What's Up With The Asterisk On Costco Price Tags?

If you're a savvy shopper searching for great deals, especially on bulk goods, you might be a Costco member. Besides the fact that you can buy everything from a new sectional to a vacation at Costco, the wholesaler is far from an ordinary grocery store. Each location is characterized by its classic warehouse model, which is laid out specifically to send shoppers on so-called "treasure hunts" until they end their adventure at the food court — and if you're a 'za lover, it will be hard to resist Costco's insanely cheesy pizza after an afternoon spent navigating the massive store. However, the company's unique approach to retail doesn't begin and end with the sheer scale of products and post-shopping treats available at each location.

Costco is also a special place to shop when it comes to pricing — something you'll love if you're looking for ways to save money or score limited-time goods. As you wander the towering aisles, you'll notice that each pallet of items has a large white placard above it. This price tag is unlike those at other stores, not just in terms of size but information. One of the signature differences is the occasional asterisk featured in the top right corner of the tags. This symbol is used to signify that a product won't be available on Costco's shelves for much longer. By keeping an eye out for it (and other key details worth decoding on the price tags), you can shop smarter and more strategically.

Sometimes referred to as the "death star," an asterisk on a Costco price tag indicates that the product will not be restocked after the inventory runs out. Whether it's attached to merchandise that's been discontinued by the supplier or a seasonal product, the item likely won't be available for long. That means if it's attached to a kitchen gadget you've been eyeing for a while, you'll want to snag it quickly. When it comes to shelf-stable foods, such as your favorite brand of pasta sauce or protein bars, it may be best to take the store's bulk-buying model seriously and stock up while you can, as the product probably won't be on the shelves the next time you visit your local Costco.

Often, prices punctuated with an asterisk are also heavily marked down. You can typically determine this based on two things: the date underneath the price, which indicates the last time it was changed, and the exact price itself. This won't always be the case, but depending on what you're purchasing, it may also be worth scoping out competitors' prices to see if you're getting a great deal. It might just be the final push you need to fill up your cart and, ultimately, your pantry. The silver lining? At least you won't have to go shopping for that specific item for a long time.

Asterisks aren't the only things worth looking for when scoping out Costco price tags. In fact, each item's price can reveal a surprising amount of information. Those ending in .99 or .89 are standard prices, so you won't be getting a special discount on these products (excluding any discount Costco may have negotiated with the supplier). A price that ends in .97 indicates that the item is on clearance to increase sales of specific items.

For the best deals, scan item placards for prices ending in .00 and .88. These products are heavily discounted, boasting lower prices set by individual store managers. However, these markdowns (sometimes paired with asterisks) are usually applied to items that are extremely low in stock and may be discontinued, which can include returns or floor models. That means you should inspect the merchandise closely before placing it in your cart to make sure it's undamaged and that all the parts are included. This is especially important for furniture and other home goods. Still, if you're keen on finding special deals specific to each store, shopping at another Costco location could help you save money or find a unique product that isn't available at your closest warehouse. Armed with knowledge about Costco's price tags and a keen eye, you'll be prepared to seize savings and snag goods only available for a limited time.