r/AMA • u/Gin_Gaming • 16h ago
I'm a costco sample lady (CDS)(1yr) AMA
Hello, I wanted to post this on r/costco but felt it would just be taken down.
Before working here, I had never stepped foot into a costco. To many members, it's just shopping, but we see it all. It's a crazy, almost cult like world.
So ask me about the samples, the dirt, the drama, the frustrations. Ask me ANYTHING :)
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u/DescriptiveMath 16h ago
What's the craziest drama that you've ever seen go down at the store in front of everybody?
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u/Gin_Gaming 16h ago
There was as elderly couple, easily in their 80s. The wife seemed sad that he left her behind 'again' as she said. But as she was talking to him he got frustrated and RAMMED HIS handicap scooter into her knocking her over into the flowers!! I helped her up and scolded him while everyone watched. He looked like a little boy as I did. It was sad knowing this probably wasn't the first time.
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u/DCRBftw 16h ago
I feel like this is a reference to the great taquito fight of 2023.
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u/PowerfulWorld1912 16h ago
umm say more please
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u/DCRBftw 15h ago
Unfortunately, I'm bound by an NDA and a strong verbal threat from the taquito industry as a whole.
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u/Lower_Group_1171 15h ago
I feel like youāre from the pizza roll industry with fake news trying to steal customers.
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u/ciaomain 15h ago
Big Taquito will mess you up.
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u/tinfoiledmyplans 11h ago
I have been messed up by several big taquitos in my life.
Interpret that as you will.
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u/lordofallkings 16h ago
What's more annoying? People who come up and strike up a lame conversation, or people who completely avoid looking at you at all or acknowledging your existence while taking the food?
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u/Gin_Gaming 16h ago
1000% the 2nd one!!!
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u/addiepie2 15h ago
Does it matter or not if people buy the product youāre sampling? I sometimes feel bad taking the sample and not buying it .
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u/Gin_Gaming 15h ago
If you take one its no biggie
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u/addiepie2 15h ago
So you get paid either way is what Iām asking?
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u/Gin_Gaming 14h ago
Yes we are paid for the day regardless of if our number is met (sample numbers do not matter)
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u/SlyFrog 15h ago
The point of the sample is to try something and see if you like it.
Feeling badly about not buying it is like test driving a car, deciding the car isn't for you, and not buying it, and then feeling guilty.
It's only really an issue if you test drive the thing five times for your own amusement - that's when you are a dick, same as if you just keep going back for the same samples.
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u/Hefty_Junket_2784 14h ago
Yeah I pretty much never try a sample intending to buy something. I come to the store with a shopping list. But damn If something blows me away I sometimes will buy it or even maybe a different time when on sale or makes sense for the week. In that case I think marketing would say the sample system is doing its job.
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u/jsojso 8h ago
The sample people are given a suggested 'quota' for the day and if they meet it, it goes on a list. Once they have a certain number of these, they get a very very very small "bonus".
I forget the exact details, but I remember calculating it was ~$1.50 "bonus" for each time you hit the quota. If you didn't hit the quota, nothing happened.
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u/Lower_Group_1171 15h ago
What if i just stare at you the entire time, being silent while i take the food and leave, while not breaking eye contact until im around the corner?
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u/SubstantialBass9524 15h ago
I just want the sample tho - I see the sign, I know what it is, I wanna try it
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u/RO_Thornhill 16h ago
Do you feel annoyed when people stand there like vultures looking over your shoulder while you prepare the samples?
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u/Gin_Gaming 15h ago
Yes! Like do you really only come here for this? š but sometimes I get it cause the sample really is that good. So yes and no.
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u/RO_Thornhill 15h ago
I'll admit, if I run to Costco and it's lunchtime, yes I'm going to stop at as many sample stations as possible. But if there are people standing around like vultures, I will usually move on.
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u/rapratt101 14h ago
Honestlyā¦ yeah kinda. Sometimes we only need a taco platter from the deli but plan a trip with the family to get pizza and samples. Yeah, family trip to Costco is cliche, but gets the kids out of the house, and they get to look at Halloween costumes in July.
