10-05-2025
Die-hard Costco fans share members-only terms you MUST know to score the best deals
Costco fanatics have revealed the members-only terms that are key to scoring hidden deals at the hugely popular superstore.
Super fans David and Susan Schwartz learned about the terms while visiting over 200 stores to write their book, The Joy of Costco: A Treasure Hunt from A to Z, The Street reported.
One of the frequently heard utterances was 'showtime ready,' referring to the state employees arriving for 4am shifts must get the store in before opening the doors.
Stores that are 'showtime ready' include fully stocked products, clear aisles, and fresh food at sampling stations.
If workers set up properly, members will have a better chance of scoring the best deals on popular products before they sell out.
Customers can also score massive deals on products showing a small asterisk known as the 'death star,' representing items about to run out or be discontinued.
The label lets shoppers know they should snap up an item quickly or risk it disappearing.
Another term, 'fence,' refers to chain-link fences located near Costco store entrances where members might be able to find some sneaky deals.
Costco members can occasionally get a head start on finding the best deals if they're outside before the store opens
The term dates back to the 1990s, right before Costco merged with the now-defunct Price Club store chain, whose location in San Diego had a chain-link fence that store leaders deemed to pricey to remove.
The 'fence' surrounds an area showcasing special promotional and seasonal items.
While the fenced-in products aren't necessarily less expensive, they do help customers spot unexpected promotions before making their way to the rest of the store.
Members can also occasionally get a head start on finding the best deals if they're outside before the store opens.
Costco employees who spot shoppers outside before opening have welcomed them inside at least 15 minutes early.
The Schwartzes' book was released in 2023 and became a best-seller.
All of the information gathered in the book came from visiting Costco stores in 14 countries, including China and France.
Another fact they jotted down was the never-changing price of its $1.50 hot dog and soda combo.
The store has made several changes since their book was published.
A notable change was Costco's decision to swap Pepsi for Coca-Cola in its food courts.
They received backlash over the beverage swap, and slammed for its decision to enforce shoppers to provide proof of membership at food courts.
Despite these changes, along with food court price hike claims, the chain earned $62.53 billion in net sales during its recent quarter, a 9.1 percent increase compared to this time last year.
