Costco members are always looking for great sales and bulk items when they visit the store, but there’s something else many members flock to in each aisle. Free samples. Offered to all shoppers, the free sample program provides a wide variety of products to try and enjoy, from food to cleaning supplies. Keep reading to learn more facts about Costco samples, and go grab some the next time you visit.
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7. Most Unusual Costco Samples
Some Costco samples aren’t just a little cup of noodles or a cookie to try. Many of Costco’s samples range on the slightly odd side, featuring not just food but other products as well. Some of the most unusual Costco samples include bottles of ibuprofen, bread and butter, toast, Fresh Pet dog food, laundry detergent pods, and even a roll of Scott towels. You can really sample just about anything at Costco’s booths.
Related: Everything You Need to Know About Costco’s New Free Sample Policy
6. Workers Keep Everything Very Clean
While getting a free sample where dozens of people have already grabbed one may not seem super sanitary, the workers who staff the stations prioritize cleanliness. All the equipment in each station is sanitized, and employees change their gloves around every five minutes to keep bacteria transfer as low as possible.
5. Sample Workers are Not Costco Employees
While it may seem that all the workers offering samples in Costco’s aisles are part of the staff, they are not. They work instead for a company called Club Demonstration Services (CDS), which hires them to offer free samples at Costco locations. Be aware that if you ask them a question about the store or other products, they may not be able to answer.
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4. Prime Sampling Times are a Thing
Yes, there really is a prime sampling time when it comes to visiting Costco. This time allows shoppers to get the widest selection of snacks and other goodies. According to a fellow shopper, CDS sends more vendors on the weekend between 1 pm and 2 pm. However, since this period is often packed with shoppers, you may need to wait in line to get a sample. If you want to skip the lines and shop during quieter days, you might miss out on samples.
Also Read: Here’s the Healthiest Food at Costco That Even Dietitians Love
3. Kids Can’t Sample By Themselves
Most kids usually stay with their parents when shopping, but if they like to roam, they cannot sample. Kids need to be with their parents if they want to sample products. This is mainly due to avoiding allergen exposure that kids may not be aware of or pay attention to when grabbing a free sample.
2. Samples Make Costco Money
It may seem like samples would cost the warehouse lots of money, but the opposite is true. Sample stations are money-makers for Costco because they often lead to impulse purchases, and the store ends up with the profits. Plus, since the stores are for members, the membership probably helps offset the cost of sample booths.
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1. There are No Member Limits
Costco’s samples are unlimited. Employees and distributors cannot impose any limits on the free samples; however, there is some etiquette when it comes to sampling. Members should not hoard the free items and should take one or two at a time. They should also avoid camping at the stalls, as it could prevent other members from enjoying their own free sample. You can make loops and come back to the same stall however many times you’d like.
Read More: What Are the Main Costco Benefits That Come with a Membership?
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