But the week of Halloween (I'm not sure why I'm just now reporting this) they caught me by surprise and were giving decent sized samples of their glorious cupcakes! I strolled by, then processed this information and the lack of a crowd, and shamefully turned around to get one. I'm not proud of this, but it's true. It was a white cupcake with lots of tasty, orange frosting and I loved every second of it. In fact, as I did the rest of my shopping I couldn't stop thinking about the cupcakes. I wasn't about to spend $16 (though they had a $3 off coupon) on a 20 cupcakes (oh that they sold them individually!), even I'm not that weak (maybe that's just my bank account talking though).
But as I shopped I kept thinking about the cupcakes. Ohhhh tasty cupcakes. I began to hatch a plan involving me removing my coat and pulling my hair back so as to appear to be a different person so I could get a 2nd sample (the fall comes quickly my friends). But since my plan didn't take shape until I was on the other side of the store, and because I couldn't bear the shame of it all, I proceeded to the check out unsatisfied. They had a display of cupcakes there to mock me further, but I held strong.
I've had several weeks to get some distance from this incident and am happy to report that I've been to Costco multiple times since and haven't done any sampling (even this week when they had Ruffles potato chips). Apparently the white cupcake cast a spell on me (the chocolate had no appeal) and it is now broken. But I fear that one day I will meet the cupcake sample station again and will have a choice to make. Don't you judge me.
**Do you have any confessions to make?
Would you fall for a sample like this?
White or chocolate cake?**
Would you fall for a sample like this?
White or chocolate cake?**
Comment Window Tidbit: I seem to be experiencing some motivation issues. This week has been nothing like last week with its great weather and high productivity level, perhaps I'm in a funk.
26 comments:
Oh I love this post.
For me I feel it is not a confession or an admission it is a way of life!
I always sample. If I have children they must sample. I make a date of it with my husband!
I just listened to a whole radio segment about sampling vs. not sampling, and taking seconds etc. A "sample lady" was on the show and explained that it was her job to get the food into our mouths so that we would enjoy it and then buy it. The more samples we took, the better she felt we would want her product. It was all very interesting to me. I have to admit that there have been a few products I never would have bought had I not had the chance to try them.
I know some people who look down on sample takers. But not me!
I would totally take a cupcake, and it would be vanilla.
I don't sample. It's such a demeaning experience. On one Costco trip I found myself jostling with an 8 year old and a senior citizen for a paper cup full of something, and I thought to myself, 'What the hell are you doing?' It's like a rice riot in Calcutta.
Hilarious. You sound like a Seinfeld episode. I used to despise the samplers but figured, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. I try not to block aisles with my cart but it's a dog eat dog world.
I have heard about this! My friend that lives in UT says Costco is crazy up there with all the big families shopping in bulk.
We just do not have that issue here (TX). Most days you can walk thru Costco with no crowds (no at the holidays though). I always smaple!
"the fall comes quickly, my friends." this was the best thing i've read all day!
"The fall comes quickly, my friends." One of your best sentences ever!
This whole post just made me laugh. I sample sometimes, if it's a product I'm curious about and there isn't a big crowd. Or if my kids are with me and they really want something. I wouldn't even think twice if they had white cupcakes! What is it about white cupcakes?
I was just at Costco yesterday and it irks me the congestion those damn tables cause. IRKS! My kids only sample when grandma or some other third party joins us...yesterday I found myself on repeat "nope...we aren't doing that. no. we are going to eat lunch in 15 minutes..." Bah!
But white cupcakes...I feel ya woman! Those would have brought me down and I am not too proud to say it!
OH Jill, I love this post! I am with you....I HATE THE SAMPLES, they just cause mass congestion. I honestly can't stand it! I only go to Costco when it opens (at exactly 10 am or 9:30am on Sat.) REally, I know it is ridiculous, but I LOVE Costco and when it is crowded it changes the experience for me!!
But...I would fall for a sample like that!1 And white cake FOR SURE!!
Oh- and the reason I don't is more a calorie/eating thing. I don't need to be fed to make it through a store. I can't keep track of a bite of this or that and I am sure so many of those things are not thigh friendly. It's not worth it. Or the fighting to get the gigantic cart close enough to snag something x3 for me and my kids. And the trash. And the mess.
