Quick answer
Read the last two digits of any Costco price: .99 = full price, .97 = clearance, .49/.79/.89 = vendor promo, and .00 or .88 = final liquidation. An asterisk (*) in the tag's top-right corner means it won't be reordered. The table below is the at-a-glance version.
The Costco Price Code Cheat Sheet
| Price ending | What it means | Deal level |
|---|---|---|
| .99 | Full retail price — standard, not on promotion | None |
| .49 / .79 / .89 | Vendor-supported promo (often tied to the monthly coupon book) — temporary, not clearance | Small–medium |
| .97 | Clearance / manager markdown — discontinued or end-of-run item | Strong |
| .00 | Manager closeout — often the final price, common on floor models or last units | Deepest |
| .88 | Special clearance — returned merchandise, damaged packaging, or local manager discount | Deepest |
| * (asterisk) | Won't be reordered — once it's gone, it's gone (appears alongside any price) | Signal, not a price |
Want the full breakdown of how to actually read the tag in the aisle—where the asterisk sits, what the boxes mean, and photos of real tags? See our in-depth Costco price tag guide.
.97 — Clearance
- •Manager markdown
- •Discontinued or end-of-run item
- •Best value opportunity
Curious why a .97 item is full price across town? It's because .97 clearance is warehouse-specific.
.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
* — The Asterisk (Death Star)
An asterisk in the top-right corner of the tag is the single most useful symbol to learn. It means Costco is not reordering this item—when current stock sells out, it's gone from that warehouse for good. An asterisk alongside a .97, .00, or .88 price is your cue to buy now.
Why This Chart Matters
Memorizing these endings lets you:
- •Identify real deals instantly, without asking an employee
- •Avoid waiting on items that won't drop further
- •Prioritize which items to buy now vs. later
Once you can read the codes, the next step is finding them faster. The CostLow app alerts you when new .97 clearance items hit your warehouse, so you don't have to scan every aisle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full list of Costco price codes?
.99 = full retail price, .97 = clearance/manager markdown, .49/.79/.89 = vendor promotional pricing, .00 = manager closeout, .88 = special clearance (returns or damaged packaging), and an asterisk (*) = the item won't be reordered.
What's the difference between .97 and .88?
.97 is standard clearance. .88 typically indicates returned merchandise, damaged packaging, or a local manager discount, so it can be more warehouse-specific than .97.
Do all Costcos use the same price codes?
Yes, the price code system is consistent across all Costco warehouses. What gets marked down, however, varies by location based on local inventory.
Which Costco price code is the best deal?
.00 and .88 are usually the deepest discounts (final liquidation), followed by .97 clearance. An asterisk next to any of these is a strong signal the item is gone for good once it sells out.
Can a Costco price still change after you see the code?
Yes. Clearance prices change as inventory moves. If you see a .97, .00, or .88 item you want, don't wait—it may be gone or repriced when you return.
Explore More Guides
- →Costco Price Tags Explained
The in-depth guide to reading a tag in the aisle—anatomy, asterisk placement, and real photos.
- →What Does .97 Mean at Costco?
Why .97 clearance is warehouse-specific and how to spot the best deals before they sell out.
- →Costco Price Adjustments Explained
Get money back when a price drops to .97 within 30 days of your purchase.
