Ex-Costco worker shares secret codes to help you spot real bargains

If you’re a sucker for Costco’s low warehouse prices you’ll be pleased to know there’s a way to save even more cash.

A former Costco worker, known only as Rachael, has shared her insider knowledge when it comes to specific codes to look out for, which tell customers whether or not they’re bagging a real bargain.

And, it’s all about checking the price tags in store.

The first thing you want to take notice of, is whether the price tag ends in the number .97 – for example, when an item is sold for £17.97.

According to Rachael, the 97 means that the item has been discounted, and is therefore usually the final and cheapest price Costco will be selling that product for.

Essentially, you know the price isn’t going to get any better than that, so you may as well add it into your trolley.

Next up, if you’re still debating whether to make a purchase, you should also check the label for an asterisk.

The little star-shaped symbol will likely be in the top right corner of the sticker and it means that this will be your last chance to purchase that particular item in-store.

‘Once it’s gone, it’s gone, so that’s like the last remaining stock,’ Rachael explained in the Channel 5 documentary Costco vs The Supermarkets: Who Does it Cheaper?

‘It won’t be coming back after that.’

Rachael also noted that Costco’s returns policy is pretty generous.

‘Costco have a lifetime guarantee on most items, some people do return things after quite extended periods of time,’ she added.

Although exercise some common sense with this policy because there are some things that just shouldn’t be returned.

Rachael shared a customer horror story she experienced while working at a Costco store.

She said: ‘The most ridiculous thing that I saw on the membership desk was someone returned a used toilet seat after she had it for a while, because the soft-close had stopped working… she didn’t clean it.’

Although there are a few exceptions here and there, Costco promises 100% satisfaction with its products.

On the website it states: ‘Simply bring the product to any Costco warehouse and our Member Services Team will be happy to assist you.

‘It helps if you have the receipt or original product packaging, but it may not be necessary to process your return.’

So, go and snap up your bargains.

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