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...and yet some people report feeling ignored by shop staff.

Is there any research into the ideal balance between asking people if they need help and not bugging them?

Is there room for an app here, where you can declare your need for help, and the store can respond (by queuing it or whatever)?

An app? The solution has existed for decades without being more complex than a lightbulb.. hit a button that turns on a light in the area so staff can come help you.

The specific case I'm thinking of was buying a graphing calculator that was locked in a case. Hit the button and someone will come by to get you one. Same concept on airplanes too, though.

Except, no queuing, no estimate of when they'll get to you, no idea if anyone will ever show up at all.

Complaints about bad service are epidemic. I'm thinking there's room for disruption here.

Yes, it's called a button, many pharmacies have it beside the electric shaver or other expensive items. Just put buttons next to items that call for staff.

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