TikToker Cracks Secret Costco Pricing Code: 'Never Miss a Great Deal Again'. Watch the Video.

Costco customers are discovering that the wholesaler's pricing contains hidden codes that reveal special deals and discounts. A viral TikTok video with over 1.3 million views claims to decode the cent values on Costco's price tags, uncovering their secret meanings.

The key to deciphering Costco's prices lies in the cents, according to TikTok user Ryan Quinlan. His video breaks down what each price ending allegedly signifies:

Prices ending in .99 indicate a regularly priced item. Costco prices most goods at .99.

A .97 price denotes a store manager's deal, exclusive to that location. These prices likely won't last long.

Items priced at .49 and .79 signal a manufacturer's special offer, like a product test discount.

Goods priced .00 are low in stock. Managers discount these items to clear inventory.

An asterisk on the price tag means the product is discontinued. Costco heavily discounts these goods to sell remaining stock.

Quinlan told Fox Business he learned the code after noticing pricing patterns on Costco trips with his wife. Online forums explained the cent values' meanings. He shared the hack so others could find deals.

While Quinlan can't confirm exceptions to the code, he says it has helped him locate bargains. He recommends comparing "special deal" prices to retail prices online to gauge savings.

Other retailers like Best Buy reportedly use similar pricing tactics. But Costco declined to comment on the alleged meaning behind its price tags.

The viral video has sparked debate among Costco shoppers. Some employees confirmed the codes in comments. One noted that customers can price adjust within 30 days if an item's price drops.

However, some found exceptions. "I call it the ‘asterisk of death’ - RIP my fav discontinued products," wrote one user. Quinlan acknowledged the codes may not always indicate a must-buy deal.

Still, the “secret” pricing system represents a useful shopping hack for dedicated Costco members. It provides a blueprint for spotting special manager and manufacturer offers. The codes allow customers to hone in on the biggest markdowns, especially on discontinued items.

Armed with this new knowledge, Costco devotees may gain an edge in navigating the warehouse's maze of products. They can more easily separate the best deals from the merely ordinary prices. This insider information promises to take Costco bargain hunting to the next level.