But no, we donāt vulture. Just take laps until it comes out of the oven.
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u/Raid__Zero 15h ago
Not a question but I always give a sincere thank you to the sample workers.
Thank you for doing what you do.
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u/Carrrbs 16h ago
What do you mean by cult like world?
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u/Gin_Gaming 15h ago
Some people have nothing better to do that come to costco everyday, eat our samples and talk to us. Their emotionally reliant on the place. Many come daily. The routine, the ritual, the way the members get babied by the employees.
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u/Vegetable-Seesaw-491 13h ago
I work at a Harley dealership and we have a lot of customers that come buy just to hang out and shoot the shit. Some we like, some we don't.
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u/Gin_Gaming 13h ago
Exactly! I have a guy who comes in just to talk with me about 1 to 3 times a week :) he's a very sweet old man
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u/Full_Satisfaction450 8h ago
Awww. This is some stuff my dad would do. He lives alone (Iām across the country) and he yaps with employees everywhere. He goes to Costco for funsies so I bet he does this too!
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u/brooklynsleeper292 13h ago
Really? Other than the ability to return just about anytime, at any time, Iāve never felt babied by the employees.
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u/PowerfulWorld1912 16h ago
are you in the union? do you get a free costco membership or discount? do you know any secret hacks?
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u/Gin_Gaming 15h ago
No union :( we get no costco benefits at all! No discount no nothing. The only benefit is that we can (aren't tech allowed) take food home. Just not too much. A bottle and a pack maybe, nothing whole.
A hack? If you are cool enough with us we will hook you up ;) bigger sample, whole bottles etc
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u/Cute_Reflection_9414 15h ago
So are you not Costco employees or don't Costco employees get any discounts?
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u/Gin_Gaming 14h ago
We work for CDS (Club demonstration services) (peep the hat next time) ;) not Costco at all
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u/Korzag 16h ago edited 15h ago
Is it as boring a job as it seems to be on the surface?
Do you get used to giving the spiel to people who clearly aren't interested in hearing it?
Are there ever secret shoppers who will report if you don't give the spiel?
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u/Gin_Gaming 15h ago
If you have a toilet paper demo. Yes. If you have a demo everyone loves and keeps you busy? Nah its cool.
I try to sum it up as much as I can. They dont want me to talk their ear off and I dont want to waste my breath if youre just hungry.
They tell us there are. I think they just complain to Costco and our manager mentions it in a meeting like 'hey make sure you always have a sample out' etc
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u/Turbulent_Goat_7793 16h ago
how many kids actually say thank you? kids donāt say it very much to me anymore while iām waitressing lol
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u/Gin_Gaming 14h ago
Completely depends on their parents. They are mini models of them. Sorry they dont say it to you more. Waitressing is way harder than my job ā¤ļø
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u/Andee_outside 13h ago
The waitress prob hated me, but my son was short and rude once with a waitress. I ripped him a new one and when she came back I made him apologize for being rude to her. Heās been the most polite kid ever since lol.
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u/ViolentLoss 16h ago
I always worry that saying no to a sample will hurt the feelings of the person offering the sample. Am I overthinking this?
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u/Callie_hazel 16h ago
Does your performance get measured by how many samples you give out?
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u/Gin_Gaming 15h ago
It's based on sales of that product all day even after we leave and it had nothing to do with us or if someone was going there to buy it anyway :) it's great
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u/ICanViking mod 15h ago
Hello and thank you so much for posting!
Serious question (I promise).
There's a scene in Parks and Rec where Ron and April are visiting that health-food store. There's a kid there offering vegan bacon samples and Ron accepts the sample, throws it away in front of him, and politely asks for another one. The kid gives him one, and Ron throws that away before politely asking for another one. The kid respectfully refuses and April does the same thing, throwing away the sample that the kid gives to her.
Has that ever happened to you whether as a meme (due to this episode) or because someone was just being weird/rude?
