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When I see free samples at Costco (i.imgur.com)

submitted ago by EmilyEM

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[–]rivanio 168 points169 points ago

I work as a sample guy at CostCo and I have some tips for your sample enjoyment.

First, try to avoid coming on Sunday. Everyone and their dog comes into CostCo on Sunday, usually after Church. Unless you enjoy waiting for ten minutes in a crowd of people, of course.

Secondly, you can have more than one sample. Really. You don't need to ask. As long as you don't shove an entire tray of cookies down your shirt, feel free.

Third, we are obligated to try to sell our samples to you, not just give them out for free. If you're going to take a sample, and especially if you take two, just humor us and listen to our little speech.

Forth, we don't actually work for CostCo itself. We work for a separate company that CostCo has contracted. So while individually we may know where a few things are, it's generally not good practice to come to us when you can't find anything. CostCo also moves their products literally everyday. Not everything, but the day they don't move something, I honestly believe the world will end.

Fifth, if you have the time, strike a conversation up with us. We stand in one place for six hours, saying the same thing over and over, giving out the same samples, to the same (largely) ungrateful people. If you ask how our day is going, or tell us a joke, we're likely to 1) give you larger samples and 2) remember you for next time (see 1).

Finally, there's nothing nicer you can do than say 'thank you'. You'd be surprised how many people just waddle over to us, shove things in their mouth, and stumble away. We thrive on the rare times people treat us like human beings and not human vending machines.

[–]lKaosll 40 points41 points ago

This is kind of unrelated but as someone who stocks for Costco, Sixth, pay attention to your surroundings, the amount of times I've had to stop thousands of pounds of product at the last second because someone cut me off to get to a free sample is way too much. If that product hits you, it's going to take no damage, but you're going to be lucky with only a few broken bones.

[–]flipflop979 11 points12 points ago

As someone that moves pallets for a living (Target flow TL), I can confirm this.

[–]spunkymarimba 12 points13 points ago

Ripley here, I've got a class two licence on a Power Loader but if you run through my legs I can't guarantee I'm not gonna freak and toss you into an airlock. No cookie's worth that.

[–]CARmakazie 4 points5 points ago

This is the most unrelated reference I've seen in a long time.

[–]spunkymarimba 3 points4 points ago

Turn your brain dial up to the full cognition setting and you'll totally get it.

Also the way you capitalize CAR is so hot.

[–]Swatman -1 points0 points ago

it is bullshit how this is not the top comment.

[–]HerIndoors 9 points10 points ago

I honestly don't know how you haven't run one of them over. I only went in once a month and got so fed up with the land whales blocking the aisle who wouldn't move for fear of losing a bite of food I cancelled my membership. There are only so many times one can stand there saying 'excuse me' over and over again before you just have to prod 'em with your shopping cart.

You must be a saint.

[–]Wuped 10 points11 points ago

Do people really not move after you say excuse me? As a Canadian I can't even imagine that scenario. If it was clear they could hear me and were just ignoring me I'd be pretty mad.

[–]HerIndoors 13 points14 points ago

It actually happens a lot here. Not just CostCo, the behavior seems to be worse there though. Nothing like seeing four or five families all grossly overweight and blocking the aisle for a quarter of a chicken nugget. And when you say excuse me to get past they act like you're going to cut in front. Before I cancelled membership I started mooing at the ones who wouldn't move after I asked nicely.

[–]CantHousewifeaHo 9 points10 points ago

You are a good person.

[–]Wuped 2 points3 points ago

I would probably punch someone if they acted indignant after I said excuse me. I just cannot empathize at all, what the fuck is going through their mind?

[–]quadrapod 1 point2 points ago

When I lived in NYC this happened constantly. A few things seem to work though. Putting your hand flat on their sweaty back and shoveing them is by far the most effective. They will sometimes be upset and threaten with violence but usually they will just keep doing whatever they were doing still oblivious.

[–]brisingfreyja 1 point2 points ago

It's a fucking free for all in grocery stores. And on black friday. Or any day or two right before a holiday. Normal shopping, I'll say excuse me, it's like parting the red sea. You say it in a grocery store, no body moves. You say it during black friday, in a grocery store, you're gonna get run the fuck over.

[–]tyrghast 2 points3 points ago

Unloader here, this 1000x

[–]rivanio 2 points3 points ago

A thousand times this.

