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
| 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.
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.
Last reviewed October 12, 2026.