A former Costco worker has lifted the lid on the secret codes to look out for if you're hoping to secure yourself a real bargain when visiting one of the wholesaler's warehouses.

There are more than 25 Costco warehouses scattered across the UK including in London, Birmingham and Liverpool.

If you are a sucker for the wholesalers low warehouse prices, you'll be pleased to know there are ways in which you can save yourself even more money.

Costco worker reveals 'secret' codes to look for to secure 'real bargains'

A former employee, known only as Rachael, has shared some of Costco's secrets to help customers secure the best deals possible on the Channel 5 documentary Costco vs The Supermarkets: Who Does it Cheaper?.

Hidden code to determine products at its cheapest

Rachael explained there is a specific code to look for on items which tells customers whether or not they are getting a real bargain, The Metro reported.

To find these hidden codes, take a look the price tags in store and check the price ends in the number .97 (for example £10.97).

The .97 means the item has been discounted, according to Rachael, and this will usually be the final and cheapest price Costco will be selling that product for. 

So that is the best deal you are going to get on that product.

How to tell if a product is about to disappear from Costco shelves

Once again looking at the price tag, there is a specific symbol to keep an eye-out for which will tell you if its your last chance to buy it.

There will be an asterisk in the top right corner of the price tag, Rachael in The Metro revealed, which means its the last remaining stock.

She said: "Once it’s gone, it’s gone, so that’s like the last remaining stock. It won’t be coming back after that."

Costco's generous returns policy

The former employee also said to keep in mind Costco's generous returns policy if you have purchased something you don't like.

Rachael said: "Costco have a lifetime guarantee on most items, some people do return things after quite extended periods of time."

How to save money

Who can get a Costco membership?

Unfortunately, Costco is not open to everyone, and you cannot just walk in and start shopping.

Costco is only accessible to its members, and to be a member, you have to be a registered business or be VAT registered.

And you can't just sneak into a Costco store as you have to show your membership card before you enter the warehouse.

You can apply for a Costco membership if you work or are retired from these professions: 

  • Banking or finance
  • Local government
  • Fire and rescue service
  • Post office
  • Airlines
  • Education
  • Police force
  • Civil service or armed forces
  • Medical or health service
  • Insurance

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You can also get a membership if you have qualified as one of the following:

  • Qualified or certified chartered accountant
  • Chartered architect
  • Doctors (MD), dentists, opticians or pharmacists
  • Chartered surveyor
  • Solicitor, barrister, magistrate or advocate
  • Chartered engineer

There are a number of membership options available, all of which can also be found on the Costco website. You must be 18 or over to apply.