[–]OrangeMonkeyee 0 points1 point ago

i'm scared of Costco and Sams. tons and tons of shit stacked twenty feet tall.....

[–]Sentazar 1 point2 points ago

As someone who works for a road show - Tell your damn fridge lift drivers and crew to stop putting the roadshow stuff in the back behind 50 pallets they restock that stuff 6 times a day

[–]lKaosll 0 points1 point ago

Ha, I actually work in the fridge, but we don't do that. We leave all the road show, flowers and RTV shit off to the side by the door.

[–]Sentazar 0 points1 point ago

Last few I went to....

They put my product UP on the 3rd row in the fridge in 1 store. Put it behind a few other pallets in another store had to play jungle gym and shit. Although - I get the Eggs and Milk HAS to be where it has to be and some stores have way too much in stock understandably.

Would just be nice to either put them in the meat cooler or something

[–]mcostanzo 9 points10 points ago

Thanks for sharing, it was actually quite interesting to hear the other side of the story. I always say thanks or listen to the pitch (and even buy the product sometimes...especially the dips). Although, I do feel awkward taking more than one sample, usually I wait awhile then do another lap. I've seen people just straight up eating a meal of those things though. I had no idea that the samples are run by a different company. Is there like a secret small industry of sample making contractors or something?

[–]rivanio 4 points5 points ago

Actually, our company was created by CostCo. The rumor around the office is that they did that instead of hire demonstrators directly in order to avoid giving them all the benefits they give Costco employees, but I'm not sure.

[–]mcostanzo 3 points4 points ago

That's really interesting, and it sucks that CostCo would try to get out of giving people benefits like that. So the company is owned by CostCo? Do you get benefits from this company?

You know, it might interesting if you did an AMA and tell stories about crazy customers, weird experiences, tell about any secret CostCo inner workings, etc.. I don't know, I'd find it interesting, but then again, I'm weird.

[–]Peaceandallthatjazz 3 points4 points ago

As a regular part time demo worker-absolutely no benefits. I don't know about the who owns who, but something else interesting: The person with the crab/lobster dip sample is a different demo company completely.

[–]mcostanzo 3 points4 points ago

I find all of this strangely interesting and I have no idea why. that's so weird that a demo person for one item would be a completely different company. maybe it is someone from the company that makes the product?

Like I said to the other guy, you guys could do an AMA.

[–]Peaceandallthatjazz 2 points3 points ago

I might do a casual AMA tomorrow

[–]mcostanzo 2 points3 points ago

That would be pretty neat. I'll have to remember to look for it.

[–]Peaceandallthatjazz 1 point2 points ago

I'll have to remember to do it ;) lol

[–]levilarrington 2 points3 points ago

If an item is being demo'd they have a contract with Costco to demo it. So, the vendor is paying more money (at the expense of cheaper product to Costco) to do the demo. Also, it's not CostCo. It's Costco.

[–]mcostanzo 2 points3 points ago

Oh, sorry. I was writing "Costco" but then I saw someone write it as "CostCo" and since I don't go there that often I thought I might've been writing it wrong.

[–]rivanio 1 point2 points ago

I might do that when I get off work.

[–]mcostanzo 0 points1 point ago

Awesome! I'll have to remember to keep an eye out for it.

[–]Peaceandallthatjazz 4 points5 points ago

The upper organizational stuff I don't know about, but essentially the product company makes a deal with us to demo their product on suchnsuch date. Then we buy the products from Costco the day before, and depending on the sales increase on the day we demo... Profit?

Anecdote, at my Costco we had an old dude we called the pink panther, he would literally steal the tray off the cart and go eat all the samples in the corner somewhere. I once had a Sunday like crowd and I convinced them to wait because the samples where hot, and he managed to swipe my tray. Here I am, surrounded with hungry soccer moms, and this arm snakes trough the crowd, lifts the tray over all their heads and disappeared. We all stood there for a few seconds with our mouths open... We actually got security (meaning the stocking staff) on that dude, but I don't think they ever caught him.

[–]mcostanzo 2 points3 points ago

Hahaha that is an incredible story! I can't believe a person could do something like that. Some people just have no shame. I would have laughed my ass off and then been like this.

Like I said, this is why one of you need to do an AMA.

Edit: Formatting and thanks for sharing btw.

