I do a lot of gaming coffee shop girls-they have to talk you, are usually hot and usually sociable. I've developed a few routines which seem to work on them, and are successful in generating attraction and interest.

However, you can only work on them for thirty second at a time before the demands of their job call them away.

If you ask them out directly, this just seems unnatural and forced. There isn't much opportunity for comfort building, as that tends to be time-consuming, and without it, a direct approach seems too predatory.

Any suggestions to get round this problem? Or do you just have to force it and play the percentages?

You don't have to spit all your game and get their number in the first 30 second period. If it feels unnatural it probably is. Do it in segments. Built rapport in the first encounter and get her number on the second or third visit. You need to make a solid first impression the first time you go in. When you visit the second time quiz her to see if she remembers your name or your drink order; if she remembers either one or even both after just one visit that's a major IOI. Even if she does remember everything, NEG her (in a playful teasing fashion) that she got it wrong. I'd say three visits max on asking for the number. It gives you a timeline and keeps you from getting boring or simply becoming a friendly regular customer.

~Antithesis