So you’re having the weirdest experience at Home Depot again—maybe it’s for an air filter or drywall screws—but it’s just like a random toolset you definitely don’t specifically need but subconsciously want. The price is $24.93. Not $24.99, not $25 either. But a bona fide $24.93. Suddenly you’re curious, Wait… why 93? It can’t be arbitrary, are they trying to tell me something?
Well, actually, they are.
There’s a whole discreet language of sorts in odd-price tags. So, not to be hyperbolic, but if you know to look, the odd-numbered endings can give you clues as to whether an item is in full price, marked down once or holds just a few hours to live. And yes. This is a valuable tool for a smart shopper.
Let’s break it down.
If It Ends in .09 or .99 — This is Your Clearance Warning
In a very real sense, this is the most common thing people sort of already know, even if they don’t realize it. Products that have 9 at the end—be it $19.99, $12.09, or whatever—usually only mean one thing: clearance.
Home Depot utilizes this price structure to show products that they want out the door quickly. This can be a seasonal item (space heater in April, or a garden hose in November), or just a product they bought too much of and would like to get rid of. There is still decent inventory remaining, but the company wants to sell it. When you see a price having a 9 at the end, and you have even the tiniest thought of buying it — buy it now. It probably won’t be here when you come back. And don’t think for a minute that someone won’t see it too. Clearance is clearance. Everyone is looking for it.
Ends with a .06? This is the Second Markdown
This is when it gets really fun. If it ends in a 6 — like $14.96 or $39.06 — someone has already made a price adjustment, and Home Depot is looking to sell it a little bit more aggressively.
This is what I would call the “second markdown” phase. It is still on the shelf, still on the system, but has already been marked down once and nothing happened. So this markdown is a bit more aggressive. Still on the shelf, but the clock is definitely ticking.
You have to decide; is this out of here to a new owner now, or do you wait it out. Because the next markdown is the last markdown. And it gets to that point…
Ends with a .03? This is the Final Markdown — This is it
This is the end of the line. When you see a price end in 3 like $21.03 or $7.93 it is about to be removed from the shelf completely. This is what Home Depot does when they say, Okay nobody is buying this. It has to go. If it doesn’t sell after the price comes down to this level [red clearance tag], then it is going to get thrown away, donated, or completely lost in the retail world and you won’t see it again. So if it is something you have been waiting for? Don’t wait. You most certainly will be able to buy when it is at its lowest price – and this will be your last chance.
Pro Tips For extra savings
Now that you have unlocked the code behind the tagging like a DIY Dodge City sleuth, here is how to take advantage of that knowledge.
Look on end caps and in side aisles. That is where a lot of these markdowns go to die. Do not assume that all the good and best stuff is on display, at the front of the store, or miraculously sorted going down the aisle. The best stuff is usually somewhere random with a yellow tag that looks like the one who installed the shelf threw it at the shelf, wrinkled sticker that isn’t even taped straight.
Look for yellow or red pricing tags. Clearances and markdowns usually come with different colored signage. If it stands out visually, it is likely meant to do so.
Ask. Yes, actually ask the employee. If something looks like it has been sitting there for a while, don’t be afraid to flag down an employee and ask if they could check whether or not that price is final. In the case of floor pieces especially, sometimes there is wiggle room to negotiate to a more final price if an item is damaged, or the box for the item is missing.
Combine discounts with coupons or gift cards. This is a huge one – if you are able to use a promo code or a Home Depot credit on a $0.03 item, you are walking out with a more serious discount than expected.
Sign up for alerts. If you take this adventure seriously, you may want to join Home Depot’s emailing or app list. You will know about markdowns or promotions before the average public does- and sometimes will gain early access to the online portion of the sales.
There is a system, and now you are on the inside track…
The bottom line is: those little numbers at the end of a priced tag are not arbitrary. They are code; and if you are paying attention, you can see a product’s sale cycle, ie. first cut, second cut, or final clearance. Clearly it is a subtle system, but it is vital for everyone who enjoys saving money (who doesn’t really?) .
So, the next time you are roaming around Home Depot, eyeing a weirdly priced drill set, or wondering if that patio umbrella is ever going to drop in price again, just look at that last digit. It’ll tell you what you should do or if it is a good use of your dollar.
If it ends with a 9, maybe it is best to use caution and wait to make a decision.
If it ends with a 6, then you are just about there,
If it ends with a 3, this is it. Get the item.
Happy hunting!
