MSPA Wait Time Study

MSPA Wait Time Study--October 2007
How much is 5 seconds worth to a restaurant? A bank? A grocery store? The 2007 Wait Time Study reveals the answer.


The Study, conducted by the MSPA, measured the average amount of time people spend waiting in line among 25 cities and 10 industries in the United States. In addition to wait times, the study also measured Return Ratios, or the likelihood respondents would return to the location based only on wait time. A high return ratio represents consumers are satisfied with the wait time or expected longer waits. A low return ratio represents consumers expect a shorter wait time.

Here’s a quick sample of what the study reveals:
  • The average wait time nationwide is 4:20 (4 minutes, 20 seconds)
  • St. Louis is the fastest city in America with an average wait time of 2:09
  • Across America, customers receive service in quick service restaurants 4:40 quicker than wireless communications stores
  • Nationwide, the best time of day to shop is 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., as mornings have the shortest wait time, an average of 3:33.
  • Missouri is the fastest state in the U.S. with an average wait time of 2:52 across 10 industries
To see more study results, please browse the information on this page. If you are a representative of the media looking for additional information, please contact Kelly Hancock at Hart Associates at 419-893-9600 or khancock@hartinc.com.

PDF Files

  1. Wait Time Results by Industry
  2. Wait Time Results by State
  3. Wait Time Results by City
  4. Wait Time Results by Time of Day
  5. Wait Time Study Methodology
Wait Time Media Coverage
  1. Article from Progressive Grocer
  2. WISH-TV News Story
  3. Indianapolis Star Article
  4. Nation's Restaurant News Article
  5. Seattle Times article
  6. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Article
  7. Denver Post Article
  8. Bloomberg.com Article