Adapted by:
Ricardo Aguilar
WriterMobile tech writer and analyst. I studied Psychology, but I've been working in the consumer tech field for the last 10 years. Interested in motor projects and new forms of mobility.
Alba Mora
WriterAn established tech journalist, I entered the world of consumer tech by chance in 2018. In my writing and translating career, I've also covered a diverse range of topics, including entertainment, travel, science, and the economy.
There are many business models, but one you likely haven’t thought of before is charging people to wait in line for them. Robert Samuel is the founder of Same Ole Line Dudes, a professional line sitter service. The New York-based company has 45 employees and has been in business for more than 13 years.
Origins. In 2012, Samuel was working in the sales department at AT&T. When Apple launched the iPhone 5, he realized that huge lines would form in New York City for its release. Recognizing an opportunity, he posted an ad on Craigslist offering to stand in line for customers who wanted to buy the phone.
Initially, someone decided to pay him for three hours of his time. However, just as Samuel was about to finalize the transaction, the customer informed him that he had placed the order online and no longer needed to physically buy the phone. Next, Samuel sold his place in line for $100, went to the back of the line, and sold his spot again. He eventually earned $300. That’s when he realized that waiting in line could be a lucrative business.
The cronut boom. In 2013, New York City experienced the so-called “cronut fever.” A cronut is a hybrid pastry that combines elements of a croissant and a donut. People went wild for them, often standing in long lines to get their hands on these treats.
This surge in popularity significantly increased orders for Samuel, who capitalized on the trend and transformed it into a company that now employs 45 people.
Same Ole Line Dudes. Samuel’s company has been operating since 2012. It provides a unique service: workers who stand in line on your behalf.
Whether it’s buying concert tickets, picking up an order at a trendy coffee shop, or waiting for the launch of the latest iPhone, they do it all. They’ve even stood in line for the trial of Sam Bankman-Fried. The former leader of crypto platform FTX is accused of fraud.
Pricing. Same Ole Line Dudes offers a straightforward service: time. The minimum time you can purchase is two hours, priced at $50. The company also provides packages for four, six, eight, and up to 24 hours, with the total package cost being $600. These are the basic services designed to save you time in lines. For additional fees, you can access more extensive services. The hourly rate typically ranges from $25 to $37.50.
Services. While someone waiting in line for you is useful, the option of having your order picked up and delivered to your home is even better. For as little as $65 an hour, the company will line up for you, purchase your order, and deliver it right to your doorstep.
The company offers a range of services, including restaurant wait services (even for large groups), errand running, moving, and courier services. Same Ole Line Dudes is open to all kinds of requests and will adjust prices based on the type of service. Additionally, on rainy, snowy, and particularly hot days, the hourly rate increases by an additional $3.
Trend-setting. Same Ole Line Dudes was a pioneer in this trend. Many other companies with a similar business model have since followed. TaskRabbit offers a specific service where taskers can line up for you. In China, there’s also a growing trend of providing assistance with simple tasks (particularly in hospital settings) in exchange for payment.
Image | Gianandrea Villa
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