When I started working in the grocery store, my co-workers would always put me in the last checkstand. I guess it was some sort of hazing or punishment because no one would want to be in the last checkstand and since I’m new, its was the only place they would stick me. As it turned out I figured why no one wanted to be in the last checkstand, it was always the busiest.
Since it was on the end, customers would always stop at the last checkstand because it was the first one they see when checking out. They would never bother to look for any other lanes open and therefore is constantly busy. Even suggesting customers that other lanes are open, they rather stay because it’s convenient.
Supervisor: Paul, you’re 5 minutes late.
Me: Sorry…
Supervisor: Since you’re late. You get checkstand #7.
Me: Checkstand #7 again!
Supervisor: Come in on time and you’ll get #6!
I’m checking and I look up to see a long line. I look at the other checkstands and they only have a few customers.
Me: Sir, the next lane is open.
Line Lingerer: I’m fine right here.
I ask the person behind him.
Me: Ma’am the next lane has no waiting.
Line Lingerer #2: There’s a person already there.
Me: But the line isn’t as long as this one.
Line Lingerer #2: If I go what if this line gets shorter?
Me: …
