Costco has become a surprising heavyweight in the consumer electronics space, offering everything from premium OLED televisions to high-end laptops and smart home hubs. However, the average shopper often misses the deepest discounts because they do not understand Costco’s unique pricing lifecycle. This guide breaks down the real-world mechanics of Costco’s electronics pricing, showing you exactly when to buy, how to read the price tags, and which hidden markdowns signal the best deals.

Understanding the Costco Price Tag Code

Before you can save money, you must learn to read the language of the warehouse. Costco uses a specific set of price tag indicators that tell you whether an item is a standard stock item, a closeout, or a temporary markdown. Ignoring these codes is the most common mistake shoppers make.

The Asterisk (*) Indicator

The single most important symbol on any Costco price tag is the asterisk in the upper right corner. When you see an asterisk next to the price, it means that item will not be restocked. This is your signal that the current inventory is all that remains. For electronics, this often indicates a model that is being discontinued or replaced by a newer version. The price may already be reduced, but the real opportunity comes when the asterisk is combined with a price ending in .97 or .00.

Price Endings: .97, .00, and .99

Costco price tags ending in .99 represent the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). This is the standard price you would pay at any retailer. A price ending in .97 signals a warehouse-level clearance markdown. This is a manager’s special, often applied to slow-moving inventory or overstock. A price ending in .00 is the final markdown. This is the absolute lowest price Costco will sell the item for, and it typically appears only on clearance items with an asterisk.

The “-” (Dash) in the Price

You will occasionally see a dash or hyphen in the price field, such as “$499.99 - $200.” This indicates a temporary price reduction that is applied at the register. The lower number is what you will actually pay. This is common for electronics during promotional periods like the holiday season or back-to-school sales. Do not confuse this with a permanent price drop—the dash usually disappears after the promotion ends.

Timing Your Electronics Purchases at Costco

Costco operates on a predictable sales cycle. Knowing the calendar can save you hundreds of dollars on major electronics purchases. The warehouse does not announce these cycles, but they are consistent year after year.

New Model Releases (January and September)

Major electronics manufacturers—Samsung, LG, Sony, and Apple—typically release new models in January (for CES) and September (for back-to-school and holiday launches). Costco begins clearing out the previous year’s models about 4 to 6 weeks before these release dates. For example, if a new OLED TV is announced in January, look for the previous year’s model to hit the .97 clearance price in mid-December. This is the sweet spot for deep discounts on high-end televisions and laptops.

End-of-Quarter Clearance (March, June, September, December)

Costco’s fiscal quarters end in March, June, September, and December. During the last two weeks of each quarter, warehouse managers are under pressure to reduce inventory levels. Electronics that have been sitting on the shelf for more than 60 days often receive a .97 markdown. Check the price tags during these windows for items with an asterisk and a .97 ending.

Post-Holiday Returns (January and July)

Costco has a generous return policy, and many electronics are returned after the holidays. These items are not resold as new. Instead, they are marked down and placed on the clearance floor. Look for open-box or refurbished electronics in the clearance section during January and July. These are often indistinguishable from new units but carry a .00 price ending.

Real-World Examples of Costco Electronics Deals

To illustrate how these principles work in practice, here are three specific scenarios based on actual Costco pricing patterns.

Example 1: The OLED Television Closeout

Scenario: You see a 65-inch LG C3 OLED TV priced at $1,299.99 with an asterisk in the corner. The price tag shows no dash or additional discount. The standard retail price for this model is $1,799.99. The asterisk tells you this model is being discontinued to make room for the C4 series. The price is already a good deal, but you can do better. Wait two weeks. If the price drops to $999.97, that is the clearance markdown. If it drops to $899.00, that is the final markdown. The .00 price is your signal to buy immediately, as inventory will vanish within days.

Example 2: The Laptop with a Dash Promotion

Scenario: A Dell XPS 15 laptop is listed at $1,499.99 with a dash showing “-$200.” The price tag does not have an asterisk. This is a temporary promotion, not a clearance. The dash means you will pay $1,299.99 at the register. This is a solid deal, but it is not the lowest price. If you wait until the end of the quarter and the laptop still has inventory, it may receive a .97 markdown. However, if the promotion ends and the price returns to $1,499.99, you missed the window. The rule here: if you need the laptop now, buy during the dash promotion. If you can wait, check back after the quarter ends.

Example 3: The Soundbar Bundle Markdown

Scenario: A Samsung soundbar and subwoofer bundle is priced at $399.99 with an asterisk. The price tag shows a .97 ending. This is a clearance item at a manager’s special price. The asterisk confirms it will not be restocked. At $399.97, this is likely already a 30-40% discount off retail. However, check the date on the tag. If the item has been on the floor for more than 30 days, the price may drop again to .00. The risk is that another shopper buys it first. For soundbars and accessories, the .97 price is often the final stop before the item is pulled from the floor. Buy at .97 unless you are willing to gamble on the .00.

Common Mistakes Shoppers Make at Costco

Even experienced bargain hunters fall into predictable traps when shopping for electronics at Costco. Avoid these errors to maximize your savings.

  • Ignoring the asterisk: Many shoppers see a low price and buy immediately without checking for the asterisk. If the item has no asterisk, it is a standard stock item that will be restocked. The price may drop further. Wait for the asterisk to appear before buying.
  • Buying at .99 without comparison: A price ending in .99 is MSRP. You can often find the same item for less at Amazon, Best Buy, or B&H Photo. Do not assume Costco has the lowest price just because you are in the warehouse. Check online before purchasing.
  • Overlooking the clearance section: Costco clearance is not always on the main floor. Look for pallets or endcaps near the back of the warehouse, often near the dairy or frozen food sections. Electronics clearance items are frequently moved to these areas to make room for new stock.
  • Assuming the .00 price is the best: While .00 is the final markdown, it is not always the lowest price relative to market value. Some .00 prices are still higher than competing retailers’ clearance prices. Always compare the .00 price against online marketplaces like eBay or refurbished sellers before committing.
  • Forgetting the membership fee: Costco requires a membership to shop. The standard Gold Star membership is $60 per year. Factor this cost into your savings calculation. If you only buy one electronics item per year, the membership fee may offset your discount. For frequent shoppers, the Executive membership ($120 per year) offers 2% cash back on purchases, which can be significant on high-ticket electronics.

When to Call a Technician or Inspector

While this guide focuses on pricing strategy, there are situations where you should involve a professional before or after your purchase. These scenarios are rare but critical for avoiding costly mistakes.

Pre-Purchase Inspection for Open-Box Items

If you find an open-box or refurbished electronics item at Costco, inspect it thoroughly before buying. Check for physical damage, missing accessories, and signs of previous use. If the item is a television, ask a warehouse employee to power it on and display a solid white screen to check for dead pixels. If you are unsure about the condition, request a price adjustment or a full refund policy in writing. Costco’s return policy is generous, but open-box items may have different terms.

Post-Purchase Installation Issues

If you purchase a large television or home theater system, consider hiring a professional installer. Costco offers installation services through third-party providers, but they are not always included in the price. A qualified technician can ensure proper wall mounting, cable management, and calibration. Attempting to install a 75-inch OLED television yourself can result in damage to the unit or injury. If you are not comfortable with the installation, call a senior technician or an AV integrator.

Warranty and Service Questions

Costco electronics come with a manufacturer’s warranty and an additional one-year warranty through Costco’s Concierge Service. However, if you purchase a refurbished or open-box item, the warranty may be reduced. If you have questions about coverage, contact Costco’s Concierge Service directly at 1-866-861-0450. Do not rely on warehouse employees for warranty details—they are not trained in this area. If you encounter a defective unit, return it to the warehouse within 90 days for a full refund. After 90 days, contact the manufacturer for warranty service.

Practical Takeaway

Mastering Costco electronics deals is about learning the language of the price tag and the rhythm of the sales calendar. Look for the asterisk, wait for the .97 or .00 price endings, and time your purchases around new model releases and end-of-quarter clearance. Avoid the common mistakes of buying at MSRP or ignoring the clearance section. With these strategies, you can consistently save 30-50% on high-quality electronics without sacrificing the peace of mind that comes with Costco’s return policy. The next time you walk into a warehouse, you will not just be shopping—you will be hunting.