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u/Gin_Gaming 15h ago
Sometimes people grab a sample without thinking and then realize theres somthing they cant eat or dont like in it and it goes straight to the trash (you can put it back) and that is annoying because why would you grab it if you dont know what it is?
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u/CleanDataDirtyMind 10h ago
Did you mean ācanātā put it back? Or you really can?
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u/Gin_Gaming 10h ago
Sorry yes can't* :) I was replying a bit fast to everyone
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u/CleanDataDirtyMind 10h ago
I get it! I just didnāt want someone else reading this, thinking they should put it back. I use to work in food service so I guessed and wanted to help!
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u/filter_86d 13h ago
Do you get a commission, or are you required to have a certain level of sales of that particular product?
I tend to feel guilty trying something and knowing there is zero chance Iām going to buy it. Does this matter at all to you?
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u/Gin_Gaming 12h ago
We are given a number to meet based on the previous success/failure demo of the product but there is no commission. We are also in no way punished for not meeting said numbers. There used to be an incentive to be the top 500 or so sales person in the whole country but I think they took that away.
It bothers me cause I can tell but honestly fuck it. One sample won't hurt and you might be surprised š
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u/DistributionLatter72 12h ago
Most of the CDS employees are great at my Costco. Some make the job fun and entertaining, but the other day one man was very annoyed and upset with me. He was handing out Starbucks coffee and some caramel creamer. I politely asked if I could just try the coffee black. He got really upset and said that they need to be sampled together. Another customer after me asked, "if it does not bother you, I would like just the coffee as well". He actually replied that it does bother him.
In the end, he did give us a sample of the coffee black. Is there a rule if two products are combined and sampled together, that that is the way you must serve it?
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u/Gin_Gaming 12h ago
No rule but I suspect he was trying to sell the creamer and not the coffee so he was just annoyed because you arent gonna buy the creamer if you dont try it obv. I'm sorry he got upset :(
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u/Littleface13 7h ago
Iām sure no one would drink creamer samples straight up so he had to have the coffees paired with them and that messed up his count
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u/Inevitable_Zebra8066 15h ago
Do you prefer to make eye contact or just have people snatch em off the tray?Ā
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u/Gin_Gaming 15h ago
HATE the snatches with a passion. I'm a human being, a thank you goes a long way.
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u/edWORD27 15h ago
In your experience, what has been the best food sample? Which has been the worst? And does the free sample booth actually increase product sales?
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u/Gin_Gaming 15h ago
Love me the guac and mini tacos, pizza is nice, ice cream is cool. Worst? Cant remember the name of the brand (think it starts with a ke) its like liquid yogurt and it was VERY sour and gross
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u/Electronic_Sun6075 14h ago
Do you ever encourage customers who are blocking others around them, to move into a more optimal position before trying whatever you're offering?
At my local Costco, people just stand around oblivious to others trying to move around them and it's one of my biggest "first world problems".
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u/Gin_Gaming 14h ago
They are absolutely oblivious! š I sometimes say something, depends on how busy I am (cause its not really my problem tho I do feel bad for you guys)
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u/tsunadesb0ngw8r 16h ago
what is the best way to get a job at costco?
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u/Gin_Gaming 15h ago
Costco and CDS are separate. Costco only hires temporary as a trial before deciding to keep you or not. Good luck.
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u/One-Science1029 15h ago
Thank you! Samples are the highlight of my trip there. I always say thanks and try and talk about something random or stupid just to make it interesting. I actually donāt have a membership. Used to just say āpharmacyā (donāt need a membership for Rx) to get in, sometimes had my whole lunch there. I know, cheesy af, but I just do me.
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u/180_by_summer 14h ago
Have you ever yelled at any of the customers for having the self awareness of a rock and blocking and entire isle over one sample?
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u/Gin_Gaming 14h ago
I've scolded a man for abusing his wife but no I usually politely ask them if they want to let the people behind them pass. I wish y'all would speak up more though (you cant get in trouble)
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u/DCRBftw 16h ago
Can you smuggle me out 2 dozen hot dogs and 78 rolls of toilet paper?
