The convenience store clerk uncertainty principle

First rule: At any store that employs a clerk you look forward to having wait on you and a clerk you dread having to deal with, the second clerk will work a schedule such that he or she is behind the counter six times out of ten when you have to shop at that store while the first clerk works a schedule such that you three out of the four times he or she is on duty when you step up to the counter he or she will either be waiting on someone else, get called away by the manager just before it’s your turn, or is going off shift.

Second rule:  The first clerk will always leave to take another job first.  He or she will be replaced by another clerk you enjoy having wait on you who will work the same schedule as the previous clerk.

Comments

[Bill Altreuter]

Third rule: if there are two lines the clerk you don't want will be the clerk you get. This is especially true if the clerk you want is attractive.