If you’re a Costco enthusiast, you probably know there’s more to the warehouse store than just bulk shopping.

The real secrets to scoring hidden deals are all about knowing the insider terms.

David and Susan Schwartz, who spent countless hours visiting over 200 Costco locations worldwide, uncovered these game-changing tips while writing their best-selling book, The Joy of Costco: A Treasure Hunt from A to Z.

Showtime Ready: What It Means for Shoppers

One term you’ll likely hear among Costco super fans is “showtime ready.”

This phrase refers to the critical 4 a.m. shift when employees prepare the store before opening its doors.

A “showtime ready” store means shelves are fully stocked, aisles are clear, and the sampling stations are set up with fresh food—essentially, everything is prepped for peak shopping.

If you time your visit right and catch the store in this perfectly prepared state, you have a better chance of snagging the best deals on popular products before they sell out.

The ‘Death Star’ – An Indicator for Bargains

Next up is the mysterious “death star”—a small asterisk found on certain price tags.

This marks items that are either nearing the end of their stock or are about to be discontinued.

When you spot this symbol, it’s time to act fast.

Those deals are about to vanish, so don’t wait around if you’ve got your eye on something!

The Fence: A Sneaky Spot for Hidden Gems

Another term you might come across is “fence,” referring to the chain-link fences near Costco store entrances.

These fences often surround areas with special seasonal or promotional items that could offer some unexpected deals.

This term harks back to the 1990s, when Costco merged with the now-defunct Price Club.

At that time, the San Diego Price Club store had a fence around its promotions, which the company found too expensive to remove.

While not every item in the fenced-off area is cheaper, it’s a great spot to find unique promotions that might not be available elsewhere in the store.

Getting a Head Start: Early Bird Shoppers

For those who like to get ahead of the game, there’s a chance to score early access to deals.

If you’re waiting outside before the store opens, Costco employees sometimes let members in as much as 15 minutes early.

It’s an unofficial perk that can give you a leg up in grabbing the best items before the crowds flood in.

Behind the Book: Global Insights and Surprising Discoveries

David and Susan Schwartz’s book, published in 2023, highlights not just the secrets of Costco in the U.S., but also the global shopping experience.

Their research took them to Costco locations in 14 countries, including China and France.

They also uncovered some fun facts, like the store’s iconic $1.50 hot dog and soda combo, which has remained unchanged for years.

However, since the book’s release, some things have shifted at Costco.

For instance, the store made waves by switching from Pepsi to Coca-Cola in its food courts, sparking backlash from loyal Pepsi drinkers.

Additionally, Costco began requiring proof of membership to access its food courts, which didn’t sit well with everyone.

Costco’s Continued Success Despite Changes

Despite some recent controversies and changes, such as food court price increases, Costco’s business remains strong.

The company reported a 9.1% increase in net sales, totaling $62.53 billion in the most recent quarter.

So, even with a few tweaks here and there, Costco continues to thrive, keeping shoppers happy and eager for the next great deal.

What’s next? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: savvy members will continue hunting for those hidden treasures.