- Report: #713109
Complaint Review: Sergeants Towing
| Sergeants Towing 2045 North Vancouver Ave, Portland, OR 97227
Portland, Oregon United States of America |
|
Sergeants Towing Sergeants Towing Portland Oregon Entrapment Towing Scam Portland Oregon, Stalking, Denny's, NE Grand St., Photo Stalking Portland, Oregon
*Consumer Comment: Perhaps the best I can think of
*General Comment: very good
*Consumer Comment: I buy from better places
*Consumer Comment: PARK LEGALLY
*Consumer Comment: Exactly
*REBUTTAL Individual responds: Tire Spike? Yes, There Called Calthrops!
*Consumer Comment: Not Good
*Consumer Comment: Denny's of Simi Valley, California Rip-Off
*Consumer Comment: To the blithering butt-head who re-butts me all the time
*Consumer Comment: Unfortunately, you can't fix stupid!
*Consumer Comment: Maybe the complainant does not understand or believe in property laws
*Consumer Comment: Prehaps its best
*Consumer Suggestion: How is the sign even relevant?
*General Comment: I hope you are ALL joking...
*Consumer Comment: Silly
*Consumer Comment: Senseless rant!!
*Consumer Suggestion: Mr. Greedy-Greeley
*Consumer Comment: replying to the retardo dimwit that commented on me!
*Consumer Comment: TWO Reasons to AVOID DENNY'S
*Consumer Comment: SAY WHAT??
*Consumer Suggestion: The sign seems deliberatly misleading
*Consumer Comment: a previous West Linn Resident
*Consumer Comment: Native Americans?
*Consumer Comment: Not Denny's property
*Consumer Comment: Nothing like entitlement.
*Consumer Comment: Lack of personal responsibility
*Consumer Comment: The parking lot is never more than half full...
*Consumer Comment: Thank you, THANK YOU!
*General Comment: Troll of the year
*Consumer Comment: I park
*Consumer Comment: Say what?
*Consumer Comment: I don't get it.
*Consumer Comment: Non consent tow laws
*Consumer Comment: Food Poisoning
*Consumer Comment: In summary
*Consumer Comment: Horrific
*Consumer Comment: User
*Consumer Comment: The tow trucks got paid
*Consumer Comment: rk
*Consumer Comment: Never paid a thing
*Consumer Comment: GREED has really risen sharply over the years!
*Consumer Comment: IQ's have dropped so sharpl over the years.
*Consumer Suggestion: Damage all tow trucks? Really?
*Consumer Suggestion: Solution to Parking Issue
*REBUTTAL Owner of company: Don't Get Mad, Get Even
*Consumer Comment: Towing Scavangers
*General Comment: What the..
*General Comment: Interesting
*General Comment: Good one!
*General Comment: Hold up!
*Consumer Comment: Even better
*Consumer Comment: Small towns
*Consumer Comment: Towing Scavangers
*Consumer Comment: Exactly
*Consumer Comment: Read #41
*Consumer Comment: The problem is ....
*Consumer Comment: Towing in Portland
*Consumer Comment: You guys
*UPDATE Employee: denny's towing
*Consumer Comment: Why?
*General Comment: The usual towtards
*Consumer Comment: HaHa
*Consumer Comment: Here's your sign....really? c'mon
*General Comment: Totally agree
*Consumer Comment: For your reading pleasure....
*Consumer Comment: Mr Rik - diculous
*Consumer Comment: I park WHERE I PLEASE!
*Consumer Comment: Good for you
*Consumer Comment: Yep, that's how this country was founded
*Consumer Comment: Violence and criminal acts? Really?
*Consumer Comment: Right
*Consumer Comment: first put on gloves and masks, then beat the hell out of the Spotter
*Consumer Comment: Ridiculous
*Consumer Comment: I've damaged MANY a tow truck!
*Consumer Comment: To the OP. You parked wrong, you are wrong. BUT...
*Consumer Comment: @marie and op
*Consumer Suggestion: Some good news, some bad news.
*Consumer Comment: Follow Up
*Consumer Comment: Solution to the problem
*Consumer Comment: Red Robin does warn their customers
*Consumer Suggestion: I LIKE your thinking Marie!
*General Comment: Suggestions to stop this
*Consumer Comment: Sorry Attyboy...
*Consumer Suggestion: The BEST advice!
*Consumer Comment: Tirade
*Consumer Suggestion: Solution
*Consumer Suggestion: Real Simple
*Consumer Comment: So hard to be sympathetic....