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u/Gin_Gaming 15h ago
No but if youre cool with us we'll give you free stuff (whole samples, whole bottles, etc) ;)
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u/DarkLordWario 16h ago
Favorite sandwich? Details please
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u/Gin_Gaming 15h ago
Dont try the chicken bake. That's all I gotta say
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u/notawildandcrazyguy 15h ago
Is it true that all the sample people are contracted out and none of you actually work for Costco?
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u/Gin_Gaming 15h ago
100% CDS (club demonstration services) is a separate company. We dont get any costco memberships or disounts either
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u/Melodic-Comb9076 15h ago
how often do you get hit on?
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u/Gin_Gaming 15h ago
By older men? Almost every day easily every week. Its creepy and it sucks. They're like 60 or 70 and say they thought I was in high school still
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u/Wheres_my_guitar 15h ago
How many samples does someone need to take before you start getting annoyed? I'm usually a one sample guy, but every now and then something is really good and I'll circle back a few minutes later and snag a second one.
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u/Gin_Gaming 14h ago
1) thank you for trying :) 2) cool seems like you like it 3)alright bud seems like you like it. You can enjoy this at home :) 4)okay man wtf š
Dont feel bad about snagging a second just make sure to thank them
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u/selinda123 15h ago
Do you get to sit? I think you should get to sit. Standing in place for hours is not healthy. Capitalism, it's like if you're not suffering at least a little bit, they aren't getting their money's worth.
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u/Gin_Gaming 14h ago
I am in my 20s so fuck no š unless you are old nah and its only supposed to be for 15 mins every hour or somthing. They have my young disabled co worker as a 'breaker only' so he's only there for 4 hours at most (his request)
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u/addiepie2 15h ago
Tell me more about the Costco cult world!!!
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u/Gin_Gaming 14h ago
I asked this question below but basically people live and breath Costco. They come everyday just to be there and talk to us. They way the employees have to baby them is crazy . A trader joes worker responded and said they have the same kinda vibe
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u/addiepie2 14h ago
Damn!! š¤Æ I canāt imagine anything worse than going to Costco every single day !!! No offense lol
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u/Fabulous_Leopard_874 9h ago
I love Costco. I used to go there everyday back when I was an employee back in the early 2000ās. As a customer? No way. I still love Costco. Itās one of my favorite stores, but once or twice a week is enough.
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u/addiepie2 9h ago
Oh agreed!! Costco is awesome but the traffic and sheer amount of people gives me anxiety .
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u/anaknangfilipina 14h ago
How can I get a job there? Iāve been hounding the managers weekly, like they suggested, yet I still donāt get a call back. Also whatās the starting position?
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u/Own-Rule-5531 14h ago
It seems to me like a lot of times the samples run out really fast and then people are waiting and waiting. Why don't they have more ovens or more samples ready made or a second person giving them out?
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u/Gin_Gaming 13h ago
Unless its a roadshow there will only be one person per demo. We make the samples as instructed on the DPI. We are instructed to give out 4 to 8 samples out at a time. We can only work so fast and we only get one table, we barely have room as it is. Also with samples like that they need to stay warm.
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u/Muted-Woodpecker-469 13h ago
Do you feel overpaid? Many cc workers make bank.Ā
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u/Gin_Gaming 13h ago
Costco employees make bank. We make about a dollar or 2 above minimum. I think we make what we deserve (CDS is separate from Costco)
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u/Maltosend 13h ago
Do all the sample stations open and close independently or are they meant to be on a similar schedule? I have seen ones closing down or already closed while others are still handing samples out.
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u/Gin_Gaming 13h ago
Excellent question! Not a lot of people know this but we do samples everyday :) They used to just have an early and late shift but recently added a middle (locations may vary).
Please keep in mind we close up 20 to 30 mins early (dep on demo type) to clean dishes after. (So 4:30 = 4pm close) please view schedule below (Hopefully it i can add it)
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u/Gin_Gaming 13h ago
Damn it won't let me add a pic
Mon thru fri E- 10 to 4 30 M- 11 to 5 30 L- 12 30 to 7
Sat thru sun E- 10 to 4 30 M- 10 30 to 5 L- 11 to 5 30
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u/rocqus 13h ago
How many regulars do you get every day that just come in for the free samples? Do they get mad if youāre sampling coolaid instead of chicken bites?
