High angle of tacos on white wooden board

Don't Believe This Big Misconception About Costco's Free Samples

NEWS

BY ELIAS NASH

Plate of ham slices with toothpicks
Coscto's free samples are iconic. However, many people don’t know that the people handing out samples at Costco are not Costco employees, but employees of a separate company.
Free sample table at Costco
At most Costco locations, the people handing out free samples are employees of Club Demonstration Services, the warehouse store chain's "exclusive in-house service provider."
Pepperoni and cheese samples at Costco
Though CDS employees work at Costco locations, they do not work for Costco, which is reflected in the benefits and pay that CDS employees receive.
Employee handing out samples at Costco
Costco’s minimum wage is $17 per hour and comes with a benefits package that includes paid vacations, a 401(k) retirement plan, and stock options to go with insurance.
Line at Costco free sample stand
Unfortunately, CDS employees do not receive the same. Wages are often around $1.00 to $3.00 less per hour, and the limited benefits are only offered to full-time employees.