The Technique Food Sample Demonstrators Use To Lure You In

What would a trip to Costco or Whole Foods be like without stopping by the food demonstrators to get samples of yummy foods? The food demonstrator area is where customers can sample various food and beverage products, staffed by a team of food samplers who are responsible for preparing and serving the bite-sized treats, as well as answering any questions customers have. If you love trying new drinks and foods without having to commit to buying, then food samples are a dream come true. You can test out new snacks, baked goods, juices, and even fresh produce without having to make a purchase. 

Food demonstrators are experts in the art of attracting and tempting potential customers to try their products. These skilled individuals know just how to lure in passersby with their food samples and creative marketing strategies, and even if you don't think they can tempt you — they probably can. It's literally their job.

Food samplers don't make commission on their products, but they can get bonuses if they sell inventory. This incentivizes them to attract more consumers to their demonstration tables, and they do that in many ways. If you have been to a food sample table at Costco lately, you know demonstrators make eye contact, greet you, and smile, almost as if they're trained to do this. Well, that's because they are. 

They use a method called SITGA to entice customers. In an interview with Mental Floss, a former food sampler said that SITGA means "Smile, Invite, Talk, Give Sample, and Ask." They smile at the customer, wave at them to invite them over, or call out to them. This helps people to feel comfortable approaching the demonstrator. Then, the demonstrator engages in conversation with the customer, asking questions about their day and how they're feeling. This interaction helps to create a personal connection with the customer and can make them feel more comfortable trying the product.

Once they've made some small talk, the demonstrator then offers the free samples and asks the customer's opinion. They will also spend time answering the customer's questions, making them feel more confident so they are more likely to follow through on buying the product. Of course, SITGA isn't the only way demonstrators lure people in.

Demonstrators often offer discounts or coupons, too, to entice customers to make a purchase, which is particularly effective for customers who are on the fence about buying because they may be more willing to take a chance if they're not paying full price for it. They also use eye-catching displays to attract attention and appear inviting. Colorful banners and signage are all effective ways they use to draw in potential customers, and it gives the customers a sense of the quality of the food being offered. Additionally, they use scents to lure people in because the aroma of freshly cooked food can be very tempting, and it can be smelled from a distance, so it can bring in people from all over the store.