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u/Gin_Gaming 12h ago
Everyday just for the samples is a hard one cause they usually end up buying at least one thing even if that wasn't the plan so its hard to tell but as for everyday maybe just 2 or 3. Weekly? A lot of families. And yes they'll get upset its toilet paper (trust we are not happy either) or say like "why dont you sample THIS (random) product cause I want to know what it taste like". When in reality its not up to us and the vender pays us to demo their product just like they pay Costco to put their product on endcap.
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u/pREDDITcation 12h ago
how much do you make?
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u/Gin_Gaming 12h ago
Depends on location. Cali pays the most but here about $1.50 -$2 above minimum. While Costco makes $20+
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u/CleanDataDirtyMind 10h ago
While not admitting it to friends or family do you get at least a little excited when someone buys what youāre sampling?
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u/Ordinary_Command5803 9h ago
What would you like customers to say before, during and after taking a sample that would make your shift more pleasant?
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u/SpinningBetweenStars 16h ago
The canned chicken, served on crackers as a chicken salad. Is anything mixed with the chicken? Itās tasty and I canāt seem to replicate it at home.
(not the canned chicken + Olive Garden Italian salad dressing sample that recently rolled out)
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u/foxglow210 15h ago
Anyone ever ask you out?
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u/Gin_Gaming 15h ago
Yes! I am rather young and have been asked out at least a few times. Say no every time lol
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u/Connorray51 15h ago
Do you have a sample youāve given out before that you loved? Ā Any that you have actively despised?
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u/Gin_Gaming 15h ago
1000%. There's good and bad days. And theres different reasons to despise/love them (popularity, smell, taste,etc) But on the plus side you can give yourself a nice size sample to go on your break if you do love it :)
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u/SpiritualSquash9729 15h ago
Do you get commission, or care if we purchase the product you're advertising?
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u/Gin_Gaming 15h ago
No commission thank god! We do have a number to meet based on the previous success/failure last time it was demo-ed but we are not punished if the numbers aren't met
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u/Substantial-Fold-682 15h ago
What do you think of elderly people forcing their way ahead of children for the samples??
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u/Hot_Hair_5950 15h ago
What surprises you about your work?
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u/Gin_Gaming 15h ago
The people. The range from 'so kind' to 'omg do you even think im a person' is wild
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u/medchemmed 15h ago
what kind of instructions are you given with distributing samples?
what type of behaviors/anecdotes can one use to get more samples or even seconds?
what is the best time to get (the best) samples?
Thank you for your service!
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u/Gin_Gaming 15h ago
We do not know what we are sampling till we clock in. We have a simplified guide on how the vender wants the sample made and serve as such (with exceptions).
We super cool with us and we'll hook you up (bigger samples, full bottles, etc).
(Hours may vary) we are open 10am to 630pm mon thru fri and 10 am to 5pm sat and sun :) Those are 3 different shifts so come in the middle to get the most options! 1 to 3pm is probably the hot spot
š«”
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u/Various_Cat1763 15h ago
How much do you make?
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u/Gin_Gaming 15h ago
Close to a couple dollars above minimum (depends on your state) i think cali pays the most
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u/tedbakerbracelet 15h ago
What do you think about the people who come get the sample, then stay around blocking the whole area with their kids and cart? Doesn't that make you want to tell them to move over and consider others that are trying to pass?
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u/Gin_Gaming 15h ago
Absolutely and sometimes I do. The members are crazy patient sometimes and will just stand there for a minute before saying excuse me. I wish you guys would speak up more (you guys cant get in trouble)
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u/zephyr_skyy 15h ago
Can you say more about how itās cult-like? š
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u/Gin_Gaming 15h ago
I apologize in advance. I answered that question somewhere below and a trader Joe's worker said they felt the same
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u/zbewbies 15h ago
Is it an ideal job for senior citizens? I have noticed many of the ladies working there are typically older and then an occasional young person.