*Consumer Comment: It's a Catch-22.
*Consumer Suggestion: Me too
*Consumer Comment: I'll concede a bit...
*Consumer Suggestion: I got towed too.
*Consumer Suggestion: Suggestion to Denny's
*Consumer Suggestion: Nope
*Consumer Comment: The number of cars towed is irrelevant!
*Consumer Suggestion: Yeah but
*Consumer Comment: They are 2 different parking lots!
*Consumer Suggestion: Wow, sounds like Denny's is makin more money on towing than food!
*Consumer Comment: Are you serious?
Does your business have a bad reputation?
Fix it the right way.
Corporate Advocacy Program™
Around 8pm on Saturday March 26th, 2011 my family and relatives totaling 13 of us with 7 kids
went to Red Robins 1139 Northeast Grand Avenue Portland, OR 97232 - (503) 231-9223
We celebrated 2 birthdays and also donated to the Special Olympics fundraiser where several
Portland Police Officers were there to support.
We parked on the side of the Red Robin building where the parking lot is owned by Dennys restaurant on 425 NE Hassalo St. Grand, Portland Oregon (503) 236-3727. There was one sign
on a lattice fence about Dennys, but was not clear if the entire row of parking was owned by Dennys.
When we were ready to leave Red Robin two of our mini-vans were towed leaving 5 kids and 4 adults stranded in the dark and rain. Of course I was mad that we got towed, but
even more mad that the Red Robin manager said that Dennys has hired Sergeants
towing (2045 N. [continued below]....
This Denny's allow allow people to hide out in their car and watch you park and walk into Red Robin or any other place other than Dennys. We got our car back after taking a cab to get our car out and paying $214.00. This is where Dennys takes advantage of THOUSANDS of people by towing their cars.
I complained to the Red Robin supervisor and he said that he knew this was a problem and that it was getting out of hand. He said that they have talked to Dennys and there has not been a resolution to this huge problem. He shared with me that Dennys hires people to hide out in their cars and watch people park, takes a picture of their car and immediately calls the Sergeants towing company.
I was furious to hear about being stalked or entrapped and went over to Dennys to talk to the manager (James Lee). I also noticed that there are cameras attached to Denny's that has captured all of this action happening. I spoke with James Lee about being towed and he said that the sign clearly says that that the parking lot is for Dennys customers only and that if you are not a Dennys customer then you will be towed. I pointed out that he had 1 sign on a lattice fence and that the other spots were not marked at all. He also asked me if I saw the sign as I drove
in. I said, no I did not. We went back out to look at the signs and when you pull in there is a sign thatcant be read very easily in the dark as the letters are too small. Even if you stopped to read the sign your car is sticking out in the busy street making it a danger to being hit from behind.
I let him know that it was unacceptable and probably illegal to have people park in the Dennys parking lot to watch where others parked and then take a picture of their car and call the tow company - Sergeants Towing you if you get tricked to park in the unmarked lots.
James tried to take the blame off of Dennys saying that it was the tow company fault. I asked if they subcontract with Sergeants Towing and he said yes. He said that everyone who parks at Dennys parking lot and goes somewhere other than Dennys is trying to get away with parking somewhere they are not supposed to.
I told him I disagreed and said how could 500 cars (I pulled this number out of my head) trying to get away with parking illegally? I later found out that 22 cars were towed from this location on this day.
So if 30 cars get towed from this location per week and there are 52 weeks in one year then that is a total of 1,560 cars towed from this location. Now if each person had to pay $214 x 1,560 cars that = $333,840.00 per year for this one location for Sergeants Towing.
That is a lot of money for one location to profit off of unsuspecting families.
I did a little research and contacted the Towing Coordinator
for the City of Portland Bureau of Licenses (Marianne Gaylord) 503-865-2489
mgaylord@ci.portland.or.us.
I explained my case and she said that they would investigate to make sure Dennys are following the towing laws. I asked her how many cars were towed from that location on March 26th and she said 22 cars were towed that day from that location.
I bet there are many more cars towed from this location than the ones I am estimating. Only the Towing Coordinator, Marianne Gaylord knows for sure how many cars have been towed from this location.
Another Note: The manager of Red Robin said that in 8mo. he has never seen Dennys more than full. When we were there, the lot was maybe full. I can understand if Dennys had a full
parking lot every night but this is definitely NOT the case. Entrapment is not legal and I don't understand how this can be legal. It is just being vindictive against families like myself!!
