Costco shoppers, beware! How two little numbers can trick you into paying $20 more for the same item!
By
Michelle E.
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Attention, savvy shoppers! If you're a fan of the treasure hunt experience at Costco, you know the thrill of snagging a great deal.
But did you know that a tiny detail on the price tag could be the key to unlocking even more savings? Let's dive into the curious case of the $20 issue and uncover the secret language of Costco's pricing.
Imagine strolling through the aisles of your local Costco, your eyes scanning the shelves for quality items at unbeatable prices.
Suddenly, you spot two sets of glass cups that look nearly identical. One set, a vibrant blue, is priced at $29.99.
Just a few steps away, red and green sets beckon with a tempting tag of $9.97. That's more than a $20 difference for what appears to be the same product!
This isn't just a random occurrence; it's a calculated move by Costco, and it all comes down to the last two digits of the price.
Those in the know understand that these numbers aren't arbitrary—they're a code that can lead to significant savings.
Here's the breakdown of Costco's pricing symbols:
- $.99: The item is sold at full price, no discounts applied.
- $.97: A signal that the item is on clearance or has a manager's discount.
- $.49 or $.79: These prices indicate a limited-time sale.
- $.00: You've hit the jackpot with a deep discount.
- Asterisk (*): Also known as the “Costco Death Star,” this symbol means the item may be discontinued soon and is likely a final markdown.
In our glassware example, the red and green sets ending in $.97 were on clearance, likely due to their seasonal nature.
After all, red and green scream Christmas, and once the holiday cheer fades, so does the demand for such items. The blue set, however, remained at full price ($.99), probably because it's a color that sells well throughout the year.
The asterisk on a price tag is a tell-tale sign that an item won't be around for long. While this can mean discounts, it's not a guarantee.
The blue glassware, despite bearing the asterisk, wasn't marked down, suggesting it's a popular item that doesn't need a price cut to sell.
For those with a keen eye, spotting the Death Star and $.97 combo can lead to some serious deals.
Take, for instance, the mini cinnamon rolls from Sprout Creek Bakery. Marked with both symbols, these delicious treats were reduced to a mere $1.97 per dozen—a steal for anyone with a sweet tooth!
Have you ever discovered an incredible deal using Costco's pricing codes? Or perhaps you've encountered a policy that left you scratching your head? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!
But did you know that a tiny detail on the price tag could be the key to unlocking even more savings? Let's dive into the curious case of the $20 issue and uncover the secret language of Costco's pricing.
Imagine strolling through the aisles of your local Costco, your eyes scanning the shelves for quality items at unbeatable prices.
Suddenly, you spot two sets of glass cups that look nearly identical. One set, a vibrant blue, is priced at $29.99.
Just a few steps away, red and green sets beckon with a tempting tag of $9.97. That's more than a $20 difference for what appears to be the same product!
This isn't just a random occurrence; it's a calculated move by Costco, and it all comes down to the last two digits of the price.
Those in the know understand that these numbers aren't arbitrary—they're a code that can lead to significant savings.
Here's the breakdown of Costco's pricing symbols:
- $.99: The item is sold at full price, no discounts applied.
- $.97: A signal that the item is on clearance or has a manager's discount.
- $.49 or $.79: These prices indicate a limited-time sale.
- $.00: You've hit the jackpot with a deep discount.
- Asterisk (*): Also known as the “Costco Death Star,” this symbol means the item may be discontinued soon and is likely a final markdown.
In our glassware example, the red and green sets ending in $.97 were on clearance, likely due to their seasonal nature.
After all, red and green scream Christmas, and once the holiday cheer fades, so does the demand for such items. The blue set, however, remained at full price ($.99), probably because it's a color that sells well throughout the year.
The asterisk on a price tag is a tell-tale sign that an item won't be around for long. While this can mean discounts, it's not a guarantee.
The blue glassware, despite bearing the asterisk, wasn't marked down, suggesting it's a popular item that doesn't need a price cut to sell.
For those with a keen eye, spotting the Death Star and $.97 combo can lead to some serious deals.
Take, for instance, the mini cinnamon rolls from Sprout Creek Bakery. Marked with both symbols, these delicious treats were reduced to a mere $1.97 per dozen—a steal for anyone with a sweet tooth!
Key Takeaways
- Costco shoppers noticed a significant price difference between identical items due to the last two digits of their price tags.
- Items with prices ending in $0.97 are on clearance at Costco, indicating they may not be restocked.
- The colour of the glassware set — red and green being seasonal — contributed to the price gap, with blue sets remaining at full price.
- Costco's pricing symbols, including a potential discontinuation asterisk (the 'Death Star') and other numbers, help indicate deals and discounts on products.
Have you ever discovered an incredible deal using Costco's pricing codes? Or perhaps you've encountered a policy that left you scratching your head? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!