Free Lunch?

[vendigirl]

I don't know how common this practice is, but I learned something new today when I went to Costco. A man approached me as I walked in and asked if he could go in with me as he had forgotten his card. I was only going to return something so I told him that I wasn't going in the main entrance. As I proceeded to the Customer Service desk I wondered why he didn't just go to Customer Service and get a day pass- which is what they'll do if you have a membership and have forgotten your card.
I proceed with my return and decide to get another of the same item. I walk back into the store and here is this guy going to town at the demo tables! I figure he probably has no membership and just scams his way in for the free food. I'm not sure if it makes me mad or sad.
A part of me applauds his ingenuity while another abhors the dishonesty.
I have to admit that my Dh once mentioned that a couple of his co-workers go to Costco for lunch. I thought he meant that they go to the concesion stand in the store-not just for samples. Then again, at least one of them has a membership to get in, so that person pays for his lunch in a manner of speaking. Is this a common practice and I'm too dumb to know it? LOL

[terry1156]

I don't think that it is a common practice, but I must admit I don't mind taking the free food that is handed out. The free trial portions are usually bite size that it would make it hard to make an entire meal of of them I would think. I know at our local Cosco, you can get a big hot dog lunch at under $1. I usually fill up on one of these meals if I am in the area during lunch.

[vendigirl]

I don't bother with the demos unless it's a product I'm seriously interested in buying. I guess that's why I was surprised by this guy. I think with the 20 or so booths set up and perhaps a couple of trips to each, he was fairly well fed. We have lots of men doing demos at our local Costco and they give big servings.
I notice that the demos often taste better in a small serving than as a meal. I once tasted the Stagg canned chili and thought it was great. I bought a pack of 6 and couldn't stomach it when I got it home. That went to the food bank. LOL

[terry1156]

I agree that the demos are dangerous. I guess that is why they have them. They are a good way to sell extra products. I have also purchased food that I thought tasted good as a sample but wasn't nearly as tasty once I brought it home. I'm ok as long as I don't go there on an empty stomach.

[globetrotter]

I don't snack on any of the demos either. If I do, I end up buying things I don't want or need.

[marla]

That is very inventive. I wouldn't do it, but i guess it is better than going hungry.

[2moretrees]

Interesting. You have to give the guy credit for ingenuity.

Personally, I avoid the free samples as much as possible. If I eat them, I feel obligated to buy some. I know it doesn't make sense. but I still feel that way.

[PrincessPerky]

Tnstafl