Match the tag to the box
Check the item number, description, size and count. A nearby tag can belong to a different product. Ask warehouse staff if the package and shelf tag don’t match.
Read the offer dates and limits
Check the selling price, amount off, sale dates and purchase limit. A discount shown for one size or model may not apply to another.
What .97, .00 and the asterisk can mean
Costco’s 2018 U.S. employee orientation magazine describes .97 as a buyer markdown and .00 as a warehouse markdown. It describes an asterisk as an item pending deletion, discontinued or inactive.
That explanation comes from dated training material. It doesn’t guarantee today’s restocking plans, return terms or lowest price. We haven’t verified a universal meaning for .88 or .93; ask staff about the item.
Keep the warehouse and date with a price
Costco says warehouse prices can vary with inventory, supplier pricing and local competition. A photo from another warehouse can help you compare, but check your own shelf tag before buying.
Compare the amount you can actually use
A large package can be good value without being the right purchase for your household. Read the total weight and the number of inner packs. Individually sealed portions may fit the way you shop better than a single large container, even when the shelf labels appear similar.
When a unit price is printed, check its denominator before comparing it with another tag. Price per ounce, per pound and per item are not interchangeable. If you calculate your own, use the selling price and the full usable quantity in the package. Keep taxes, deposits and any delivery charges separate from a simple shelf-price comparison.
When a tag makes you hesitate
If the price seems unusually low, first check that the tag belongs to the product in front of it. Compare the item number and package description, then read the dates and any quantity limit. A neighboring pallet or a different model can make a convincing-looking price comparison wrong.
If something still does not line up, ask a warehouse employee to check that item. A photo can help you remember which tag you saw; it is not a substitute for confirming the offer that applies to your purchase. Save the receipt after checkout, especially when you are comparing a promotion with a purchase you made earlier.
Sources & further reading
- Costco: Why do prices vary between warehouse locations?
- Costco: Are warehouse and online prices the same?
- Costco U.S. Orientation Magazine (2018), page 19
Check Costco’s current terms for your purchase.
