For many Costco shoppers, free samples are one of the little perks of walking through the warehouse. You might get a bite of cheese, a spoonful of yogurt, or a hot snack to try while you’re doing your shopping. For plenty of people, it’s just a fun part of the Costco experience.
But working a sample station is a different story. Some Costco employees and sample demonstrators say a small number of shoppers treat the cart like a mini restaurant, which can make an already busy job much harder.
Most people grab a sample and keep moving. The habits below are the ones workers say can cause the most frustration.
Asking for a Custom-Made Sample
A sample is meant to give you a quick taste of a product, but some shoppers apparently forget that part.
Workers have reported customers asking for things to be cooked longer, made crispier, topped with something extra, or prepared in a different way. Someone might ask for extra salsa or request a quesadilla that’s cooked a little longer.
Those requests might seem harmless, but they can hold up the line and take attention away from other shoppers. Sample stations aren’t set up to prepare individual meals, so the sample being offered is usually the sample you get.
Complaining About Small Portions
Nobody expects a free sample to be a full meal, yet employees say some shoppers still complain about how small the portions are.
A sample might be just one bite or a small cup, which is intentional. The goal is to let shoppers taste the product before deciding whether they want to buy it. A larger serving for one person also means less food for everyone waiting behind them.
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Taking Several Samples at Once
There isn’t much point in grabbing a handful of samples before everyone else has had a chance to get one.
Employees say this can become a problem when a popular item is being handed out. One person taking several servings may seem insignificant, but a few people doing the same thing can empty a tray surprisingly fast.
If you really like something, there’s always the option of picking up the full-size package. Letting other shoppers have a taste first is a lot more considerate.
Hanging Around and Blocking the Aisle
Costco aisles can get crowded without a sample station adding to the traffic.
Workers say some shoppers stand around the cart waiting for another tray instead of continuing with their shopping. Before long, several people can be gathered in one spot while carts try to squeeze past.
If the samples are gone, it usually makes more sense to keep shopping and check back later. That gives the employee room to work and leaves the aisle open for everyone else.
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Reaching Across the Sample Tray
There are usually plenty of samples sitting right in front of you, so reaching across the tray for one farther away can create unnecessary problems.
Some demonstrators say shoppers occasionally move cups around, reach over other servings, or grab from the back. That can make it easier to touch other samples or knock something over.
Taking the sample closest to you keeps things cleaner and makes the line move faster.
Forgetting to Say Thank You
A sample may be free, but someone still has to prepare it, hand it out, answer questions, and clean up afterward.
Employees say a quick “thank you” can make a difference. Nobody expects shoppers to have a long conversation or buy the product, but acknowledging the person standing behind the cart is basic courtesy.
For workers who spend hours handing out samples, being treated like they’re invisible can get old.
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Making Multiple Trips Back to the Same Station
Kids tend to love Costco samples, and most employees understand that. The problem comes when an entire family repeatedly returns to the same station and takes another round before other shoppers have had a chance.
One extra sample may seem harmless, but several trips can leave the people behind them waiting for another batch.
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the samples. Giving other shoppers a chance to try them too makes the experience easier for everyone.
Getting Impatient When the Tray Is Empty
Hot samples don’t appear instantly. Some foods have to be heated, cooked, portioned, or prepared before they’re ready to hand out.
Employees say shoppers sometimes arrive just after a tray has been emptied and immediately ask when the next batch will be available. Depending on what’s being served, it can take several minutes.
Rather than standing there watching the cart, it may be easier to finish another part of your shopping and return a few minutes later.
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Treating the Sample Like It’s Just Free Food
There’s another part of the sample experience that can be easy to overlook: it’s also a way for shoppers to learn about products.
Sample demonstrators may be able to answer questions about the item, explain how it’s prepared, or point out details on the packaging. The sample gives shoppers a chance to decide whether the product is something they’d actually use at home.
Workers say it’s frustrating when someone grabs the food without acknowledging them at all, especially after they’ve spent time preparing it.
A sample doesn’t come with an obligation to make a purchase. A little courtesy, a single serving, and moving along once you’ve had your taste can make the experience much nicer for both shoppers and the people handing out the food.
