If you aren’t already aware, Costco has a concealed pricing system for sales. There are several important tips for deciphering it – and making massive savings! If you’re a Costco member, customer and fan, you might have questioned why the wholesale retailer’s prices seem so odd.
Despite being renowned for supplying discounted products and affordable gas, the costs rarely make much sense. For example, as Reader’s Digest points out, certain prices for Costco’s items often end in “.99,” yet some finish with “.97” or “.39.” You also might have asked yourself when shopping at Costco, could there be a purpose behind that star at the top right corner of every tag?
Here’s the lowdown: although Costco’s prices appear to be completely random, there is actually a much deeper meaning to them. It is one of the chain’s most carefully guarded secrets, the outlet notes, and it should certainly be a major factor when you next take a trip to the warehouse.
@superunsexy9 Costco SECRETS that only Employees know! Use these shopping hacks to save money!♬ original sound – Sean – Super Unsexy
Costco’s Seemingly Random Prices, Explained (And Other Tips For Saving Big)
Like Target, Costco too has an explicit price-tag code that can inform retailers and employees of particular deals occurring in the store, without needing to excessively publicize these bargains to its customers. All that’s required is an understanding of the numbers on the end of each price in order for you to stock up on those products (at the greatest discounts, of course!) before they run out.
An incredibly insightful video posted on the TikTok account @superunsexy has exposed Costco’s hidden pricing system, and it is simpler to understand than you might think. There are several price-tag codes that you should keep an eye out for during your next shopping trip at Costco:
Firstly, if a price ends with ".00," it suggests that the item is on a manager's special and it is the most economical price that it will ever be. In other words, this code is an indication that you should definitely purchase the item at its lowest price!
If you see a price that concludes with ".97," this means that the Costco item is on sale, but more of a clearance sale. Whenever this number appears on a usual item that you buy, the TikTok creator stresses that you should take this as a definite sign to stock up!
Other costs that you might have seen can end with ".39" or ".49." These also signify a bargain, but these items are generally reduced by the maker of the item, rather than Costco itself.
A price that concludes with ".99," which is common, means that the item is at its standard Costco price.
Even though it's still likely to be much cheaper than in another retail store, the item has not been reduced any further.
Lastly, there are those tags that have a star at the top right corner, otherwise known as "the death star." Any product with this marking is on its way out and it will not be replenished. (Yes, that's correct, sadly!) Costco won't be receiving any additional shipments of this kind of item, so if you see this, make sure you grab it quickly before it's gone.
Although certain figures and icons (e.g. the "death star") are important to grasp the offers and prices at Costco, one factor you should not concern yourself with is the date printed in the bottom right corner.
This has been affirmed by the TikTok creator, who double-checked his information with Costco personnel. The date merely demonstrates when the price tag was printed, so there is no need to take it into account during your shopping experience.
Good to know!
