Selling Through Costco

Costco Insider Price Decoder
You may have seen these before. This is a reminder.
The codes are on multiple websites and you can review them on your phone while shopping.

Oh, you’d like one of your products sold in Costco stores?
These codes represent discounts to your profits and are are often beyond your control. And how about that famous “No questions asked” return policy! How will that affect your staffing, logistics, handling, shipping, warranty and refurbishment and replacement expenses?
When there is going to be a closeout of your products or company, do you think you can prevent or appeal the process?
Know the fine print, in advance.

Prices ending in .97: This item is marked down for final clearance and will NEVER be restocked once it's gone.
These are often 30-50% off original price, but there's no "I'll come back next week" – grab it now or lose it forever.

The Asterisk (*): That tiny asterisk in the upper right corner means the item is officially discontinued. No rain checks, no special orders, no exceptions – when it's gone, it's gone permanently.

Prices ending in .00: The store manager personally marked this item down to clear it out fast. These manager specials often appear when they need space for incoming inventory.

Prices ending in .88: This discount is unique to your specific store location, often due to damaged packaging or local overstock. Other Costco locations may not have this same deal.

Prices ending in .99 or .49: These are standard Costco prices that follow normal sale cycles. The item will be restocked and may go on sale again in the future.

Prices ending in .79: The manufacturer has partnered with Costco to offer a temporary lower price. It is sometimes done with a sampling program or introducing a new product in Costco stores.

Written, Edited and Enhanced by Dave Savage - InventorsEducationForum.org 8 5 2026