[–]fawnmm 3 points4 points ago

My mom hands out samples at Costco. When I lived with my parents I'd stop by to see my mom at work before I went home. My mom says she couldn't do my job and I tell her I couldn't do hers. I'd stand there and chat with my mom for a few minutes before heading home and the rudeness of the people never ceases to astound me. Also the stupidity, oh god the stupidity. People will shove samples in their mouth and then ask what it is, and THEN ask if the products has nuts, or cheese or whatever else that person is allergic to. You'd think if you had a food allergy you'd ask before you put it in your mouth and chew it! Yes, I realize they could be asking because someone in their family has food allergies but people have told my mom "Oh, OK, because I'm allergic to nuts" (thankfully the product they inhaled did not contain nuts). Ridiculous!

Good work sir and don't let the sample grubbers get you down!

[–]rivanio 2 points3 points ago

I once was giving out imported olives. I would warn people when they took a sample. One woman ignored my warning, swallowed one whole, and also choked. She then tried to get my ford for choking her.

[–]ChrisCipher 4 points5 points ago

Human vending machines

I'm sorry that people treat you that way :/

[–]rivanio 3 points4 points ago

It doesn't even faze me anymore. Ive been doing this so long I can just autopilot my shift, so I just tune out most people.

[–]ChrisCipher 4 points5 points ago

I think that's a damn shame, still. You shouldn't have to work on auto-pilot, you know? I hope that you find something you're happy doing in the long term

[–]Molozonide 1 point2 points ago

Upvote for using "faze" instead of "phase."

[–]EmilyEM[S] 4 points5 points ago

We thrive on the rare times people treat us like human beings and not human vending machines.

I also work in food service, I know this feeling very well. So, a big THANK YOU for everything that you do. :)

[–]Peaceandallthatjazz 3 points4 points ago

If you ever demo the ice cream, brownie bites and syrup- any day is instantly Sunday. I did that for a full shift and I got an extra 15 min break because my boss felt so bad for me. They were disappearing faster than I could scoop! My wrist was sore for two days after that shit.

[–]WaffleSports 6 points7 points ago

I almost lost an arm at a costco on Sunday. Those church folks sure get angry.

[–]rivanio 5 points6 points ago

Well, after being told you're a sinful heathen who's going to hell for an hour and a half, how civil are you going to be.

Honestly it's a double edges sword. The religious make up the nicest and the rudest customers.

[–]IAmA_Zombie 0 points1 point ago

They think they're not going to hell because they went to church so they take it as a sign that they can be assholes to others.

[–]classy_stegasaurus 2 points3 points ago

So lemme get this straight, people who speak perfectly fluent English refuse to say "thank you"?

[–]rivanio 4 points5 points ago

Yes? In fact, I usually get a thank you from people who can't speak English. If anything, they usually say thank you too much.

[–]Jumin 0 points1 point ago

Woah woah woah. You people are really contracted? Are you from the same company that you are sampling or something?

[–]rivanio 2 points3 points ago

We actually work for a separate company entirely. Not Costco, but not the vendors either. Our company gets commissioned by vendors, like Kirkland Signature or Starbucks, to give out their product in Costco.

[–]Jumin 0 points1 point ago

So is your company dedicated to handle sampling for other companies? Or are you one of those firms that have "jack-of-all-trades" specialties and just sends people out as they're needed on odd jobs?

[–]rivanio 0 points1 point ago

Our company works only for CostCo, so we only do samples there. Even more specifically is that if you work at a certain CostCo, you don't get bumped around to another one.

[–]DrLasagna 1 point2 points ago

I don't understand how people won't listen to you, or say thank you every single time. But then again, I'm canadian.

[–]rivanio 1 point2 points ago

Well, I've discussed this phenomenon with my co-workers over the years, and I think I have a pretty solid hypothesis on why people are ungrateful.

You see, you have to pay $50 a year just to walk in the door. For the privilege of entering a CostCo, you have to pay for membership. That engenders a sense of superiority and a sense of entitlement. Members feel superior to other people who shop elsewhere because anyone can walk into a Wal-Mart. They also feel entitled because they don't think they should have to pay to get in, and when they do, they feel someone owes them something.

Since these people feel like they deserve free samples, why should they thank us?

[–]Sentazar 1 point2 points ago

WDS? CDS? Roadshow? O.o - But yeah you give people free food they dont say hi or thank you, ask you questions and walk away as you answer, costco samplers are worse than walmart people.

People put stuff in their mouths and ask after if it has the ingredient they're allergic to, just wow.

