Costco, the budget warehouse giant, is a relative newcomer to the Aussie retail block, but it’s caught on as a favourite shopping destination for those seeking value for money.

However, did you know that there's a secret guide to Costco's pricing that can help you save even more on your shopping?

This insider's guide reveals the truth behind Costco's pricing system, helping you identify the best buys and maximise your Costco membership.

Costco's appeal lies in its ability to offer discounted everyday items, ranging from groceries and clothing to electronics and home décor.

Despite the annual $65 membership fee, which may initially deter some shoppers, the potential savings make it a worthwhile investment for many.

With 15 store locations across Australia, the warehouse giant has become a go-to for savvy shoppers.

Carla, a mother of three and a seasoned Costco shopper, has shared her insights into the store's pricing system. According to her, Costco uses five different prices to indicate whether products are on clearance, unusually cheap, or part of a special manager's deal.

Source: Reddit

Here's a breakdown of what the different prices at Costco mean:

• Prices ending in 99c: These items are full price. They're the standard offerings you'll find in the store.
• Prices ending in 97c: These are special corporate markdowns. These deals won't be around for long and can offer significant discounts.
• Prices ending in 49c or 79c: These are the manufacturer's special offers. These prices usually apply to products with a trial run and are cheaper than their retail price.
• Prices ending in .00: These items are on their way out. The store manager wants these items off the shelf for good, so they're priced down and nearly out of stock.
• Prices marked with an asterisk (*): These items are discontinued and priced cheaply to get them off the shelves.

Thankfully, several social media users also added more information about this pricing guide. One person wrote:

Current Costco employee. This is all correct, but just want to add:

If it ends in .97, that's not a ‘store manager special’, that's clearance. Our warehouse doesn't decide what to mark down with a .97, corporate/buyers do.

If it ends in .00, that is warehouse-specific; the store management has decided to [remove] it as quickly as possible. But that also means that just because you see something priced at .00 in one Costco doesn't mean you'll see that same price at another Costco.

Another employee said:

Veteran employee here.

.00 is [the] manager deal. .97 is corporate or buyer markdown.

.00 is furniture and big ticket items. Or [the] last items on [the] shelf. Most stores or all will not allow employees to buy .00 items unless it’s a special okay from the manager. Like produce or a food item.

[They] don't want animosity between shifts of employees fighting about deals they did not get.

Price changes often occur before opening unless it’s an occasional manager markdown. I’ve seen meat and certain items get marked down and gone by the middle of the day.

A third person pointed out, ‘Asterisk also means Costco won’t restock the item, though it still exists elsewhere. It’s not a good metric on whether the item is ‘cheaper’ because often it’s not necessarily marked down, just limited run.’

Armed with this knowledge, you can navigate the aisles of Costco with a keen eye for the best deals.

Several customers have shared their experiences scoring bargain buys at Costco. One customer shared, 'The .00 prices are insane. I got a braiser pan that usually retails for $75 for $15 because it was the last one in the store.'

Another wrote, 'I've gotten lots of great deals on asterisk prices—definitely recommend looking out for them.'

Costco's pricing system may seem complex at first, but once you understand it, you can use it to your advantage. Knowing what to look for lets you identify the best deals and make your Costco membership work harder for you.

So, the next time you're at Costco, keep an eye out for those 97c, .00, and asterisk-marked prices, and you might just walk away with a cart full of bargains.

Here’s a video explaining the pricing guide:

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Key Takeaways

• A guide has revealed the different types of prices in Costco, which indicate whether products are on clearance, unusually cheap, or part of a manager's special deal.
• Customers can save money by looking for prices ending in 97c, which are special corporate markdowns, and items with prices ending in .00, which are nearly out of stock and priced down.
• Products marked with asterisks (*) are discontinued and priced cheaply to clear them off the shelves.
• Shoppers can significantly cut their grocery bills by buying in bulk at Costco and taking advantage of these pricing strategies.

Do you know about Costco's pricing system, members? Have you managed to snag any incredible deals? Share your stories with us in the comments below.

 

[Ashmenou]

Unfortunately their shops are always sondar that only those with cars can join