Outline
- • Table of price endings
- • What each means
- • Real examples
- • Myths vs facts
Costco doesn't publicly advertise its pricing system, but patterns are consistent nationwide.
Here's what the most common price endings mean.
.97 — Clearance
- •Manager markdown
- •Discontinued or end-of-run item
- •Best value opportunity
.00 — Manager Closeout
- •Often the final price
- •Typically means "take it or it's gone"
- •Common on floor models or last units
.88 — Special Clearance
Can indicate:
- •Returned merchandise
- •Damaged packaging
- •Local manager discount
- •Highly warehouse-specific
.99 — Regular Price
- •Standard pricing
- •Not on promotion
- •Most items fall here
.49 / .79 / .89 — Promotional Pricing
- •Vendor-supported discounts
- •Often tied to monthly coupon books
- •Temporary, not clearance
Why This Matters
Understanding price codes lets you:
- •Identify real deals instantly
- •Avoid waiting on items that won't drop further
- •Prioritize which items to buy now vs later
Most shoppers miss this entirely.
FAQ
What's the difference between .97 and .88?
.97 is standard clearance. .88 typically indicates returned merchandise, damaged packaging, or a local manager discount. Both are deals, but .88 can be more warehouse-specific.
Do all Costcos use the same price codes?
Yes, the price code system is consistent across all Costco warehouses. However, what gets marked down varies by location based on local inventory.
Can prices change after you see them?
Yes. Clearance prices can change as inventory moves. If you see a .97 item you want, don't wait—it may be gone or repriced when you return.
