Ready to become a Home Depot clearance detective? You're about to discover the insider secrets that'll transform your next shopping trip into a treasure hunt. Those yellow tags aren't just random markdowns—they're actually a coded system that reveals exactly when items will drop even lower. Whether you're hunting in-store or browsing online, knowing these strategies can help you snag serious savings on everything from power tools to garden supplies.

How to Read Home Depot's Yellow Tags

Here's where the magic happens: Home Depot's yellow clearance tags follow a predictable markdown pattern that savvy shoppers can decode. When you spot a yellow tag, look closely at the price ending—it's telling you exactly what stage of the markdown cycle that item is in.

Prices ending in .00 indicate the item just entered clearance. But here's the insider tip: if you see a price ending in .06, that item will typically drop to an even lower price in about six weeks. Prices ending in .03 represent the final markdown stage—this is as low as it's going to go.

The markdown schedule typically follows this pattern: regular price drops to a .00 clearance price, then moves to .06 after about three weeks, and finally hits .03 pricing another three weeks later. Some items even become "penny items"—products that ring up for just one cent because they're meant to be removed from shelves.

Where to Find In-Store Clearance: End Caps, Aisles & Hidden Spots

Your first stop should always be the end caps—those displays at the end of each aisle. This is where Home Depot typically places clearance items with yellow tags. Don't just glance; take time to scan each end cap thoroughly, especially in departments that match your project needs.

Beyond end caps, check the back corners of departments and areas near customer service. Seasonal sections are goldmines after holidays or when seasons change. Garden centers often have deep markdowns on plants and outdoor equipment as weather shifts.

When you're reading those yellow tags, pay attention to more than just the price. The tag often shows the original price, so you can quickly calculate your savings. Some tags also indicate limited quantities, which means you'll want to decide quickly if the deal works for your project.

For one-off projects, buying isn't always best. Compare the numbers in Rent vs. Buy: Home Depot Tool Rentals and keep more in your budget.

Find Hidden Deals Online

Online clearance hunting requires different tactics but can be just as rewarding. Start with Home Depot's "Specials & Offers" section, where you'll find the "Special Buy of the Day" and other rotating promotions. These deals change regularly, so checking back frequently pays off.

Here's a pro tip that many shoppers don't know: you can filter for clearance items by adding "&NCNI-5" to the end of any category URL on Home Depot's website. This hack reveals clearance items that might not show up in regular search results.

Set up alerts for items you're watching, and don't forget to check the website's clearance section regularly. Online inventory moves fast, especially for popular items, so when you spot a deal that works for your project, don't wait too long to decide.

Want to combine promos the right way? Here's how to stack savings at Home Depot (without breaking the rules).

When to Shop for the Best Offers

Timing can turn a good price into a great one. Use this quick plan to shop smarter:

• Follow the markdown cadence: Home Depot often uses a three-week price drop cycle. If a tag ends in .06 and you’re not in a rush, consider waiting for the next step down to .03.
• Shop early for the best selection: Mornings are prime time—overnight restocking can push fresh clearance to the floor.
• Go on weekdays, not weekends: Fewer shoppers = less competition and more time to compare tags.
• Leverage seasonal clearances: Plan projects around natural markdown windows:
  • Grills & patio: big cuts in late summer/early fall
  • Garden & lawn care: late summer
  • Holiday décor: January
• Have a “wait or buy” rule: If inventory looks deep and you’re flexible, wait for the next markdown. If stock is thin—or it’s a must-have—grab it at the current price.

Want to go deeper? Check the Home Depot Seasonal Sales Calendar and our guide to When to Shop Home Depot for Garden & Outdoor Deals so you can line up your projects with the biggest markdown windows.

Returns & Price Matching Rules

Understanding return policies helps you shop clearance with confidence. Home Depot offers a 90-day return policy for most new, unopened merchandise with proof of purchase. If you have a Home Depot Consumer Credit Card, you get an extended 365-day return period.

However, there are some exceptions to keep in mind. Furniture and gas-powered equipment have a shorter 30-day return window. Always keep your receipt, especially for clearance purchases.

While Home Depot offers price matching for identical, in-stock items from competitors, this policy doesn't apply to clearance items. That means the clearance price you see is the deal you get—no additional matching available.