Taking A Ticket: That’s The Ticket!

I’m working at the service desk on a busy Saturday. We’ve got a classic deli-style ticket system: take a number, wait your turn. It’s clearly posted everywhere.

A man strolls in, glances at the ticket machine, and waves it off with a scoff.

Me: “Sir, you’ll need to grab a number, and we’ll call you up when it’s your turn.”

Customer: “I don’t need a number. I just have a quick question.”

I shrug. We’re slammed. Five minutes later, he comes storming up to the counter, red-faced.

Customer: “Excuse me! I’ve been standing here forever, and you’re helping people who came in after me!”

Me: “That’s because they took a number, sir.”

Customer: “I told you I just had a quick question! I’ve been waiting twenty minutes! This is ridiculous!”

Me: “And I told you to take a number. That’s how the line works.”

Customer: “I shouldn’t have to! I’m the one standing here! Doesn’t anyone have common sense anymore?!”

I glance over at the machine with the bright red “Take a Number” sign. Three other customers, all with tickets in their hands, are watching in silence.

Me: “Sir, everyone else here has common sense. That’s why they took a number.”

The next ticket beeps. I look right at him, intense eye contact. I do not blink.

Me: “Number forty-seven, please.”

Customer: “So f****** stupid!”

He goes and takes a ticket and sulks in the corner until it’s his turn. His question? Can he get an upgrade on his contract, and can he buy out his current contract early? Hardly a “quick” one…