In today’s fast-paced gig economy, people are finding creative ways to earn extra income. One unconventional yet surprisingly lucrative side hustle is becoming a professional line stander. Yes, you read that right—getting paid to wait in line for someone else! From securing spots for limited-edition sneaker drops to holding places at high-demand events, professional line standers are carving out a unique niche. This blog dives into what it means to be a professional line stander, how to get started, and tips to maximize your earnings in this quirky side hustle.

What Is a Professional Line Stander?

A professional line stander is someone hired to wait in line on behalf of another person or business. The demand for this service stems from people’s desire to save time or secure access to exclusive products, events, or services without enduring long waits themselves. Common scenarios include:

• Limited-Edition Product Releases: Think sneaker drops, new iPhone launches, or exclusive merchandise like Supreme or Kith.
• Event Tickets: Concerts, Broadway shows, or special events with high demand and limited seats.
• Restaurant Reservations: Holding spots at trendy, no-reservation eateries with long queues.
• Government Services: Waiting at the DMV, passport offices, or other bureaucratic lines.
• Black Friday Sales: Securing spots for doorbuster deals at retail stores.

Clients—ranging from busy professionals to collectors—pay for the convenience of skipping the wait while still getting what they want. As a line stander, your job is to show up early, hold the spot, and either hand over the position or purchase the desired item.

Why This Side Hustle Works

The professional line stander gig thrives because time is money. Many people are willing to pay to avoid spending hours in line, especially for high-stakes or time-sensitive situations. Here’s why this side hustle is gaining traction:

• Low Barrier to Entry: No special skills or expensive equipment are required—just patience and reliability.
• Flexible Hours: Gigs often pop up on weekends or early mornings, making it ideal for students, part-timers, or anyone with a flexible schedule.
• High Demand in Urban Areas: Cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, where exclusive releases and events are common, have a steady need for line standers.
• Decent Pay: Rates typically range from $15–$50 per hour, with some gigs offering $100+ for high-profile events or overnight waits.

How to Get Started as a Professional Line Stander

Ready to turn waiting into a paycheck? Here’s a step-by-step guide to launching your professional line standing side hustle:

1. Research the Market

Understand the demand in your area. Check social media platforms like X, Reddit, or local event listings to identify upcoming product drops, concerts, or exclusive restaurant openings. Urban areas with a strong retail or event culture are prime locations. For example, sneaker releases at stores like Flight Club or Kith often attract long lines, creating opportunities for standers.

2. Join Gig Platforms

Several apps and websites connect line standers with clients. Popular platforms include:

TaskRabbit

List line standing as a service under “Waiting in Line” or “Errands.”

Fiverr

Create a gig offering line standing services, specifying your city and availability.

Craigslist

Look for or post ads in the “Gigs” section for local line standing jobs.

Same Ole Line Dudes

A New York-based service specializing in professional line standing. Check if they’re hiring or use their model to start your own.

You can also market yourself directly on X or Instagram, using hashtags like #LineStander or #SneakerDrop to attract clients.

3. Set Your Rates

Pricing depends on the gig’s duration, location, and demand. A typical breakdown:

• Short Waits (1–2 hours): $15–$25 per hour.
• Long Waits (3–6 hours): $20–$40 per hour, often with a flat rate.
• Overnight or High-Demand Gigs: $100–$500 total, especially for rare items or events.

Always clarify payment terms upfront, including whether you’re paid hourly or per job, and whether expenses (like parking or food) are covered.

4. Build a Reputation

Reliability is key. Show up early, communicate clearly with clients, and follow instructions precisely (e.g., purchasing specific sizes or colors). Positive reviews on gig platforms or word-of-mouth referrals can lead to repeat clients and higher-paying gigs.

5. Prepare for the Wait

Treat line standing like a job. Bring:

• Comfortable clothing and shoes (weather-appropriate).
• A portable chair or blanket for long waits.
• Snacks, water, and entertainment (books, podcasts, or a fully charged phone).
• A portable charger to stay connected.
• An umbrella or poncho for unpredictable weather.

For overnight gigs, check local regulations to ensure camping out is allowed, and prioritize safety by choosing well-lit areas or teaming up with others.

Tips to Maximize Your Earnings

To stand out in the professional line standing game, consider these strategies:

• Specialize in High-Value Niches: Focus on sneaker drops, tech launches, or exclusive events where clients are willing to pay a premium. For example, waiting for a new PlayStation console release can net higher rates than a general retail line.
• Network with Resellers: Sneaker resellers or ticket brokers often need line standers to secure inventory. Build relationships with these clients for consistent work.
• Offer Add-On Services: Some standers provide “proxy purchasing,” where you not only hold the spot but also buy the item and deliver it to the client for an extra fee.
• Work in Teams: For massive launches, team up with other standers to cover multiple lines or stores, splitting the profits.
• Stay Informed: Follow brands, retailers, and event organizers on X or Instagram to get early alerts about upcoming drops or ticket sales.

Challenges to Watch Out For

While the gig is straightforward, it’s not without hurdles:

• Unpredictable Hours: Gigs may require early mornings, late nights, or last-minute bookings.
• Physical Demands: Standing or sitting for hours in varying weather can be taxing.
• Competition: In high-demand markets, you’ll compete with other standers or even scalpers.
• No-Shows or Scams: Some clients may ghost you or dispute payment. Use trusted platforms and get payment details in writing.

To mitigate risks, always confirm gig details (location, time, and payment) in advance and consider requiring a deposit for long or overnight waits.

Is Professional Line Standing Right for You?

This side hustle is ideal if you’re patient, reliable, and enjoy being out and about. It’s especially appealing for those in urban areas with a knack for staying updated on trends. However, if you prefer structured hours or dislike unpredictable weather, you might find it less appealing.

Success Stories

• Robert Samuel, New York: Founder of Same Ole Line Dudes, Samuel started by holding a spot for an iPhone release and turned it into a full-fledged business. His team now charges $25 for the first hour and $10 for each additional half-hour, with some gigs fetching $1,000+.
• Sneaker Standers in LA: Freelancers on TaskRabbit report earning $200–$500 per sneaker drop by securing spots at stores like Undefeated or Foot Locker, often working for resellers buying multiple pairs.

These examples show that with hustle and strategy, line standing can go from a quirky gig to a serious income stream.

Final Thoughts

The professional line stander side hustle is a testament to the gig economy’s creativity—turning a mundane task like waiting into a profitable venture. With minimal startup costs, flexible hours, and the potential for solid earnings, it’s a side hustle worth exploring if you’re in the right market. So, lace up your comfiest shoes, charge your phone, and start turning lines into dollar signs!