The towing coordinator told me I could look up the towing code 7.24.016 to see what the towing laws are in Portland.
http://www.sustainableportland.org/auditor/index.cfm?a=36930&c=28811
I asked Marianne Gayloard about Predatory Towing and she said that in Oregon in was legal to hide out in a car and watch people park in a designated parking spot such as Dennys and then watch them go somewhere else other than Dennys and then call the tow company to tow the car. There has to be a financial incentive to turn in these unsuspecting families.
I hope this is enough detail to follow through with this story. If not stay tuned to an under cover video of this happening. I know someone is getting paid to benefit from our hardship!!
Tracy
West Linn, OR
This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 04/02/2011 05:00 PM and is a permanent record located here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/r/Sergeants-Towing/Portland-Oregon-97227/Sergeants-Towing-Sergeants-Towing-Portland-Oregon-Entrapment-Towing-Scam-Portland-Oregon-713109. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year.
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Search Tips#1 Consumer Comment
Perhaps the best I can think of
AUTHOR: MLS582 - ()
SUBMITTED: Sunday, April 14, 2013
If their losing enough customers and money, perhaps they will expand their parking lot.
If its that bad to avoid parking there, you should avoid any place that does it, then perhaps find some where to tell them their losing customers - its just not safe to park there. Find a safer place to eat.
I know this area and like any area that has a large volume of people that come from other places to visit - Everybody is a meal ticket! It's the dog eat dog world for a buck.... The old saying is two wrongs does not ever make one right!
The fact is every business in the area likes the business, but lack the good sense to understand that by letting the city and other Big boys that drive the shows force the overflow out to the outlying area. Like the one person said;"the best answer is for both business to work out an agreement", or Red should buy out D's and build a hi-rise parking garage.
But the best answer for everybody at the least cost to all - is for those that wish to visit the area, RIDE the Bus or Max and walk to you events. if you need to drive - park at a park and ride as you ride public transport into the events.
#3 Consumer Comment
I buy from better places
AUTHOR: Sheryl248 - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, May 23, 2012
1.) Target - people can do anything, anywhere, perhaps never do the same thing, that silly, that often - complaining that I ask questions while they stock the shelves - STL comes - threatens to call the police, as if I planned to slow them down, he stated their slow and lazy, will not pay them for the delay. Some psychopath will see what I wrote, make it a waste of time writing something here, therefore avoid this place and their silly comments.
2.) Paypal or Ebay sent me email telling me after they took my money, that I should get a refund - when I did - only gave me part of it, I never received what I bought - they promised several times every time upon my asking, that I would receive the remaining amount, then denied they did. Some psychopath will see what I wrote and make it a waste of time writing something here and therefore avoid this place and their silly comments.
3.) Things about Amazon.com were bad, when I bought or sold there. When I sold a DVD HDD player/recorder - all I did was buy 2 and open the box and take out the remote control, then sell the one opened, my ads said, new all there - except remote control. I sold it for much less then I paid for it, then shipped it USPS priority mail, at my expense, when he only paid little for slow shipping. When he found the remote control missing, this psychopath complained I ripped him off, I tried to explain as clearly as I could, yet he called my communication childish. I did favors for people they treated me like dirt.
Then I tried to sell a rarely used Sony DVD/VCR player/recorder, at Amazon.com. Some one asked me if the remote control came with it, not about selling it, I took a long look at how well it works, it stopped working while not being used. I dropped the ad, I refused to sell it. Amazon.com was nasty, about my intent, to refuse to sell it. If I sold it - would be upset that I did.
Its very simple to avoid a business, when it get weird, buy where you get good service. Yet perhaps come back when its better. Strange things can happen, and after its been explained.
As one person explained, if enough people stopped shopping as a result of the abuse, a business creates, perhaps that bad behavior ends.
#4 Consumer Comment
PARK LEGALLY
AUTHOR: GEORGE - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, May 13, 2012
What I said.
Denny's TOWS and has NO BUSINESS and this NICE RIP OFF REPORT to show for it. The restaurant I was referring to IS ALWAYS PACKED and has ZERO RIPOFF REPORTS. Which business model will the smart entrepreneur follow? DUMB*SS.
P.S. Denny's gives me the sh*ts.
#6 REBUTTAL Individual responds
Tire Spike? Yes, There Called Calthrops!
