I park in a big parking lot today, it was empty and there was a sign that read private parking, assumed it was for those spots in the back, I guess I didn’t think much of it. 20 minutes later, back to the car I found a boot, quick like that, unnecessary like that. Called the number, asked if there’s anything I could do about it, nope, paid 115 dollars. I can’t remember spending so much money for 20 minutes of anything ever in my life. Anyway, I go inside the store to if nothing can be done to my case that at least they reconsidered the this way of dealing with the lot, I felt like this was a bit much. Meet the said Owner of this place, what a delight, mind you I kept a very polite and low tone.
– Hey, I just got booted
– I’m sorry about that
– Nothing that can be done about that right?
– No, not really
– Ok, well you see as a student I don’t have this kind of money. This is going on my credit card now, it’s a big hit. I’d suggest you could go a different way about this parking enforcement. It feels abusive.
She turned defensive…
– We do that because teenagers (because I’m younger I guess she wanted to target me?) park there to go to Tim Horton’s and when I tell them not to park here because it’s for the customers they say they don’t care.
– I understand but there was so much space, I’ve parked there for 20 minutes and I had to pay 115 dollars, isn’t it a bit abusive?
– Well, did you learn anything from it?
– Not really, I just learned that some people…
I was about to say some people are very money driven and forget that there’s a lot more to it. And although legal, it’s not the coolest way of doing business you know. It was an empty parking lot. But she interrupted me:
– You’re a dickhead then.
BOOM, JUST LIKE THAT.
– Did you just call me a dickhead? – I said that laughing, couldn’t even believe this conversation I was havingI w
– I was trying to help you?
– How so?
– I asked you if you hadn’t learned anything from it and you said nothing. So obviously…
– Wait, so you said you helped me by giving me a life lesson? I’m sorry are you the owner of this place? What’s your name?
– V., you can go ahead and write whatever you want.
I don’t think I said much after this, because it was clear this was going nowhere.
I’m 22 years old and although still very immature, but this middle-aged business owner on a Wednesday morning, took being silly to a whole new level. I’m not gonna call you anything but silly, V. You’re just…
—Nick
This article appears in Aug 6-12, 2015.
You assumed wrong. The no parking sign was clear. You saw it. You ignored it. You pay the price.
I’m not sure Dickhead is a proper label to you…..how about self-entitled, self-absorbed twat?
are you honestly bitching because you got punishment for parking on labeled private property?
You go to school and still can’t read. What part of “Private Property – No Parking” did you not understand. I bet the folks are thrilled with spending money on your “higher” education.
Read the fucken signs people!!!
Doesn’t matter if the parking lot is full or empty. Once you park there you are on their property and you must follow their rules. You can’t argue to the business if you got a ticket, booted or towed, when there are signs posted.
Sigh.
This childish post is symbolic of young people who grow up shielded by their parents from ever having to face the consequences of their bad behaviours. Welcome to the world of adults, OB, where there are rules and there are consequences.
What’s even better, not only is there not one large sign but if IRC there are three large signs saying no parking. If your chicken place has no parking, then complain to the chicken place, not the burger place that put the cash out to buy the land so they can have parking for THEIR customers.
Sounds like the owner gets a cut of the profits from removing the boot by drumming up boot business as soon as someone parks.
Such a busybody, I guess there aren’t too many customers to attend to.
This isn’t the venue to seek sympathy when you clearly state you were in the wrong. That won’t wash here.
DELETED COMMENT
My comment, #6 in the series, was a riff on Nick’s statement, “I cannot remember spending so much money for 20 minutes of anything in my life.”
I advised Nick to raise his standards, that once he graduated from school he would be able to spend considerably more money for 20 minutes of rewarding activity. I advised him to focus on the South End rather than Citadel Hill at night. I recommended one in particular, a bastion of old Halifax money. (Not the one you’re thinking of. The name begins with an “S.”) He should look upon it as an investment. If he plays his cards right he would soon be singing “Cook-a-Roo-Mrs. Robinson.” Get it? Good luck, Nick!
See if this one makes it.
A pleasure as always,
Cheerio!
Montrealman, Ph.D.
Hint: “One” refers to one of the boat clubs along the Northwest Arm. Very exclusive, Very old money.
There is a power tool company that makes tools in a bright yellow color.
One of the cordless tools they offer is a mini grinder , that you can put a 4.5 inch zip tool bade on. There is no padlock made that this blade will not cut off .
I have one behind my seat, I have already told mr boot man, “you remove the item you have attached to my vehicle , or I will” He told me ” I have your license plate number” . At that point I took out my zip tool & he jumped in & removed his lock, wire rope & that ridiculous metal contraption. It’s been more than 8 weeks no ticket in my mailbox yet….. Maybe he lost my plate number,
Cripes Bro Tim! You beat me to the higher education thingy-do.
Is this that store where the cashiers dress up in lab coats and pretend they’re qualified medical professionals and give out all sorts of dubious “health” advice?
You trespassed. There is no argument. You were wrong. And if you’re a broke student, what does that matter to the rest of us? Absolutely nothing, luv.
There’s a dickhead in this story, alright.
FYI, most small business owners don’t own the buildings or parking lots.
$110 Dollars! Seriously! pffft, This is what I love about Clayton Park 0 Parking problems anywhere Designed for drivers! Car Heaven!