Probably depends on the TSC. Thankfully ours doesn't allow the public to touch the babies, but if you are looking for something specific within the bins they will comply. Example on the bantam bin, wanted some feathered legged. The clerk would pick up one, bring it over to us and we could say yes or no. She also listened to what we described and chose accordingly and again showed it to us before it went into the box.Personally if I could, I would order. For me it's just not realistic with the costs.
The TSC in my area is fairly new. They don't offer much selection. They had a bin of assorted ducks, Australorps and sexlinks, and assorted bantams. When I asked if the chick person would grab me the three silkies out of the bantam box she said it was luck of the draw. I said nvermind then. I think she didn't want to admit she couldn't tell which were silkies, which is alright. The birds looked happy and healthy though each time I've been in there.
Our Wilcos have been around more and they offer a much larger variety. they are accurately separated and well cared for. They will call when a breed you're looking for is available.
My favorite place to get chicks personally has been The Old Mill feed n seed in Dallas OR. I have a loooong history with that place that goes back to kindergarten (Kindergarten was right next door. That's its own story.) But even if I was new to the area and didn't have that history, I'd still say the local place is the best. They do a chick days event, allow customers to preorder, have twenty plus bins with breeds, and very knowledgeable staff. They order from Privett. My current birds are from there and have been the healthiest flock I've ever had.