Unbelievable Business: How Waiting in Line Became a Lucrative Opportunity!
Imagine turning the mundane act of waiting in line into a thriving enterprise! That’s precisely what Robert Samuel, a former AT&T employee, has achieved with his company, Same Ole Line Dudes. Instead of viewing queues as a waste of time, he recognized a golden opportunity, offering his services to stand in line for others – and charging up to $40 an hour for the privilege.
It all began in 2012 when the iPhone 5 launched. While working in telecom, Robert had a client hire him via Craigslist to queue for the coveted device. However, when that client canceled last minute, he decided not to waste his opportunity. Instead, he sold his place in line to someone else, raking in $300 without ever moving from his spot. This lightbulb moment sparked the birth of his successful venture.
Fast forward to today, and Samuel has transformed this simple idea into a bustling business with 45 employees. Each member of his team specializes in waiting for customers – whether it's for concert tickets, high-profile trials, or those must-have gadgets that everyone else is clamoring to get. The pricing model reflects the demand, charging between $25 and $40 an hour, with extra fees for bad weather, overnight waits, or urgent requests.
Samuel’s secret to success lies in his philosophy: “Look at what annoys people. Behind every complaint, there may be an opportunity.” In New York City, where waiting in line can feel like a frustrating part of life, he has created a service that not only alleviates this pain but also taps into a unique market for personal time management.
His business's surprising resilience in the fast-paced New York environment is noteworthy. With constant new product launches and events, the demand for queuing services remains steady. Even the legal world has knocked on his door; during the high-profile Sam Bankman-Fried trial, they enlisted his company to secure courtroom seats.
Robert Samuel stands as a testament to the power of a simple, well-executed idea. By listening to the needs of his community and turning frustration into opportunity, he has created a profitable and stable business, showing us that sometimes all it takes is a good idea and a pinch of patience.
