Costco Price Tag Explained
Learn how to read Costco's price tags and identify the key information that tells you everything about an item—from its price to whether it's a clearance deal.
Understanding the Costco Price Tag
Costco's price tags are packed with information. At first glance, they might seem overwhelming, but once you know what to look for, they tell you everything you need to know about a product—including whether it's a clearance deal that won't be restocked.
The Key Components of a Costco Price Tag
Price Tag Layout
Here's what you'll find on a typical Costco price tag, from top to bottom:
Item Number (Top Left)
A unique 6-digit code that identifies the product. This number is what you'll scan with the CostLow app to instantly decode the item and its details.
Product Description (Center)
The name and details of the item. This tells you exactly what you're looking at—brand, size, quantity, and any key features.
Price (Large, Bottom Right)
The current selling price. But here's the crucial part—look at the last two digits. If it ends in .97, this is a clearance item that won't be restocked. If it ends in .00, it's a regular price. If it ends in .88, it's a special buy or closeout.
Asterisk (*) or Special Marking
Some price tags have an asterisk next to the price or item number. This indicates the item won't be restocked—it's a one-time buy. Combined with a .97 price, this is a dead giveaway that you're looking at a clearance deal.
Warehouse Location Code (Bottom Left)
A code that tells you which warehouse the item is from. This is helpful if you shop at multiple locations.
What the Price Ending Really Means
The last two digits of the price are the most important part of the entire tag. Here's what each ending tells you:
Ends in .97 = Clearance
This is the golden ticket. A .97 price means the item is being cleared out and won't be restocked. These are the deals CostLow is built to help you find. Prices are typically 30-70% off regular retail.
Ends in .00 = Regular Price
This is Costco's standard price for the item. It's not on clearance, and it will be restocked regularly. You'll see these prices most often in the warehouse.
Ends in .88 = Special Buy or Closeout
These are limited-time deals or special purchases. They're discounted, but not quite as deep as a .97 clearance. These items may or may not be restocked depending on sales.
Ends in .49 = Costco Member Exclusive
Some items are priced this way to indicate they're exclusive member deals. These are regular prices, just marked differently.
How to Spot a Real Clearance Deal
Now that you know what to look for, here's how to identify a genuine clearance opportunity:
- Check the price ending: Is it .97? If yes, you're looking at a clearance item.
- Look for the asterisk: An asterisk (*) next to the price or item number confirms it won't be restocked.
- Compare to regular price: If you know what the item normally costs, you can estimate your savings. Clearance items are typically 30-70% off.
- Act fast: Clearance items sell out quickly. If you find something you want, grab it—it won't be there tomorrow.
Pro Tips for Reading Price Tags
- Scan with CostLow: Use the CostLow app to scan the item number on the price tag. The app will instantly tell you the item details, current price, and whether it's a clearance deal.
- Check multiple locations: The same item might have different prices at different warehouses. Use CostLow to compare prices across your local Costcos.
- Look at the fine print: Sometimes there's additional information on the tag about why an item is being cleared (seasonal, discontinued, overstocked, etc.).
- Don't ignore the quantity: Make sure you're comparing prices fairly. A .97 price on a bulk item might still be a better deal than a .00 price on a smaller quantity.
The Bottom Line
Costco price tags are designed to be read quickly by warehouse staff, but they're also packed with information for savvy shoppers. The key is knowing what to look for. Once you understand that a .97 price means clearance and won't be restocked, you've unlocked the secret to finding the best deals in the warehouse.
Use the CostLow app to scan price tags and track clearance items across your local warehouses. With the right tools and knowledge, you'll never miss a deal again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a .97 price ever be restocked?
A: No. A .97 price is Costco's way of saying "this item is being cleared out and will not be restocked." Once it sells out, it's gone. This is why it's so important to act fast when you find a .97 deal you want.
Q: What's the difference between .97 and .88?
A: .97 means clearance (won't be restocked), while .88 means special buy or closeout (may or may not be restocked). .88 items are discounted but not necessarily being cleared out permanently.
Q: Why does Costco use these price endings?
A: Costco uses price endings to quickly communicate item status to warehouse staff and observant shoppers. It's an efficient system that's been in place for decades. The .97 ending specifically signals clearance items that need to move.
Q: Can I negotiate on .97 prices?
A: Costco's prices are fixed, so you can't negotiate. However, .97 prices are already heavily discounted. The best strategy is to find them early and buy before they sell out.
Q: How often do clearance items appear?
A: Clearance items appear constantly throughout the year. Seasonal items are cleared at the end of their season, overstocked items are cleared regularly, and discontinued items are cleared whenever Costco decides to stop carrying them. This is why regular shopping trips and using CostLow can help you catch deals.
