Savvy Costco shoppers reveal how to spot manager markdowns–Are these deals real?
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Costco, the beloved warehouse club, is a map that leads to a treasure chest of deals and discounts for those who know where to look. But did you know there's a secret to snagging some of the best bargains in the store?
It's all about spotting the elusive “manager markdown”' pile, and our eagle-eyed shoppers have cracked the code. The thing is, is this hack real or is it merely a social media trend?
Imagine walking into your local Costco and there, like a beacon of savings, is an orange cart loaded with an eclectic mix of items, each one sporting a price that seems too good to be true. This isn't a daydream; it's the reality for those in the know–or so they say.
One social media user turned to an online forum to reveal how they came across a cart that’s filled with a random assortment of products.
The cart was marked with a sign reading “Ecom markdowns.” The shopper posed the question, "Found the manager markdown cart, but what's Ecom?"
The items found inside the cart included an Ultrasonic humidifier, posh tech and a National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation Calendar.

But what exactly are “Ecom markdowns”? As some seasoned Costco veterans explained on social media, these are items that were purchased online and returned to the warehouse.
One user responded that, “I think it depends on the item, its condition, and whether or not it can be sold in the store,” when it was asked if Costco can still resell these returns.
Another user chimed in, “If it's food, no. If it's not something the store sells (I saw some returned fireworks once), no.”
However, other shoppers pointed out that they have never been lucky enough to find the “discount cart” in their local store, despite going there daily.
For those of us who appreciate the value of a dollar and the thrill of a good bargain, these markdowns are a goldmine.
They're a chance to snag high-quality items—from tech gadgets to home essentials—at a fraction of the cost. And let's face it, who doesn't love the feeling of getting a great deal?
While some shoppers have stumbled upon these markdown carts by chance, others have never seen them in their local Costco. The trick, according to them, is to know where to look.
Some stores place the cart near the electronics section, while others might tuck it away in a less conspicuous spot. One user said that “There is often a locked glass unit also nearby that has perfumes and small electronics like headphones.”
However, another remarked that it depends on the store, as theirs “just puts the items in the similar aisle with a sign on it.” Sometimes, the discounted items are even placed in a locked glass unit or simply marked with a sign in their respective aisles.
Here are a few strategies to help you uncover these hidden discounts on your next Costco run, according to Costco long-time fans–which includes “never arriving with an empty stomach and leaving the kids at home.”
One user recommended that you should know how much items are in other stores, as they are not always the cheapest. Another remarked that while you’re trying to save, “Be prepared. You’ll go in there for a chicken and some muffins, then two hours later you’ll have bought a kayak.”
You can use platforms like Google Shopping to compare prices, but you should also note that Costco sells items in bulk so factor in the size when you compare the prices.
Finally, those that love food and drinks recommended not to “leave without buying a rotisserie chicken” and taking a trip to the cafe as a staple of every visit.
Have you ever scored a fantastic deal from the Costco manager markdown cart? Do you have any additional tips for finding the best bargains at Costco? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below!
It's all about spotting the elusive “manager markdown”' pile, and our eagle-eyed shoppers have cracked the code. The thing is, is this hack real or is it merely a social media trend?
Imagine walking into your local Costco and there, like a beacon of savings, is an orange cart loaded with an eclectic mix of items, each one sporting a price that seems too good to be true. This isn't a daydream; it's the reality for those in the know–or so they say.
One social media user turned to an online forum to reveal how they came across a cart that’s filled with a random assortment of products.
The cart was marked with a sign reading “Ecom markdowns.” The shopper posed the question, "Found the manager markdown cart, but what's Ecom?"
The items found inside the cart included an Ultrasonic humidifier, posh tech and a National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation Calendar.

Costco members have claimed to discover a “manager markdown” cart with discounted returned items, often labelled as “Ecom markdowns”. Image source: @kawi-bawi-bo via Reddit.
But what exactly are “Ecom markdowns”? As some seasoned Costco veterans explained on social media, these are items that were purchased online and returned to the warehouse.
One user responded that, “I think it depends on the item, its condition, and whether or not it can be sold in the store,” when it was asked if Costco can still resell these returns.
Another user chimed in, “If it's food, no. If it's not something the store sells (I saw some returned fireworks once), no.”
However, other shoppers pointed out that they have never been lucky enough to find the “discount cart” in their local store, despite going there daily.
For those of us who appreciate the value of a dollar and the thrill of a good bargain, these markdowns are a goldmine.
They're a chance to snag high-quality items—from tech gadgets to home essentials—at a fraction of the cost. And let's face it, who doesn't love the feeling of getting a great deal?
While some shoppers have stumbled upon these markdown carts by chance, others have never seen them in their local Costco. The trick, according to them, is to know where to look.
Some stores place the cart near the electronics section, while others might tuck it away in a less conspicuous spot. One user said that “There is often a locked glass unit also nearby that has perfumes and small electronics like headphones.”
However, another remarked that it depends on the store, as theirs “just puts the items in the similar aisle with a sign on it.” Sometimes, the discounted items are even placed in a locked glass unit or simply marked with a sign in their respective aisles.
Here are a few strategies to help you uncover these hidden discounts on your next Costco run, according to Costco long-time fans–which includes “never arriving with an empty stomach and leaving the kids at home.”
One user recommended that you should know how much items are in other stores, as they are not always the cheapest. Another remarked that while you’re trying to save, “Be prepared. You’ll go in there for a chicken and some muffins, then two hours later you’ll have bought a kayak.”
You can use platforms like Google Shopping to compare prices, but you should also note that Costco sells items in bulk so factor in the size when you compare the prices.
Finally, those that love food and drinks recommended not to “leave without buying a rotisserie chicken” and taking a trip to the cafe as a staple of every visit.
Key Takeaways
- Costco members have claimed to discover a “manager markdown” cart with discounted returned items, often labelled as “Ecom markdowns”.
- These discounted goods may include products ranging from tech to seasonal items that were purchased online and then returned to the store.
- The location of the markdown cart varies by store, but it often contains electronics and can sometimes be found near the TVs or locked glass units displaying perfumes and small electronics.
- Costco has a generous return policy with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, but there are a few exceptions such as electronics, diamonds, certain perishable goods, and special order items.
Have you ever scored a fantastic deal from the Costco manager markdown cart? Do you have any additional tips for finding the best bargains at Costco? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below!