Costco employee tells customers how to unlock secret code which could save you a fortune
A former Costco worker has revealed the secret code that can be found on price labels in store - and it's one that could help you save a fortune at the wholesale corporation
A former Costco employee has revealed the secrets behind the easily-overlooked codes on price labels in the store.
The discount giant, which sees millions of customers worldwide and boasts a growing membership base, offers some insider tips for those looking to snag a deal or considering signing up.
An ex-employee named Rachael lifted the lid on the insights into the hidden codes that bargain hunters should watch for when aiming to pick up a clearance item.
One key tip is that if the price ends in 97 pence, it indicates a discount.
Rachael said: "It will be reduced from the full price to that, so it could've been £20 and it was reduced to £9.97," reports the Manchester Evening News.
This usually means that the price shown is the lowest that the product will be sold for in the store. Also, if you're on the fence about purchasing an item, look out for an asterisk on its label.
Labels with an asterisk in the top right corner signal that the item won't be restocked.
"Once it's gone, it's gone, so that's like the last remaining stock," Rachael emphasises in Channel 5's Costco vs The Supermarkets: Who Does it Cheaper? "And then, it won't be coming back after that."
Additionally, if customers are dissatisfied with a purchase, the company offers a rather generous returns policy.
"Costco have a lifetime guarantee on most items, some people do return things after quite extended periods of time."
Remembering an instance where the policy was pushed to its limits, Rachael couldn't hide her revulsion towards a customer who returned a used toilet seat.
"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," said the ex-employee.
While there are some exceptions, Costco believes in providing 100% satisfaction.
The company's website makes it clear: "Simply bring the product to any Costco warehouse and our Member Services Team will be happy to assist you."
The guidance further recommends: "It helps if you have the receipt or original product packaging, but it may not be necessary to process your return."