# Poll: Deli Ticket Numbers **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 29, 2023, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-deli-ticket-numbers/989289 "2023-08-29T14:51:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![muldoonthief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muldoonthief/32/3188_2.png) [@muldoonthief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muldoonthief)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2023, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-deli-ticket-numbers/989289/1 "2023-08-29T14:51:18Z")
When you pull a number at the supermarket deli counter, how do things work from there? _Poll ([view on site](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-deli-ticket-numbers/989289/1))_ Inspired by something that happened at the supermarket this weekend, I wanted to confirm I’m not crazy - I live by option 2 - you’re free to leave, but you have to get back before your number is called or you get a new one and start over. On Sunday, I was shopping - I got to the deli counter, and pulled number 34. They were currently on 23, so I left, did some shopping, and came back. My timing was lucky - they were serving number 33 when I arrived. A few seconds later, they called 34, I raised my hand, and the woman next to me who had seen me walk up said “I’m 35!” and acted as if she was next. I said “I have number 34”, and gave the worker my order. The woman started complaining, “You weren’t here! You have to wait at the counter for your number!”. I just said “I have number 34.” and ignored her from there. She kept muttering “You have to wait your turn” under her breath, and everyone else at the counter did what I would have done and ignored us both completely. So was I wrong? Was she crazy? I’ve been shopping like this forever and no one has ever said a word. If I time it poorly and miss my number, I always pull a new one and start over. But considering that I’ve pulled tickets over 20 behind the current one, I think it’s crazy to clog up the deli section waiting - that’s what the tickets are for after all. ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2023, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-deli-ticket-numbers/989289/2 "2023-08-29T15:00:33Z")
She’s crazy. If they called “34… 34… 34…” and you weren’t there, sure, call “35.” But if you were right there when they called the first time, she needs to sit down and shut the fuck up. 12-year supermarket employee veteran here. ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2023, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-deli-ticket-numbers/989289/3 "2023-08-29T15:02:43Z")
Totally with the OP. I usually stay within earshot of the number callers (or eyeline of the red digital number display) just because I have no confidence I’ll be able to shop and get back in time. But if you do, you’re good. If you don’t time it well and the numbers have moved on, you start over. There’s a local meat market that is always very crowded with a deli-style number system, and when you pull a number you’re typically a dozen or more behind. The store is about the size of a 7-11, with aisles of other grocery-type products, and people walk around and shop other areas while waiting, because it’s a long wait. Sometimes the number called might be up to say, 36 and someone will say “34, sorry, I missed the call when my number was up” and they’ll be let in with no pushback or fuss from anybody. > [@DCnDC](#): > > She’s crazy. More Karen than crazy, I’d guess. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2023, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-deli-ticket-numbers/989289/4 "2023-08-29T15:04:41Z")
Don’t go far away. If you miss your number being called then take another ticket. Maybe people will be nice and let you be served next but you shouldn’t count on it or act like a Caryn. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2023, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-deli-ticket-numbers/989289/5 "2023-08-29T15:09:47Z")
I actually voted for “you should stay at the counter”, but don’t think you did anything wrong at all. You play a risky game wandering off from the deli counter, and it’s kind of a crappy thing to do to potentially make the butcher call out your number over and over if you’re not there. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2023, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-deli-ticket-numbers/989289/6 "2023-08-29T15:18:44Z")
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with giving up because the wait is too long, or just taking a chance you can go away and come back in in time. If it’s busy they won’t spend much time calling your number and the next person will thrilled you didn’t answer. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2023, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-deli-ticket-numbers/989289/7 "2023-08-29T16:07:26Z")
I voted stay at the counter, since that’s what I do. But if you do leave the area, and get back after your number is called, you go back to the end of the queue. If you get back before your number is called then you are fine, but it’s a risk I’m typically not willing to take. ---
**Author:** ![Pleonast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pleonast/32/1183_2.png) [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2023, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-deli-ticket-numbers/989289/8 "2023-08-29T16:11:56Z")
Agreeing with the consensus here. Once you’ve got your numbered ticket, you may want to stay nearby as a practical matter. But the whole point of the numbered tickets is you don’t _need_ to stay in a queue or nearby. So long as you promptly respond when your number is called, you are following the system as designed. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2023, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-deli-ticket-numbers/989289/9 "2023-08-29T16:16:05Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > I actually voted for “you should stay at the counter”, but don’t think you did anything wrong at all. You play a risky game wandering off from the deli counter, and it’s kind of a crappy thing to do to potentially make the butcher call out your number over and over if you’re not there. Same. The OP did nothing wrong but there is no way I would leave the counter. How fast they get through to you is completely unpredictable. My supermarket makes you order on a screen and they bring it out to you. I hate it. It was a Covid measure they took and never stopped. It’s fine if you are doing a lot of shopping but if you are there for a couple items you are going to be waiting a long time for the order to come out. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2023, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-deli-ticket-numbers/989289/10 "2023-08-29T16:17:01Z")
While waiting for my number to be called, a woman asked me what number I had. I thought that was a weird opening line, but I told her (I was due up any second). Then she told me she was in a huge hurry, and asked if I’d trade numbers. I told her no and turned away. ---