[–]rivanio 0 points1 point ago

WDS is who I work for. I have a secret hope that one day someone's greed will get the better of them and they wolf down something they absolutely should not have.

[–]thepinkestpenguin 1 point2 points ago

As somebody who used to give out samples for Sam's club I agree with all of these tips.

Also I want to add another one, if what we give you comes in a cup or a napkin please throw it away yourself. It's really not fun.

[–]rivanio 0 points1 point ago

Oh shit! I forgot this one! Nothing is more aggravating than someone picking a sample out of a paper cup and leaving the paper cup.

[–]thepinkestpenguin 0 points1 point ago

Except a family of four that does it

[–]cccpmachacker 1 point2 points ago

Wow I didn't know that's how you guys feel. Thanks for the insight.

[–]wanderjahr 1 point2 points ago

Are you they guy I ate about 143 chocolate covered blueberries in front of?

P.S. I bought a back

[–]rivanio 2 points3 points ago

You could be. Dozens of people have done that in front of me, but I don't blame them. The Brookside Dark Chocolate Acai Blueberries are fucking delicious.

[–]StotheBiz 19 points20 points ago

Totally.

[–]latke 16 points17 points ago

And then a couple friends hear...

and the word starts to get out...

Cue Flight of the Valkyries

and finally

[–]Doctor_Kitten 6 points7 points ago

How long have you been waiting to use those penguin gifs? You must be excited to get to use them all!

[–]Shirk08 5 points6 points ago

I was just as excited to see them all!

:D

[–]latke 5 points6 points ago

For-ehhhh-verrrrr

[–]W4ste 1 point2 points ago

DONT FORGET ME!

[–]andrewsmith1986 40 points41 points ago

My favorite like this.

[–]Volatar 6 points7 points ago

I was at Sam's Club (CostCo equivalent) gleefully flying down an aisle towards checkout with a cart full of food, when I spot a sample cart with Mento's. I came to a literal screeching halt with a big kid grin of my face.

The old lady running the cart frowned at me, and said, "Sorry, you have to be eighteen or be with a parent to get candy samples."

Amused rather than offended, I happly announced, "Ma'am, I am twenty-one years old."

"No... You look like you are fifteen." (I do.)

I reach for my wallet, "I'll get my drivers license."

"Nonono it's ok, I believe you!" She then hands me three samples.

I am still curious why they don't get kids have candy.

[–]rivanio 6 points7 points ago

It's a liability thing. If a demonstrator (no matter where they work) gives something to a child, without their parents, and they have a reaction, it's our fault.

Generally though, the rule at Costco is that if they are taller than the table, they can have a sample.

[–]Volatar 0 points1 point ago

That rule of thumb is probably what most people go with at Sams as well since I had never heard it before. I think the lady just didn't want to give candy to some stupid teenager. :)

[–]bananafishe123 0 points1 point ago

I go to Sam's to,It took me a while to figure out what Costco was.

[–]spacebarbarian 7 points8 points ago

Welcome to Costco, I love you.

[–]classy_stegasaurus 1 point2 points ago

I can honestly say, I have never seen a surly Costco worker. I would not be surprised in the slightest if they said that to me

[–]hungryhippo13 0 points1 point ago

Where's the time machine?

[–]Oli_ 27 points28 points ago

gooby pls

[–]thethingofcreepy 0 points1 point ago

Fuck you and your cancer shit

[–]Oli_ 1 point2 points ago

Ohhh...

[–]Dickfore 6 points7 points ago

And then the soul crushing guilt when he tries convincing you to buy.

[–]Mock_Me 7 points8 points ago

Actually, no one at Costco has ever tried to convince me to buy anything. They usually just tell me what it is they are sampling and that's about it.

[–]ecudorian 2 points3 points ago

it was only a matter of time before this was a gif

[–]Osvalt 1 point2 points ago

Does anybody have a source?

[–]DarkTurtle 2 points3 points ago

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWgbmgIzoT8

[–]davelog 3 points4 points ago

Mom told me to never take food from a stranger. Whenever someone pushes a sample at me, I tell them this. Loudly.

[–]I_am_a_weenie 3 points4 points ago

Got any grapes? QUACK

[–]classy_stegasaurus 1 point2 points ago

No, we just sell lemonade. But it's fresh and it's good and it's all homemade. Can I get you a glass?

