The last option shown in Figure 13.4 is the take-a-number option, in which arriving customers take a number to indicate line position. Advantages are similar to the single-queue alternative with the additional benefit that customers are able to mill about, browse, and talk to each other. The disadvantage is that customers must be on the alert to hear their numbers when they are called. Research suggests that length of the queue and perceived cost of waiting are not the only influences on customers’ likelihood of staying in line. In a series of experiments and field tests, researchers showed that, the larger the number of customers waiting in line behind a consumer, the more likely that consumer is to stay in line and wait for the service. 22