There are rules for my parents house. I give out the candy there and we go through like 30 pounds of it in a night.
Not Saying Trick or Treat? No Candy. (EDIT: If they don’t say it, I always ask them “What do you say?” Which is funny too. Sometimes they go through “Thank you” “Happy Halloween” then finally get to “Trick or Treat.” Then they do get their appropriate amount of candy.)
Saying Trick or Treat with no costume? One candy, low tier.
Trick or Treat with Costume? 2 pieces, probably some chocolate.
Trick or Treat with High Effort or Very Unique costume I haven’t seen 10 of all night? 3-4 pieces def some chocolate and a ring pop.
Within that, older siblings escorting younger? Extra piece + glow stick.
Family Costume Set? Extra piece and my mom takes a picture of them.
I scare the shit out of you when I rip the door open? Extra piece?
I scare you and you cry? Extra chocolate.
Babies? Mom deserves an extra piece.
Haha. It’s always a vibe. Saw a little kid dressed as the warden from Minecraft and I pretended to have the darkness effect and gave him a wad of mini crunch bars. I think he was super happy to get recognized!
And they aren’t hard and fast rules. Just a sliding scale. And after being on candy duty for the last 15 years, you kinda just internalize it.
Plus, Halloween is all about the rules. Say trick or treat. Don’t blow out your pumpkin before midnight so the demons don’t get ya. Always check your candy.