"I began to hatch a plan involving me removing my coat and pulling my hair back so as to appear to be a different person so I could get a 2nd sample (the fall comes quickly my friends)" was indeed a classic line! However, your closing line "Don't judge me" comes a close second after your critque of nibblers!
I'm glad you found joy in a sample.
Oh how I love Costco samples. However there aren't usually giant hoards of people, so it's no *so* bad.
At least not hoards of people around every sample station. Hoards of people at Costco in general, yes.
Target in Orem often has cake samples and free cookies for the 'kids'. It usually keeps me from buying a 4 pack of the cheese Danishes. Usually.
I don't usually sample but my father loves to sample and buys whatever they are selling.
I must tell you that I bought those cupcakes from COSTCO and enjoyed them with my family. They were worth every penny. Absolutely delicious but I can't splurge all the time just sometimes:-)
Hello my names is Shelly and I'm a Costco sampler!
I love it and I come home with things I have no idea what they are but they were good in the store!
Maybe there isn't as much congestion in KS as there is in UT, but I my frustration is when the samples aren't out. Then I have to hear some poor elderly person say, "I'm sorry it will be just a couple of minutes"
Give it up Jill, life just to short not to sample!
I love how everyone quotes you to you...quite high praise. I am not a sampler - but my kids usually do. Maybe I would sample more - but I am not coordinated enough to manage my little paper cup, mini-fork and cart. When my motor skills improve I will dive in with the rest of the beggars. White - by the way, unless pie is an option!
Oh how I love white cupcakes and I love this post. I have gone back "for seconds" before and not even thought twice about disguising myself. I guess I have no shame.
I probably would have bought the whole thing of them except for my fear that I would single handedly eat the whole thing of them myself. Which happens at my house.
Your comment on Ashley's blog was funny. I'm mad at her for not posting but I can think of a darn thing to say. November is busy and boring at the same time.
This is too funny.
I am not a sample taker but I am married to one. It drives me crazy. But I do have to confess that for white cupcakes I would have been right in line knocking the kiddos out of my way to get one.
Your post made me laugh! This sounds just ike our Costco here in Mesa! Those cupcakes look devine!!! :)
I loved this post. You crack me up with your humorous honesty. People like free stuff and people like to eat. So, if Costco ever stopped giving out samples, I'll bet the complaint line would be longer than the sample lines.
Yes, I'm a sampler. In fact, sometimes we wait until after we've had lunch to do our shopping to see if we can get dessert at Costco!
I'm also a people watcher and don't mind crowds, so the sample line is a little entertaining for me. I know, I'm weird!
Cake is my ultimate temptation. I let my kids try samples as I steer through the traffic jam with similar feelings as you, but cake. Cake will always do me in. I would have gone back twice.
THis is pretty darn funny. It depends on the day if I sample. If there are crowds I have no intrest. I am not going to be the fat girl waiting for food. Sometimes the kids will go and get them and bring one back for me.
I haven't tried the cupcakes but if they are anything like their cake it is so darn good. I also wish they would sell them in a smaller quantity. Maybe it is better they don't? I would be tempted to buy it.
Oh, gosh! I couldn't even concentrate on your hilarious post because as soon as you mentioned "costco" & "disdain for the hordes," I had a mental image from that episode of Modern Family where Mitchell discovers Costco.
"What IS this place?!" heehee.
oh man, i am laughing so hard from this! i have a major disdain, and even a bit of anxiety from the sampling at costco. probably germ related, but that's another story.
i NEVER sample at costco. EVER.
but, i would have had a super hard time saying no to their fabulous cupcakes! YUM.
thanks for sharing so i could feel a little more normal about myself.
You certainly have a knack for story-telling, Jill. This post totally made me laugh because it sounds like something the girls and I would do. I can just picture Emily trying to disguise herself to snag a second sample of white cupcakes undetected.
"The fall comes quickly my friends."
i didn't you know you felt this way about costco - you and i are soul sisters.
i have thought of writing a letter saying howmuch i don't like this.
i told someone at costco that i think all the carts should say, "please use your phone in the eating area"
I think cell phones should be banned in costco it causes for crazy drivers with one hand pushing carts twice the normal size.
if you want to make a joint complaint let me know.
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