AUTHOR: ZEEMADMAN - (USA)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, August 03, 2011
They are made in various types from Spikes to Blades & Always Land with One Side Up! They will Shred most Tires. The Police use a Spike Strip, so when the Vehicle rolls over it a few of the Hollow Tube Spikes are pulled out, which allows the tire to Deflate slowly, so it won't cause the Driver to lose control. How very thoughtful of them! They come in all sizes from Childrens Jacks to Much Larger for Trucks! They are also known as "crows foot," cheval trap, galthrap, galtrop, galtrap & caltrap. They are considered to be an Antipersonnel Weapon!
As far as Denny's & this Tow Company. Clearly Predator's! Legally in the right, but Morally dead wrong! They live & survive off the Misery of others.
what they have is fake and will get a rude wake-up call at some point.
#8 Consumer Comment
Denny's of Simi Valley, California Rip-Off
AUTHOR: Sean Cougar - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, July 26, 2011
#9 Consumer Comment
To the blithering butt-head who re-butts me all the time
AUTHOR: Donald - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, July 16, 2011
#10 Consumer Comment
Unfortunately, you can't fix stupid!
AUTHOR: ryanhunsinger - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Friday, July 15, 2011
You go on and on about how you were done so wrong, it was entrapment, and entrapment is illegal, blah blah blah. Well guess what, Einstein? Parking on PRIVATE PROPERTY that you do not own is ALSO ILLEGAL! YOU made a conscious decision to COMPLETELY IGNORE the posted signs, and then, when the sign's warning is enforced (anyone parking here will be towed), somehow you are a "victim"? Ummm, ya, NO!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To Genius #2 who made the following comments on the original report ("Real Simple" Username):
Heres what a local restaurant in my area does about it's "limited parking": They SIMPLY have a guy sittin there in his car (sounds like Denny's already has this covered), and whenever you park and walk by the guy says "you goin to xxxxx's?" and if you say "yes" he says "ok cool, just bring me the receipt" and if you say no he says "move along".
So let me get this straight. Your "simple" solution that would make "everyone happy" consists of having the owner of the private parking lot with the clearly marked "Private Property - Do not park here or you will be towed" signs to "simply" just pay someone $8-$10 an hour out his own pocket to make sure that grown adults follow the rules and dont park their vehicles where they are clearly not supposed to be parking in the first place?
Really? Are you serious? What are you, 6 years old? Maybe you could also petition the state to pass a law forcing all business owners to set aside half an hour each day where they set up all the employees in a semi circle and read a Disney story to them, followed by snack time, and then a nap...
Here's an EVEN SIMPLER SOLUTION for you: How about we get everyone who owns private property to put several large metal signs SCATTERED throughout their parking lots that say "Private Property - Do not park here or you will be towed"...That way, everyone who pulls into a private parking lot that they should not be parking in will see the signs and then not park there.... What's that you say? Oh, really? 99% OF THE PRIVATE PARKING LOTS ALREADY HAVE SEVERAL OF THOSE SIGNS BUT EVERYONE JUST IGNORES THEM??
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"Unfortunately, you can't fix stupid"... I don't know what else to say here.......
#11 Consumer Comment
Maybe the complainant does not understand or believe in property laws
AUTHOR: ParrotSlave - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, July 14, 2011
If I run a business, I want my customers to have access to it. If my parking lot is full because of a nearby company's customers, it will cost me business--and money. That would be even more aggravating if that nearby company is a competitor, as in this case. This is a common problem in small strip centers, where there is no dedicated parking. I had a bank that has a branch near where I live, but I could not use that branch sometimes because a dollar store had opened up in that same strip center. I'm sure that annoyed the people at the bank, and I know it annoyed me as a customer. In fact, I have a new bank now that has dedicated parking for its customers.
Tgilday knowingly gambled, and lost. I have zero sympathy. Actually, I have less than zero sympathy. If I didn't despise their food, I would eat at Denny's just to reward them for doing what was right.
#12 Consumer Comment
Prehaps its best
AUTHOR: Sheryl248 - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, July 12, 2011
I never liked Red Robin ads on TV, perhaps there food does not look good, therefore I never ate there, if red robin never tows someone and Dennys is filled, perhaps its safer to park at red robins, to eat at Dennys. I would prefer Dennys.
Perhaps the fact is, its Red Robin's fault for not creating enough parking, if there is too little parking available. Why have a business where everyone can not get enough space, perhaps when they built the place they assumed everyone can fit in that small of a space and perhaps the parking would be shared.
Look at Walmart, Lowes, Target, Home Depot, Kmart, and Ross, they always have enough space, there is Christmas shopping and some days where there numbers are larger.
Look at Dennys, Red Robin, MacDonalds, Arby's, