00:0010 Things Costco Employees Know That Most Shoppers Never Hear
00:04Costco Food Court sold a record 358,000 whole pizzas on Halloween 2024,
00:11revealing the massive systems behind the warehouse giant.
00:14Beneath the bulk deals is a coded structure employees use every day,
00:18price tags, inventory rules, and timing windows that quietly shape real savings.
00:24Staff say understanding these signals can save hundreds each year.
00:28Here's what's really happening inside Costco and why it matters.
00:32Prices ending in 0.97 signal a final markdown.
00:36Employees know these items will not be discounted further and are often not restocked.
00:42Waiting usually means missing out entirely, so staff buy immediately when they see this price code.
00:48An asterisk on a price tag means the item is discontinued.
00:52Once current inventory sells out, it will not return to that warehouse.
00:56Employees treat this as a true last chance, while many shoppers mistakenly expect restocks.
01:02Standard Costco prices end in 0.99.
01:06Prices ending in 0.00 indicate manager-approved clearance unique to that warehouse.
01:11These localized markdowns can offer exceptional value but vary by location.
01:17Prices ending in 9 reflect manufacturer-funded promotions.
01:20These discounts run on predictable cycles and disappear quickly once the promotion ends.
01:27Employees time purchases around these brand schedules.
01:30January is Costco's deepest discount period.
01:34Post-holiday returns and inventory resets force warehouses to clear electronics, apparel, and home goods.
01:41Employees often save 30-50% by planning big purchases during this window.
01:48Bakery items must cool below 80 degrees Fahrenheit before packaging.
01:52Packaging warm goods traps moisture and causes mold.
01:56What feels like reduced freshness is actually a quality and safety standard across all warehouses.
02:01In 14 U.S. states, alcohol can legally be purchased without a Costco membership.
02:08Employees regularly see non-members enter solely for alcohol, especially around holidays, saving on membership fees.
02:15In August 2024, Costco enforced stricter photo ID checks at entrances to stop card sharing.
02:22Employees report increased enforcement and reduced tolerance for shared memberships.
02:27Most items rotate into sales every 4 to 8 weeks.
02:30Employees wait for predictable price drops rather than buying at full price, often saving 20-40% without risking clearance sellouts.
02:40Food court demand peaks Thursday through Sunday, with wait times reaching 45 minutes.
02:46Employees avoid these windows and order pizza on quieter weekdays for faster service.
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