Costco sample servers reveal the tricks of the trade

West Sacramento, California -  When you walk into a Costco around noon to score a free lunch off the food sample stations scattered across the store, you don't need to sneak around. The people who serve the samples see you coming a mile away and aren't fooled.

"We had a call once from someone that wanted to know the menu of free samples, so they could decide to show up that day or another day," a product demonstrator said.

But it's not that big of a deal.

The product demonstrators of Warehouse Demo Services, who populate busy Costco stores across the country, are sharing a few secrets and stories about their job.

Coming back for seconds is no problem: "We encourage it. It's perfectly fine," said Irene. "It's funny, they'll come around and say, 'Yeah, it's me again.'" Making excuses for taking multiple samples -- typically along the line of 'It's for my brother/sister/wife' -- are unnecessary.

Don't go overboard if you like a particular sample: "You can have as many as you like, just don't take the tray," said Sandi.

It's okay to camp out at a sample, but: "It helps to let everyone else have a sample as well," said Sherry, vice president of operations at WDS. Servers don't mind when people hang around, but please don't hog the space.

Servers are happy to see you over and over again, but it is possible to take your love of free food too far: "Some guy asked his spouse out on a date and took her to Costco for dinner," Sherry said. "I don't think that went over too well with her."

WDS says they are always hiring new servers. Sample servers make about $11 an hour to start, and work part time in six-hour shifts.

You can find more information on WDS positions by calling 1 (888) 889-0797 or visiting their website.