Talking Your Way Out of $50 I imagine there are a lot of emotional appeals at this parking ramp, exactly 31 minutes (& 37 minutes, & 43 minutes, etc.) after unwitting customers — at least the first time — return to their cars: “But, I got stuck in a long Starbucks line!”; “My kid’s school bus was late!”;...Read More
“Surge” Pricing Want a nice (or not-so-nice) compare-and-contrast between St. Paul and Chicago? Back in 2010, the City of Chicago sold its parking concession to a private corporation that immediately raised rates and extended hours. The latest wrinkle? So-called “surge” pricing for high-demand periods (top photo). “Minnesota Nice” By contrast, St. Paul’s street parking is still run...Read More
Analog vs. Digital Parking Meters The bad news about parking at the Minneapolis Farmer’s Market? (open since late April, if you weren’t aware): you’ll have to pay for it. The good news: you won’t have to pay very much, at least on a Sunday in late May. I was about to dump additional quarters in...Read More
Missed Marketing Opportunity? I suppose there could be a liability issue, but if I owned a downtown parking ramp with a prime view of tonight’s fireworks, I’d put up this sign: “Best Fireworks View! $10” Then, I’d have cars park below the top level, which I’d leave open for watching the fireworks. Maybe even sell some...Read More
I don’t live in the Twin Cities for the weather (a blustery 40-ish for most of the weekend). And I’m not here because I have a historical connection (although that certainly helps); for the money (I could make more in New York or Chicago); or the arts scene, music scene, or because I work for Target, General...Read More
Looking (in vain) for a Parking Spot In today’s post-crash, Alice-in-Wonderland financial world (zero percent interest rates, the biggest financial culprits commandeer the most government aid, etc.), it’s nice to see that not all economic laws have been repealed. Like supply and demand. Headed to a downtown appointment yesterday — President’s Day, a holiday for...Read More
