Clearance shopping can feel like a win-until you come back the next week and see that same item marked down even more. Retailers don't always advertise their markdown schedules, but there are clues baked into those price tags that can tell you whether to grab something now or wait it out.
Once you learn how to read those signs, it's easier to avoid overpaying and score the lowest possible price. These are the clearance tag hints that usually mean a deeper discount is coming soon.
Prices Ending in .06 or .08 at Target
Target's clearance pricing follows a pattern. When you see prices ending in .06 or .08, that usually means it's not the final markdown yet. These items are typically marked down in stages every week or two.
The final price usually ends in .04, and once it hits that, it's not likely to go any lower before getting pulled. So if you spot that .06 or .08 and there's still a decent amount of stock, it's often worth holding off a few more days.
Yellow Clearance Tags at Walmart Without a Date
Walmart uses bright yellow clearance tags, but they don't all mean the same thing. If the tag doesn't have a handwritten date or sticker showing when it was marked down, that usually means it's in the early stages of clearance.
Associates often write the markdown date in pen or attach a new sticker as items go through rounds of discounting. No date? That item might still have another drop in price coming soon.
TJ Maxx Tags with a Red Sticker but No Final Markdown Dot
At TJ Maxx and Marshalls, red stickers are the first clearance markdown. But if you see a red sticker without a yellow sticker or little purple dot, it's usually not the lowest it'll go.
The final clearance prices usually include a yellow sticker or get pulled to the "final clearance" racks. If your store isn't busy and the shelf is still full, waiting might save you a few more dollars.
Home Depot Clearance Tags Ending in .06
At Home Depot, clearance items that end in .06 are marked to be reviewed again in about six weeks. That's a sign the price could drop again-especially if the item isn't moving.
If the item ends in .03, that usually means it's at the final markdown and will be pulled from shelves soon. So a .06 price is often a sign that it's not done going down.
Costco Prices Ending in .97
At Costco, items that end in .97 instead of the usual .99 are clearance markdowns. But if you don't see an asterisk (*) in the top corner of the price sign, the item probably isn't going anywhere yet.
The asterisk means it won't be restocked, which usually leads to even deeper discounts. If there's no asterisk and plenty of inventory, that .97 could drop again before it's gone.
Clearance Tags With a Recent Date at Hobby Lobby
Hobby Lobby rotates clearance markdowns by department on a rolling schedule. If the red clearance sticker was recently placed-within the last week or so-it often means it's the first round of discounting.
The longer the item sits, the more likely it is to be marked down again. If you're not in a rush and the shelf isn't empty, it may be worth checking back the following week.
Kohl's Clearance With a 60% Tag
At Kohl's, 60% off is rarely the final markdown. Clearance tags usually go in stages-starting at 40%, then 60%, and finally 70% or more when they're trying to clear space.
If an item is marked 60% off and it's not part of a time-limited sale (like Black Friday or end-of-season rush), you can almost guarantee it'll drop again soon if it doesn't sell out first.
Walgreens Tags with "Last Chance" But Still In Stock
Walgreens clearance often features tags that say "Last Chance," which sounds final-but it's not always the last price. If there's still a full shelf of those items, it usually means they're early in the markdown cycle.
Prices tend to drop in stages every week or two, especially for seasonal items. If the inventory hasn't moved much, that "last chance" label might stick around through a few deeper discounts.
Price Tags With Pen Marks at Big Lots
Big Lots uses handwritten prices or small pen marks on clearance tags to track markdown cycles. If the pen mark looks new or the handwriting is still sharp, there's a good chance the item is in the early phase of clearance.
Look for older handwriting, crossed-out prices, or multiple stickers-those usually indicate the item's been marked down more than once and might be near its lowest.
Stores Using "Temporary Price Cut" Language
Some stores, like Target or regional chains, use phrases like "Temporary Price Cut" instead of calling it clearance. That usually means they're testing demand and plan to drop the price again if inventory doesn't move.
It's a common trick to create urgency without fully committing to a permanent markdown. If the sign doesn't mention clearance and the shelf is full, chances are that price isn't done dropping yet.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
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