Everybody loves a free sample, and at Costco they’re very much aware of it. It’s not just a nice gesture, it’s part of how you walk through the halls of the chain. Since the 1980s, they have transformed the “taste before buying” into a signature. And although many people think it’s Costco who does this, it’s actually the providers, looking to make their products known among the public.
But now, there are some new rules entering the game, and some of them are shocking the clients, like, for example, all minors have to go with an adult to get the sample. With this, they’re trying to reinforce security and reduce the exposure to risk like food allergy, something that can happen with only one bite.
The wholesale club in the United States also wants to limit civil liability, where rules can be strict. The general idea is just to supervise what the kids eat and avoid bad situations. But of course, the debate about these new rules goes deeper into the subject.
What is really changing about Costco’s free samples
The company is not eliminating the free sample religion, let’s first be clear on that; they’re not trying to change the cheering discovery spirit that so many families enjoy on weekends. From now on, anyone under 18 will have to be side by side with an adult if they want to try the free sample.
The portions that are given away at the sample spots are not always detailing all the possible allergens, and kids might not even know what they’re allergic to. And an adult can say what’s okay for the minor to try or not. Besides, in the U.S. regulatory framework, reducing any type of incident is a possible prevention for a further dispute or problem and a protection from civil liability claims.
In other words, this rule is looking to protect the client and the wholesale companies too, of course. But the experience itself doesn’t change that much; you can still get your free samples, taste it, and evaluate if that product is going to be the next guest at your kitchen pantry.
Member’s reaction and questions
Most of the members understand the logic of the new rule, especially those who have allergic children or have allergies themselves. However, some clients point to the fact that it’s odd that at 17 years old, in the U.S., you can already enlist for the army, but you cannot get a free sample at Costco without supervision. The contrast shocks people, but the norm is for all minors, not just the kids.
There are common questions when it comes to the new rule: how are they going to verify the age at the samples’ table? Are they going to ask for an ID? Some even ask if there are going to be exceptions. They’re afraid that showing your ID will make the whole experience slower.
The new orientations ask for cooperation from the members, and patience while everyone adapts. But the dynamic is not asking for that much. Just show up to the free samples’ spot with an adult next to you.
It’s still tradition, but it’s adapting to the new days
The free samples’ culture started in the 1980s, and a lot of things have changed since. But this, it’s still part of Costco’s DNA. In the wholesale world, it is important to know the taste of that product before investing in big formats. The minor’s norm is not at all looking to modify that; it is just preventing unexpected problems for you, your children, and the supermarket.
Food allergies can be small and innocent, but when they’re not and you’re not carrying epinephrine injections with you, it can become a serious situation.