US company makes a business out of waiting in line for you

Global Business

Most people don’t like to wait in line. Even economists say it’s a colossal waste of time. It’s estimated the average person spends up to three years of their life waiting in line. But for those that want to avoid it and have the money to do so, there are now people willing to wait for you — for a price. CCTV’s Karina Huber reported from New York.

US company makes a business out of waiting in line for you

Most people don't like to wait in line. Even economists say it's a colossal waste of time. It's estimated the average person spends up to three years of their life waiting in line. But for those that want to avoid it and have the money to do so, there are now people willing to wait for you -- for a price. CCTV's Karina Huber reported from New York.

Robert Samuel has become a fixture in the line for New York’s highly sought after Cronut, a combination donut and croissant, that draws lines every morning.

For those who want Cronuts but don’t want the wait, there’s Samuel. He’s there between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. three to four times a week for his client.

Why?

“Because it’s the most popular food item in the world,” Samuel, founder of Same Ole Line Dudes, said.

He became a professional line sitter a few years ago after he was laid off from his job for, ironically, being late. While unemployed, he posted an ad on Craigslist offering to wait in line for the launch of the iPhone 5.

He soon recruited some friends and started Same Ole Line Dudes. He currently works as a security guard in the evenings but waiting in line has supplemented his income by up to $20,000 a year.

Samuel said the bulk of his clients are tourists wanting access to New York experiences, without wasting time waiting in line. Some people can wait for hours for access to discounted Broadway shows.