If you’re a bargain hunter, deal chaser, or just love the thrill of the find, you’ve probably heard whispers about the elusive penny items at Home Depot.
Yes — it’s real. Items that scan for just one cent. But finding them takes some strategy, sharp eyes, and a bit of insider know-how. Here’s your full guide to hunting penny items at Home Depot, step by step!
What Are Penny Items at Home Depot?
Penny items are discontinued or clearance products that have dropped so low in price, the system marks them at $0.01 to signal they should be removed from the sales floor.
Technically, they’re supposed to be pulled by employees before customers get to them. But sometimes, they slip through the cracks — and that’s where savvy shoppers win.
Never Miss Another Deal! Follow Us On Telegram
Step 1: Understand What Kinds of Items Get Pennied
Before you start hunting, know what you’re looking for. Penny items are typically:
-
Seasonal items after final clearance (holiday décor, garden supplies, etc.)
-
Obsolete or discontinued products
-
Floor models or display items
-
Clearance hardware or tools
-
Damaged packaging or returns
Keep an eye out for:
-
Older packaging (look for packaging design changes)
-
Holiday or seasonal items long past the season
-
Oddball clearance tags
Step 2: Learn to Spot Clearance Tags
Home Depot has orange or yellow clearance stickers.
Here’s what to look for:
-
Yellow tags: Often clearance. Look for deeply discounted items that have been sitting a while.
-
Markdown dates: There’s often a small date on the tag. The older the date, the more likely it’s been marked down to a penny.
-
SKU or UPC code: Make a note or take a photo. This is how you’ll verify prices.
Tip: Focus on end caps, top shelves, bottom shelves, and clearance sections.
Step 3: Use the Home Depot App to Check Prices
Here’s where things get smart.
The Home Depot app lets you scan barcodes in-store. Simply:
-
Download the Home Depot app (free).
-
Use the in-app scanner to check the price of clearance items.
-
If it scans as $0.01, jackpot!
Even if the sticker says $5, $7, or more — always scan. Prices in the system often drop before employees change the tag.
Step 4: Know the Store Layout Tricks
Home Depot is a big place, and penny items aren’t always in obvious clearance sections. Check:
-
Top shelves: Overhead storage often hides clearance items.
-
Bottom shelves: Discarded clearance tags or misplaced items.
-
End caps: Seasonal and clearance items are often tucked here.
-
Behind newer stock: Sometimes older products get pushed back.
Don’t be afraid to dig (neatly)!
Step 5: Be Respectful and Strategic
A few things to keep in mind:
-
Employees are not obligated to sell you penny items, but many will honor the price if it scans.
-
Be polite and respectful. If an employee declines the sale, accept it gracefully.
-
Avoid drawing too much attention. Some stores frown on penny shopping if it feels disruptive.
Step 6: Use Penny Item Groups & Communities
Many deal hunters share their finds online!
Check:
-
Facebook groups for “Home Depot Penny Finds”
-
Subreddits like r/PennyShopping
-
Deal apps and forums
These communities often post UPCs, SKU numbers, and even aisle locations of current penny items.
Step 7: Timing is Everything
Penny markdowns usually happen:
-
Early in the week (Monday or Tuesday)
-
After major holidays
-
During inventory resets or floor set changes
Try to visit early in the day for the best chance!
Final Tips for Success
✅ Stay patient — it’s a hunt!
✅ Scan everything, even if it looks full price.
✅ Check back regularly.
✅ Keep a running list of seasonal timelines.
✅ Follow clearance patterns and markdown schedules.
Wrap-Up
Penny shopping at Home Depot is part strategy, part luck, and all about persistence. While not every trip will land you a treasure, the excitement of scoring a penny-priced tool, garden supply, or décor piece is worth the effort.
So next time you’re in the orange aisles, keep your eyes open, your app ready, and happy hunting!