[–]bean_dip_and_cracker 3 points4 points ago

I work for Costco. When I'm on my break and I want a damn sample, I see you guys more as vultures than ducklings. Even if I've been standing and waiting patiently, you assholes swoop in front of me and make sure I get NONE. And for the sake of my safety, your safety, and the reasonable flow of traffic, don't swarm the cart and block aisles. It's just a bite of food, not your last meal.

[–]Peaceandallthatjazz 0 points1 point ago

Man... Your coworkers must hate you. The folks I worked with would coordinate, make a big sample and set it on the inside shelf, you come sidle up and sneak away with the precious... This one was contaminated, it's ALL mine!!!!!

[–]bean_dip_and_cracker 1 point2 points ago

No I get along great with the sample ladies, but it's a rule they have to serve regular customers first. If they aren't busy and bombarded, they make sure I get one if they can. One of my favorite sample ladies gave me a whole squeezable applesauce packet when they were on demo. They can get in trouble for doing things like that though.

[–]Peaceandallthatjazz 0 points1 point ago

Yeah, but we also can feed each other "dirty" samples as we are not considered customers. You guys need to think outside the box ;)

[–]bean_dip_and_cracker 1 point2 points ago

Creativity is not this Costco's strong point. :/

[–]FatBouy333 2 points3 points ago

When I go to Costco http://i.imgur.com/7uaxn.gif

[–]Elitenights03 2 points3 points ago

As a cashier at Costco, we are required to not let anyone past out registers with unpaid merchandise. Well one day I noticed this lady walking out with a box, so I politely ask what she had in it. Then she proceeds to show me a box full of samples and explains to me that she was taking it home to her husband for dinner.....

[–]JustinFromMontebello 3 points4 points ago

You can go to Costco and have a real decent meal!

[–]MattyC-SEC 0 points1 point ago

I LOL'd.

[–]ChompyTBear 1 point2 points ago

This is the first I've seen this gif without dolan's face on it.

[–]dizzysmile 0 points1 point ago

New favorite gif. Need opportunity to use.

[–]Sarahmint 0 points1 point ago

r/aww

[–]EverythingsOkayAlarm 1 point2 points ago

BTW this is the video this gif came from. It's fucking adorable.

[–]R99 1 point2 points ago

tfw closest costco is an hour away

[–]jelyjiggler 1 point2 points ago

Ahhh, the good old Costco buffet

[–]christine362 1 point2 points ago

Reminds me of how Phoebe runs in Friends.

[–]headspins 0 points1 point ago

Funny gif

[–]IHopeTheyDied -1 points0 points ago

this duck = fucked up rude beast

[–]mobyhead1 0 points1 point ago

Consdering how large some of the food items at Costco are, and how much they cost, the free samples are a great idea. I have bought several food items I might not otherwise have bought on the strength of how good the sample was.

[–]JewCurls 0 points1 point ago

Did you make this gif from a video you found here? :) because I posted the video from which this came from lol

[–]wasappenin 0 points1 point ago

Please don't come into Costco with you 15 kids feeding the off the sample plates. Also eat at home it will save you money. And for shits sake move your carts to the edge do I can pas by.

[–]beertap -1 points0 points ago

I'm afraid to take the samples. I don't know how long they have been sitting out. I don't know the expiration and most importantly I don't know whose grubby, filthy hands have been fingering all of the little plastic bowls.

Yeah, I know the people working the samples usually wear those gloves but kids could sneak up and go nuts and rub their sticky hands on everything.

GERMS. THEY'RE EVERYWHERE.

[–]Peaceandallthatjazz 3 points4 points ago

The samples are bought the day before from the store. If its a sample of something dry like peanuts or candy, it might have been on the tray a while, depending on popularity. If its pretty much anything else they will get snapped up quick, so maybe the crowd shifted and they have like five peaceful minutes to arrange the samples, but they rotate pretty quickly.

[–]valkyrio 0 points1 point ago

oh no. germs.

[–]InitiateBioQuasar -5 points-4 points ago

Stupid post, you are nothing like a duckling. You are probably a fat sweaty autistic guy.

[–]EmilyEM[S] 1 point2 points ago

Fat: no. Sweaty: no. Autistic: no. Guy: no. 0/4, better luck next time.

[–]InitiateBioQuasar 0 points1 point ago

Maybe not right now, but you've definitely been sweaty at some point. At least give me that 1/4?

[–]EmilyEM[S] 1 point2 points ago

Okay, fine. 1/4.

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