surprise parking bill of $90 from trader joes lot in Bethesda

[Anonymous]

I think this is the most relevant forum for this but pls correct if wrong. Hope to make people aware of this to prevent harm.

I got a surprise bill in the mail from Vanguard Parking Solutions in Hollywood Florida, with photos of my license plate, for $58+ (more if not paid now, with threat of collections) for parking there for 2 hours on the day of a tornado and failing to see a barcode to scan. This is new there. Warning ppl--I'm not sure how folks will deal with this who are don't see the sign, don't scan barcodes (I asked around and many ppl I know esp elderly ones who shop there don't even do this) etc.

fwiw I called them and left a message explaining, with my phone # listed 3 times, no response and today got another bill for $90 with same threat.

It's a thread on reddit, mostly in Florida but new to Bethesda.

Any insights--should I just pay this, do my civic duty with MD Atty General's office, and never park there again?

[Anonymous]

If helpful to know, this is apparently a new business model with some parking lots, but this particular one has a complaint here:

https://www.bbb.org/us/fl/hollywood/profile/parking-facilities/vanguard-parking-solutions-inc-0633-92026845/complaints?page=1

and here, for example: https://www.reddit.com/r/florida/comments/1e1j4ct/i_received_a_parking_ticket_in_st_pete_for/

Be aware!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If helpful to know, this is apparently a new business model with some parking lots, but this particular one has a complaint here:

https://www.bbb.org/us/fl/hollywood/profile/parking-facilities/vanguard-parking-solutions-inc-0633-92026845/complaints?page=1

and here, for example: https://www.reddit.com/r/florida/comments/1e1j4ct/i_received_a_parking_ticket_in_st_pete_for/

Be aware!!!

In the Reddit example, I would argue the person’s activity did not meet the definition of “park.” And I’d challenge that charge.

[Anonymous]

Which Trader Joe's? The new one at 7900 Wisconsin?

Thanks for the heads-up, OP, and I'm sorry that happened. I don't know if you can dispute that charge, but they sure are not making it easy for people to understand the rules.

My husband's boss got a parking fine from a Bethesda garage a few years ago because it wasn't obvious which parking meter he was supposed to pay for his spot, and he paid into the wrong one!

[Anonymous]

Yes, I think that person had no luck getting the charge cleared. I guess just be aware. If someone installs one of these parking "solutions" businesses at a busy lot and puts up barcodes or signs anywhere, even if not easily seen, they can charge whatever they want, and will likely make an immediate windfall with people who have no idea yet.

Def. need some consumer protection around this

[Anonymous]

Their website emphasizes that they install their system for free, so they are probably using hefty fees to offset costs and make their money. I would let the businesses know you won’t be back because of the parking vendor and maybe they will ditch them.

[Anonymous]

This is at the old Trader Joes on the 3rd floor over Target, 6831 Wisconsin Ave.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I have only feelings of aversion for going anywhere near there now. After shopping at that Trader Joe's for years.

I actually found out about this right before getting the ticket in the mail from 2 weeks before. A car parked there looked like it had oil leaking out, and I found the guy who has for years kind of hung around to guard the ground floor of the lot, as I didn't have anything to write with to leave a note on the car. He told me, Oh, you know you have to pay now and scan a barcode when you park here right? I said, what? And he walked me all the way over to a wall that is invisible unless you're exiting the 3 floor building on the ground floor (unusual as target is in the B and TJoes on the 3rd) and looking at the wall as you enter the lot in a specific place. Nothing to indicate you'd get a huge bill, no other way to do anything except by phone, no informed consent when entering the lot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is at the old Trader Joes on the 3rd floor over Target, 6831 Wisconsin Ave.

Wait. I was just there two days ago to shop at Target. I parked at the ground floor level as you drive into the garage. Will I get fined?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, I think that person had no luck getting the charge cleared. I guess just be aware. If someone installs one of these parking "solutions" businesses at a busy lot and puts up barcodes or signs anywhere, even if not easily seen, they can charge whatever they want, and will likely make an immediate windfall with people who have no idea yet.

Def. need some consumer protection around this

On board with you and the poster who said to let TJs know you won't be shopping and why. This is predatory.

[Anonymous]

I hope not!!! I was there on the day of the tornado watch and a tree falling blocking traffic several Fridays ago, and parked on the very bottom level during the storm, with my child who I had just picked up. Then when we were trying to leave the bottom level of the garage reeked of CO/exhaust. So we waited it out longer. It was slightly over 2 hours according to the images etc. of my plate they sent. I don't know if that makes a difference but can't tell from all the BBB complaints.

I did leave this info for them but did not hear back and just got the $90+ notice with continued threat of collection. Be aware!

[Anonymous]

Yes totally predatory. OP again, everyone I've talked to says they have had no idea there's payment now for this lot and have not seen the signs.

[Anonymous]

Rats. I didn't see any signs about this at all. Usually I'm observant about these things.

I'm not parking there again until they change it back.

[Anonymous]

Be sure to leave a review for the management company too. They are the ones who selected this company. https://maps.app.goo.gl/TkNa4MH526sDA7pTA?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes, I think that person had no luck getting the charge cleared. I guess just be aware. If someone installs one of these parking "solutions" businesses at a busy lot and puts up barcodes or signs anywhere, even if not easily seen, they can charge whatever they want, and will likely make an immediate windfall with people who have no idea yet.

Def. need some consumer protection around this

On board with you and the poster who said to let TJs know you won't be shopping and why. This is predatory.

Who is the council member for this district? I recommend tweeting at them and emailing them to get their attention on this. This is predatory.