The new Costco free-sample rule that’s catching members off guard

Free samples are a big thing at Costco. The tradition started in the 1980s and it’s now part of the shopping experience. It was designed to let customers try products before buying them in bulk, but it’s become so ingrained that shoppers even joke about going there “for lunch.”

Interestingly, the samples aren’t provided by Costco itself, but by vendors promoting their products.

New free sample rule at Costco

Don’t worry, the free samples aren’t going away. But a new rule is being introduced for safety reasons: children must now be accompanied by an adult in order to get a sample.

Why is the Costco rule changing?

The rule is changing for safety reasons and to reduce Costco’s liability. Samples aren’t always labeled with every potential allergen, and this change means parents can monitor their kids and make sure they don’t eat or drink anything they shouldn’t.

How are people reacting to the new Costco free sample rule?

Most members have accepted the new rule and understand why it was introduced. However, because Costco defines children as anyone under 18, some have questioned whether older teens really need supervision. After all, 17-year-olds can enlist in the U.S. Army but can’t enjoy a free sample at Costco without parental oversight.

Some customers have also asked how Costco staff will verify age when handing out samples. For young adults over 18, this could mean a time-consuming process of showing ID every time they want a free sample.

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