Should I start a TDS line #ing system?

[Luv2Roam]

Here's my thoughts -- each week we have to stand in line longer and longer. This week it was an hour and a half. And each week the standing time increases. We are all polite and friendly among each other.
We all joke about sending the kids to buy breakfast, coffee. etc.
I thought I would print up numbered tickets and see if those in line would be willing to agree we each take a number in order. And we can grab whatever to eat or drink, go to the bathroom, etc and still keep our place in line.
The only downsides I see is some taking advantage of it and not standing in line at all and wandering/shopping around the mall. (Sears is open EARLY every time I have been there.) This may make those who are standing and waiting irritated.
My goal is just to make it so we don't have to hang around TDS door for 1.5 hours like vultures.
I was going to discuss with us early arrivers, rather just hand the slips out and tell them. But all this may cause more harm in the long run. Some it's easy for them -- it's a family affair. But most of us are singular in line.
What's everyone else's thoughts -- good and bad?
It may just be easier to go more prepared. We have all joked that we are bringing folding chairs and selling coffee and donuts for pins!

The more I think about it, I think the numbering system just wouldn't work.
How does your group handle the long, standing waits?

 

[RweTHEREyet]

the line at my local TDS is a pretty civil one. I do bring my chair each week as it is normaly an hour before opening that I arrive. I like your idea, but at our store, the people in line usually have enough stories to tell and pins to look at that the time passes rather quickly. I have met a lot of nice people in our line and have made some trading buddies that I may never have ever met without this line.

I do have to say that I am glad this is more than half way over with. What can they come up with for next year. This year's pins seems to be selling much better than last year's, so I wonder what will come next?

 

[Luv2Roam]

Hopefully a more mass produced series with less Pooh and a Tink or two!

 

[Brise Nannie]

Barb,

A few weeks into this we had to devise a number system because a not-so-nice woman tried to butt in line. She made her hubby try too and you could tell he wasn't thrilled. Our number system works without paper though. As peple arrive we begin counting off and as new people arrive we just continue to count off again or the person in front of them turns around and politely says, "I'm # blah blah so you're # blah, blah." It work great!!! Honestly, I can't wait until this is over!!!

 

[tinkerbarb]

You really should speak to your stores CM's and ask for the numbering system to be used. Most of the stores with lines are doing it. I'm sure they remember the beanie days. Our store gives out numbers, then leads everyone in to the store to the back register. SAFETY FIRST!!

 

[Luv2Roam]

tinkerbarb -- Good idea. Otherwise I'll just be prepared.

 

[Mickey7811]

GEE BARB,

FASTPASS FOR PINS.

GREAT IDEA.

DARLENE

 

[Luv2Roam]

And no Early Entry is allowed either!

 

[Brise Nannie]

CMs at my store told me they had orders NOT to give out numbers. So we Guests took it upon ourselves to do it 'cause it was beginning to get *ugly.*

 

[nsmia]

my normal saturday morning line is quite civilized. we line up and the wait seems to be no longer than an hour and a half for the first person. however i went to a store in New york this saturday cause i was visiting my relatives for the weekend. Met a bunch of new pin friends!! But back to the topic, they hand out numbers. their line starts around 7:30/8:00 am and they have a group of 10 or more every week. no peopel complain every one abides by the rules. and it worked perfectly cause i had brought my pins with me so one of the people ahead of me went to their car to get their pins so we could try to work out a trade. no one question him when he returned. simple post-it notes with numbers, nothing fancy but a great idea!!