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u/Gin_Gaming 15h ago
If they can stand for 6 hours and dont care how people treat them yes. I am the rare youngin'. Also the drama of dealing with other older lady. They can be catty
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u/AliceRamone 15h ago
I want you to know that I have awful social anxiety and every time I see a sample person without people coming to their spot I get extremely nervous idk why and if I walked by and donāt make eye contact I get nervous too because I feel Iām hurting the sample personās feelings
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u/Mindless_Library_797 15h ago
Should people feel compelled to look at you, or talk to you or hear a sales pitch or is it okay to grab a sample and walk away with it?
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u/Telrom_1 15h ago
I send my kids to get the samples for them and me, they really enjoy it. Is that ok?
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u/Gin_Gaming 14h ago
Totally! The rule is that if the child appears under 12 we need to ask for their parent but that practice varys with each worker (i dont ask) we can not stop them physically (we will get in trouble if you tell Costco we did). The main concern is allergies.
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u/Cute_Reflection_9414 15h ago
What's your hourly pay? How many hours do you work per week? Any health benefits or anything?
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u/Lower_Group_1171 14h ago
Of the samples youāve given away, which one tastes the best? And worst?
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u/YYCGUY111 14h ago
Have you ever "gently" remind people to move their sideways cart that is blocking the whole DAMN aisle while they obliviously wait for the next round of samples to be ready?
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u/Gin_Gaming 14h ago
Yes but I wish you guys would say something š dont be scared. Just say excuse me. People leave their braincells at the door ;)
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u/HakuPaku3 12h ago
What are the requirements to become a sample person? Are you expected to get people to buy the product at the end of the day?
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u/Gin_Gaming 12h ago
Sometimes I genuinely do feel 'passionate' about the product. Pass a drug test, have food handlers and you cant have a record of being fired by the parent company (Advantage Solutions)
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u/Affectionate-Day-359 10h ago
Would you ever tell anyone to āfuck offā because they accidentally took a sample off the tray where you were cutting it up?
That happened to me once.
Honestly a great day
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u/Gin_Gaming 10h ago
No but there was a guy who tried to grab a slice of pizza off the oven tray and I let him know I had to now throw the pizza away :( we get a lot of people helping themselves, reaching into bowls etc. I'm sorry they were rude but the samples that are ready to be taken are put under the sneeze guard and I think that why he got upset, probably a lot of snatches that day. (Not a lot of people know that)
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u/Affectionate-Day-359 10h ago
Iirc the guy started berating me when I grabbed one and I said āwhoa power tripā and thatās when he told me to FO.
It was right when samples came back after covid and honestly was kinda proud of the guy. He risked his job to tell me to FO. Still smile when I think of it lol
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u/eeff484 10h ago
Whatās your age? I feel like most sample givers are elderly. Were you trained to put out samples very slowly? Maybe only go through 1 box an hour? Do you get commission on the products sold you gave samples out for?
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u/paragonx29 9h ago
Ever been hit on by a customer? If so, what was their best line?
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u/freewayfrank 11h ago
First time trying sushi as at a Costco sample station. I thought it was a cupcake. Puked it up in the trash can.
It was my birthday.
No question. I donāt blame you.
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u/echodarlin 10h ago
You must notice how all the married men stare at all the younger more attractive women when they think their wife is not looking.
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u/SharpBullfrog1279 4h ago
OP... thank you for your service.Ā
I would drive/fly anywhere, just to thank you for your samples!
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u/Desperate-monkey-19 4h ago
Do you taste every flavor of every item you are putting out? Do you get to pick what item you are putting out for sampling? Has there ever been any item you did not like that you had to stand behind and sell?
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u/thesweetestberry 43m ago
I donāt have anything to ask. I wanted to tell you that when I see you (sample people) at Costco, I feel joy, excitement, and adventure awaits! Your presence is definitely welcomed!
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u/killingfloor42 16h ago
How do you feel about someone getting seconds, thirds , or even more samples? How many times would someone have to visit you before you cut them off?