One of the biggest draws at Costco is its abundance of free samples. While you’re shopping for groceries, you’re likely to get a free meal just by stopping at the various kiosks offering free bites. This not only encourages you to stay around the store longer because you’re not worried about lunch, but it also persuades you into buying new items.
Unfortunately, though, one of the best perks is having a major change. Here’s everything we know about Costco’s new free sample policy.
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Costco Free Sample Impact
While a small part of the Costco experience, it’s beloved by many. And for some families, it’s a great place to go on a busy weekend morning to keep the kids entertained. But why does Costco bother with free samples at all? From specialty drinks to meats and cheeses, there are dozens of samples ready to be tried at Costco at once.
As mentioned, Costco is full of amazing finds, and what better way to keep customers roaming the aisles than feeding them quick bites so they’re encouraged to stick around. That, and the ability to showcase new and fan-favorite items, so customers have a chance at purchasing these items.
Along with that, Costco knows how to push its shoppers. Thanks to having people hand them out, that human interaction causes pressure to buy the product. What’s interesting is that the promoters are encouraged to hand out as many samples as possible, even if the person comes back several times for more. This behaviour is purposely done, so it’s harder to say no when you pass by the very product in the aisle.
In 2024, it was reported that Costco samples have boosted sales by as much as 2,000%, an astronomical increase for such a small initiative. It was also admitted that, while not all shoppers, there are some who renew their membership just for the chance at grabbing free samples.
Best Time to Get Samples
Did you know that there is an ideal time to shop at Costco if you want the most samples? Members have cracked the code during their extensive hunt for samples, saying that Saturdays and Sundays, especially between 1 and 2 p.m., are the best times for snacking. While this is the busiest time of the week, it also means that there are plenty of kiosks trying to sell their product.
Though if you’d rather not bring your family into the chaos during the weekend, another one of the best times to shop at Costco is Monday and Tuesday. It’s less busy, and while not as many kiosks are out in general, you’ll still be able to find some handing out delicious products.
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Costco’s New Free Sample Policy
This only makes Costco’s new free sample policy that much more impactful. While the rule has been around for a while, it hasn’t really been taken seriously. Unfortunately, Costco is cracking down on this issue. Shoppers have noticed that the tradition of grabbing samples isn’t quite the same anymore.
Costco has been silently pushing the rule that has affected families the most. Now, Costco is requiring that children be accompanied by an adult to receive free samples in stores. What used to be children could wander up to kiosks and grab a sample or two, has now been shut down. Even if the child is polite, patient, and overall well-behaved, adult Costco members must accompany their children if they want to try items.
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Why the Sudden Change?
There are several reasons why this is being enforced, with the main reason being safety and liability concerns. The biggest issue is allergies. Kids just want to snack; no matter what it is, they’re open to trying it. But several samples could have potential risks to the child without knowing. Many samples are not clearly labeled or suitable for all diets, so this policy is hoping to prevent accidental reactions and ensure parents can monitor what their kids are consuming.
This shouldn’t have too much effect on your shopping experience, but it might become tedious trying to shop with the family while also indulging your kids in their cravings.
Other Changes at Costco
What else is new at Costco? Costco’s new free sample policy isn’t the only thing changing at the warehouse. Executive Memberships also have an added benefit to their membership that was just implemented last month.
As of June 30, 2025, Executive Members can now shop an hour early on most days of the week to avoid crowds. Costco will start opening its doors at 9 a.m. exclusively for Executive Members. For Gold Star and Business Members, the store will be open at 10 a.m. Sunday through Friday, and 9:30 a.m. on Saturday.
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