love them, because you may never see them on the Costco shelves again!