**Author:** ![InternetLegend](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/internetlegend/32/13154_2.png) [@InternetLegend](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/InternetLegend)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2023, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-deli-ticket-numbers/989289/11 "2023-08-29T16:17:01Z")
> [@solost](#): > > There’s a local meat market that is always very crowded with a deli-style number system, and when you pull a number you’re typically a dozen or more behind. The store is about the size of a 7-11, with aisles of other grocery-type products, and people walk around and shop other areas while waiting, because it’s a long wait. Sometimes the number called might be up to say, 36 and someone will say “34, sorry, I missed the call when my number was up” and they’ll be let in with no pushback or fuss from anybody. Do we shop at the same meat market?? Another vote for the number keeping your place in line and throwing yourself on the mercy of the crowd or grabbing another number if you miss your turn. What’s more, at my local market, if you’re new and missed the BIG RED TICKET MACHINE with the sign on it at the door, if it’s not too crowded, we’re likely to have pity on you and let you slide in at about the time you would have had you gotten your ticket. That’s entirely up to the person whose actual turn it is, though. ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2023, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-deli-ticket-numbers/989289/12 "2023-08-29T16:18:54Z")
I wanted to pick the first two options. I, personally, would probably just wait in the area. But yah, if your number is called, your number is called, and it’s your turn if you are present. > [@DCnDC](#): > > She’s crazy. If they called “34… 34… 34…” and you weren’t there, sure, call “35.” But if you were right there when they called the first time, she needs to sit down and shut the fuck up. Yep! Very much this! ---
**Author:** ![muldoonthief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muldoonthief/32/3188_2.png) [@muldoonthief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muldoonthief)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2023, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-deli-ticket-numbers/989289/13 "2023-08-29T16:22:17Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Then she told me she was in a huge hurry, and asked if I’d trade numbers. I told her no and turned away. Weird - at the same supermarket I once had a woman say she was in a huge hurry and ask me if she could cut ahead of me in line at the cashier. She had like 20 items, my stuff was already on the belt, and come on, that’s a ridiculous request, so I told her no. She walked off in a huff. ---
**Author:** ![Pleonast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pleonast/32/1183_2.png) [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2023, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-deli-ticket-numbers/989289/14 "2023-08-29T16:24:28Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > While waiting for my number to be called, a woman asked me what number I had. I thought that was a weird opening line, but I told her (I was due up any second). Then she told me she was in a huge hurry, and asked if I’d trade numbers. I told her no and turned away. Sounds like the lyrics to a Beatles song… When I was harried managing two toddlers, a kindly woman mentioned how cute they were and offered to switch her earlier number with me. I’d probably not think to do the same, but I’d honestly consider it if someone asked me. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2023, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-deli-ticket-numbers/989289/15 "2023-08-29T16:36:10Z")
Since COVID my local grocery store changed quite a bit. The deli now offers your basic meats pre-sliced. But it’s a pound bag. It’s ridiculous. Put it in half pound and third pound increments. I’ll buy two if I want more. There are no tickets, never has been. There are rarely two or three people waiting to get something cut to order. So you wait. No big deal. They could save shoppers and themselves a lot of grief and time if they did **not** sell everything a pound at a time. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2023, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-deli-ticket-numbers/989289/16 "2023-08-29T16:37:58Z")
> [@Pleonast](#): > > Sounds like the lyrics to a Beatles song… Sounds like a Seinfeld episode. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2023, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-deli-ticket-numbers/989289/17 "2023-08-29T16:40:55Z")
I wanted to vote for the first two options. Not realizing that there was only one choice, I ended up voting for the first choice, which I guess is OK because normally you’d be expected to wait around or at least be within earshot of the counter person. But if it’s a long queue and you can gauge that it’s going to be awhile, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with leaving for a short time as you did. It’s an efficient use of your time and doesn’t inconvenience anyone. P. S.- On that last point, I dunno about sodium but many places sell cold cuts that are nitrate-free. ---
**Author:** ![hogarth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hogarth/32/1773_2.png) [@hogarth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hogarth)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2023, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-deli-ticket-numbers/989289/18 "2023-08-29T16:48:16Z")
> [@solost](#): > > Sometimes the number called might be up to say, 36 and someone will say “34, sorry, I missed the call when my number was up” and they’ll be let in with no pushback or fuss from anybody. My wife does this all the time. I understand that she hates wasting time waiting in line, but that’s why god invented surfing the internet on a smartphone. ---
**Author:** ![Pleonast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pleonast/32/1183_2.png) [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2023, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-deli-ticket-numbers/989289/19 "2023-08-29T16:52:13Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > many places sell cold cuts that are nitrate-free Be sure to read the fine print. Some meats advertise being “nitrate-free”, when what they mean is “nitrate-free except for those naturally occurring, and by the way we’ve added a bunch of celery juice that just so happens to be naturally very high in nitrates”. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2023, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-deli-ticket-numbers/989289/20 "2023-08-29T17:01:41Z")
Interesting, thanks. There’s no packaging fine print to read, unfortunately, as these are deli-sliced meats from the counter. My attitude is that all cold cuts are a form of highly processed food that is inherently unhealthy, so I just try to minimize my consumption and opt for taste and quality when I do indulge. And now I’m suddenly tempted to pop out to the nearby supermarket that makes really great subs! 😃 > [@hogarth](#): > > … but that’s why god invented surfing the internet on a smartphone. You are very much mistaken. The smartphone was invented by Satan. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-deli-ticket-numbers/989289.md?page=2)