Why You Should Always Look For This Tag When Shopping At Home Depot
I used to wander the aisles of the hardware store just assuming that the big sale signs were pointing me to the best deals. I would see a yellow tag and think I was getting a bargain. It turns out, I was walking right past the real savings because I didn't know how to read the store’s secret code. There is a specific system to how they mark down prices and once you see it you’ll always be looking for it.
The Color Of The Tag Matters
The first step is simply looking at the color of the sticker itself. Most of us see those yellow tags and assume it is a clearance item, and that is a great place to start, but that can also be just a regular sale or a bulk buy. Still, yellow is the universal signal that an item is on clearance and is on its way out the door. But even then you have to look closer.
Reading The Secret Number Code
The real magic is hidden in the cents. You need to look at the very last digit of the price. If you see a yellow tag that ends in the number six it means the item has just started its clearance journey. It typically means there are six weeks left until the price drops again. It is a good price but if you are patient and willing to gamble, you might be able to get it cheaper.
The Best Is The Number Three
If you look at that price tag and it ends in a three, like twenty dollars and three cents, you have struck gold. That little three is the store's internal code that this is the final markdown. The price will absolutely not go any lower than this. It is the rock bottom offer. If you see an item you need with a price ending in three, you should put it in your cart immediately.
Why You Cannot Wait On A 0.03
The reason you have to act fast is because that three also signals a time limit. It usually means the item has about three weeks left on the shelf before it is removed entirely to make space for new inventory. After that period, the item is often written off and thrown away or donated. It is literally your last chance to buy it. Walking away to think about it usually means losing out on the deal.
Knowing Where To Look
You usually won't find these tags sitting at eye level in the main aisles. You have to be willing to look in the less traveled parts of the store. Check the end caps of the aisles and look for specific clearance bays often tucked away in the back near the lumber or garden sections. It can look a bit messy and disorganized, but that is usually where the best final markdowns are hiding from the average shopper.
Don't Get Fooled By The .09s
It is easy to get excited by any sale tag but keep your wits about you. If a price ends in a nine it is just a standard price. Even if it looks like a discount it is not part of the clearance cycle. Don't let the bright colors trick you into buying something you don't need. Save your budget for those yellow tags ending in three where you are actually saving a significant amount of money.
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It feels surprisingly empowering to walk into a massive store and know exactly how their system works. You are not just a customer anymore but a savvy hunter finding the best value for your money. It makes those weekend errands a little more fun when you know you are getting the absolute best price possible. Keep your eyes peeled for that little number three next time you are picking up lightbulbs or paint.
Bliss Donahue-Power
