People are just realizing the secret color codes on T.J. Maxx items that tell you if something is really a bargain

T.J. Maxx customers are just realizing how to tell if an item is a bargain through looking at the color of its price tag. 

According to an anonymous employee, even the most seasoned shoppers could be missing out on the best deals by being unware of this detail. 

While the colors of the stickered price tags may seem random, the employee told GOBankingRates, they in fact follow a very specific color code. 

A stickerless white tag means the item still has its original non-sale price, so you may want to wait to see whether it goes down any further. 

'Red stickers mean the item is marked down but could keep getting lower,' they said.

'A yellow sticker means it's hit the final, lowest price we'll offer on that product.

'If you ever see a red and yellow sticker on something, you're getting the best possible savings,' they added. 

As well as spilling about the color code, the employee also revealed other shopping hacks to help Americans get the best deals at T.J. Maxx.

'There are so many opportunities to save even more than most shoppers just don't know about,' the employee told the outlet. 

'We're practically giving away merchandise sometimes, but only to customers who understand when and how to pounce.'

Shoppers should look out for any damage to an item - however minor - which means they could ask for an additional discount. 

This could be chipped dishware, scuffed furniture or an item of clothing with a hole in it. 

'We're authorized to give customers a nice percentage off at the register just for asking politely,' they said. 

'We'd rather give you the extra discount than have those items collect dust forever.'

Weekday mornings are the best time to find bargains, they added.

'Weekends are crazy busy, so we put out new stuff weekdays. And if you have to choose a time, hit us in the late mornings and early afternoons for the freshest deals.'

When it comes to the best time of year to shop at the store, the employee advised to go right before major holidays.

Twice a year before Memorial Day and Christmas, workers clear out the existing merchandise to make way for the new season's products. 

And when stores are trying to clear out unsold items, that is when shoppers may be able to find the biggest markdowns. 

When products are put onto pallets or rolling racks, that is when staffers are trying to get the items out the door at any cost, they said. 

'Those pieces are going for next to nothing - 80 percent off or more in some cases -before we donate what's left in just a few days,' they told GOBankingRates. 

It is also best to visit your local T.J. Maxx store in person, the anonymous worker added, as lots of items never make it onto the website.