We have all been there. You walk into Menards for a $3 item that is free after rebate, but you spend 20 minutes wandering up and down the aisles trying to find it. While the Menards App is great, sometimes you just want to know where you are going before you start walking.

The secret is in the SKU Number. Every item at Menards has a 7-digit item number (e.g., 243-6438). The first digit of that number tells you exactly which department the item lives in.

The Menards SKU Decoder

Memorize this list (or bookmark this page), and you will never get lost looking for a “free after rebate” gadget again.

Example: Let’s say you are looking for Masterforce Pliers (SKU: 243-6438). Since the SKU starts with a 2, you can head straight to the Hardware department without checking the app.

Other Menards Shopping Hacks

Finding the item is only half the battle. If you want to master Menards, you need to know how to save money once you get to the register.

• Track Your Rebates: Once you buy that item, don’t let the rebate check disappear! Use our Menards Rebate Tracker Guide to see when your money is coming.
• Print Your Own Forms: Forgot to grab a form at the store? No problem. We have a Universal Printable Rebate Form you can use for any receipt.
• Learn the Rules: Did you know you can get a price adjustment rebate if an item goes on sale 14 days after you bought it? Check out our Complete Guide to 11% Rebates for more secrets.