Costco Implements Strict New Free Sample Policy

There are all kinds of things to love about shopping at Costco, including the reasonable prices, generous return policy, and grabbing a $1.50 hot dog combo on the way out. But the best thing might actually be the free samples. There’s so many available, especially on weekends, that you can practically make a meal out of them.

Costco has quietly implemented a change to its free sample policy, though, which will make things a little more tricky for some people. Here’s what we know about the stricter rules and what you can expect next time you shop.

Costco is now requiring an adult to be present for a child to receive a free sample, according to Parade. Previously, anyone could walk up to a Costco sample station and take a sample, including children. 

That was a real headache saver for some families who would send their kids to grab a few samples and keep them occupied and happy. Now, an adult will have to be with them in order to take a sample. 

Costco’s new free sample rule is about safety. Free samples are not always marked with allergen information, and children may inadvertently take samples with ingredients they could be allergic to. 

Implementing the rule that an adult must be present will help protect the company from liability issues if a child inadvertently eats something they’re allergic to. 

Everyone can still get multiple free samples, so don’t worry, there’s no changes coming to that policy. Few people realize that you can actually get multiple samples of the same item, too — there’s no rules against that. 

You might just want to be extra nice to the person running the sample station and be sure to thank them.  

This new sample policy isn’t the only big change at Costco recently. The company just implemented new benefits for executive members, the highest membership tier the company offers. 

Those members can now shop an hour early on most days of the week, avoiding the most crowded times of the day — and the long lines that come with them. 

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