What the price tag endings mean
Members swap theories about the cents on warehouse price signs. Here's what they're widely believed to mean, and how much to trust them.
First, a warning
Costco has never published an official key to its price endings. Everything below comes from what shoppers, former employees and consumer reporters have described over the years. The sources mostly agree, but not on every detail, and practices can differ by warehouse. Treat these as hints, not promises.
The common readings of Costco price codes and symbols
| Price ends in | Commonly believed to mean | How sure |
|---|---|---|
| .99 | Regular full price. No markdown or special deal. | Widely agreed |
| .97 | A clearance markdown. Sources disagree on whether it's set nationally or by the local warehouse. | Widely agreed it's a markdown |
| .00 or .88 | A one-off manager markdown, often for a return, an open box, a floor model, a damaged item or the last few in stock. | Widely agreed |
| .49, .79, .89 and other endings | A deal or promotion from the manufacturer. The price may go back up when it ends. | Commonly reported |
| An asterisk (*) | The item may not be restocked: it could be discontinued, seasonal or simply not reordered. | Commonly reported, with some disagreement |
How to use this in the warehouse
- See a .97 on something you'd buy anyway? It may be the lowest price you'll see, and stock is usually limited.
- See a .00 or .88? Check the item over before you buy. These are often returns or open boxes, so look for missing parts.
- See an asterisk on a favorite? If you rely on it, it may be worth buying a spare, since it might not come back.
- Not sure? Ask a staff member. They can tell you whether an item is being discontinued or why it was marked down.
Already bought it at full price?
If you find a markdown on something you bought in the last 30 days, you may be able to get the difference back. See Costco price adjustments.
Don't forget the unit price
A markdown only matters if the item was a good deal to begin with. The unit price on the shelf sign (per ounce, per count) is the fairest way to compare with another store.
What about returns on marked-down items?
If you're buying an open-box or damaged item at a markdown, ask at the register how a return would work before you pay. For everything else, see our return policy guide.
Common questions
What does a Costco price ending in .97 mean?
Shoppers widely read .97 as a clearance markdown: the warehouse is lowering the price to clear stock. Costco has never confirmed it, but it's the most consistent of the price codes people report.
Is a .97 price the lowest it will go?
Often, but not always. Some .97 items are marked down more than once. If the price drops within 30 days of when you bought it, ask for a price adjustment.
What do .00 and .88 mean at Costco?
They're commonly described as one-off manager markdowns: returns, open boxes, floor models, damaged items or the last few of something. Inspect the item before you buy.
What does the asterisk on a Costco price sign mean?
Shoppers commonly report that an asterisk, usually in a top corner of the sign, means the item may not be reordered. It might be discontinued or seasonal. If you depend on it, buy a spare or ask a staff member.
What does a price ending in .99 mean?
That's read as the regular price, with no markdown.
Do the price codes work on Costco.com?
The endings are a warehouse-sign tradition; online prices don't follow them in any reliable way. Costco.com shows sale prices directly.
Is this official Costco policy?
No. Costco doesn't publish what its price endings mean, and practices can vary by warehouse. Everything on this page is shopper and former-employee lore, so treat it as a hint.
Last reviewed October 18, 2026.