Maximize Your Savings by Understanding Costco Pric

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I did not know about Costco's pricing strategy. Maybe this will be helpful to some of you.

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Costco is one of the largest warehouse shopping centers around. With so many products to choose from under one roof, many come to stockpile, as well as enjoy a delicious hot dog, smoothie or gooey slice of pizza before heading home with the haul.

Did you know that Costco offers merchandise at close-out prices? The difference: they don’t advertise it. But if you know what to look for, you’ll be able to tell what type of price is listed: regular, mark-down, special order item, rebate item or discontinued item. By understanding Costco’s price codes, you can save even more money at this supercenter.

One note: you must pay attention to prices at Costco. Some markdowns are very slight ($1.00), while others are much larger. You can always find out what the original price was by simply jotting down the item number and asking the manager to look it up for you. If the listed price is not extreme enough, wait another week to see if it drops again.


Costco displays the price for each product prominently in front of the item on its price display. Along with the current price, you will be given the product number, SKU, price date and complete item description.

Let’s start with the majority of Costco’s merchandise: Most regularly priced products at Costco will have a list price with a $0.99 ending.




Products with a $0.97 ending are items that did not sell and must be cleared out for new inventory. They are marked-down, but Costco doesn’t want you to know this. You won’t find an original price with a slash mark through it, nor a clearance sign. It’s up to you to learn how to spot these deals. These are the items to look for.

Also, look to see if there is a * on the upper right side of the sign. If you see one, it means this item will not be reordered once the inventory is sold out. An * does not always mean it’s marked down, simply that it won’t be replenished. I use this guide to determine if I should stock up on a discounted item, knowing that the store inventory is all they have. If I am buying a gift item and there is an *, I usually do not wait to see if Costco lowers the price, because they may sell out of the item.


Next, look for oddly priced products ending in $0.49, $0.79 and $0.89. These special prices mean that Costco got a super deal from the vendor/manufacturer. In other words, they are special purchase products. These will be good deals compared to other retailers, but usually not as good as the merchandise ending in $0.97.

Next, look for rebates on products. Coscto partners with local state energy companies to offer you instant rebates. You will see products with this type of price display notifying that the local energy company has provided an instant savings rebate when you purchase the specified product. The final price will be reflected when you check out.

In addition to local state energy rebates, many manufacturers will also offer you instant rebates. Look for the words “Manufacturer Instant Rebates” listed next to the price. You will also be given the rebate expiration date and any rebate quantity limits. The final price will be reflected when you check out. Costco offers a complete Rebate List online. Select your state and local store to see what is available to you.

A few last pointers and tips:

Take your camera or notepad with you and snap a photo or jot down the prices of items so you can go home and comparison shop online to determine how good the deal is. This will also help you track an item’s price.
Check out Costco’s online site. Many items are unique to the site with free shipping. Get great deals on furniture, seasonal items, electronics, gift baskets and entertainment packages.
If the price does drop after you’ve purchased, bring the item back and repurchase it at the lower price. Costco has a 30-day price adjustment policy.
Costco has the most generous return policy of any retailer around. But please don’t abuse it to take unfair advantage of their liberal satisfaction guarantee.
Watch for special holiday deals.
To take full advantage of all the savings a Costco wholesale warehouse membership can offer, don’t forget to use the Costco coupons you receive in the mail, attend their special events, road shows, and food tastings.