If you shop at Costco, learning the price-tag code is one of the easiest ways to save money. A few small clues on the shelf tag tell you whether an item is a clearance steal, a local manager markdown, or just the regular wholesale price. Below is a concise, actionable guide that you can use the next time you walk into a warehouse.

Quick summary — the code at a glance

  • .97 → Manager markdown / clearance (buy now)
  • .00 or .88 → Special deals / local markdowns / returns in very good condition
  • .49 or .79 → Regular Costco wholesale price (not a special discount)
  • Asterisk (*) in upper-right → Item will not be restocked (last chance)

What “.97” means — the manager-marked clearance

  • When a price ends in .97, it usually means the item has been marked down by the store manager — often a permanent clearance price.
  • These are local markdowns (specific to that warehouse) and often indicate discontinued stock or end-of-season clearance.
  • Action: If you like it, buy it. Manager-marked items with .97 often disappear fast.

Example: Item regular $49.99 → marked to $24.97 = real clearance savings.

What “.00” and “.88” mean — special store deals

  • Prices ending in .00 or .88 typically signal special promotions, returned-but-resellable items, or local manager specials.
  • These are often limited-time and may reflect added value or one-off markdowns.
  • Action: Consider these good deals, but compare unit prices if it’s a bulk grocery item.

Regular Costco pricing: “.49” and “.79”

  • Standard Costco tags usually end in .49 or .79 — these are the normal wholesale prices you see most often.
  • They are not inherently discounts; treat them as the baseline price for comparison.

The asterisk (*) — THE single most important symbol

  • An asterisk in the top-right corner of the price tag means the item won’t be restocked once it sells out.
  • This is a strong signal: if you want it, buy it now.
  • Combine the asterisk with a .97 ending and you probably found the final clearance of that SKU.

Smart shopper checklist — what to do in the aisle

  • Look for .97 prices and buy if you want it.
  • Check for the asterisk (*) as it is your last chance to buy, don’t delay.
  • Snap a photo of the tag (date + SKU visible) - useful for price adjustments and proof.
  • Compare unit price for bulk groceries before assuming a lower total price is better value.
  • Be early as manager markdowns tend to appear in the morning.

When to buy vs. when to wait

  • Buy now: Items with asterisk or .97.
  • Buy after a quick compare: .00 / .88 items (can be excellent, but check unit price).
  • Wait or research: .49 / .79 items (standard pricing — look for coupons or seasonal sales).

Seasonal and tactical notes

  • Holiday clearances often trigger lots of .97 tags after major sales periods.
  • Furniture and outdoor gear get marked heavily at end-of-season — watch for .97 + asterisk.
  • Electronics may use different markdown strategies; always check the product SKU and online price for context.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Does every .97 mean huge savings?
A: Not always — sometimes it’s a small markdown. Always check the price history of the item by using the search bar at the top of our site.

Q: Can I price-adjust at customer service using the tag photo?
A: Yes — tag photos (with SKU and date) help support price adjustment requests and returns.

Q: Is the asterisk universal across all stores?
A: The asterisk meaning (no restock) is consistent across Costco warehouses.

Knowing how to read Costco’s price tags turns browsing into an advantage. Keep this guide on your phone, check the tag before you decide, and you’ll start spotting clearance treasures and last-chance deals that most shoppers miss. For more weekly sale analysis and price-tracking tips, visit our weekly sales page and see which manager-marked items are trending this week.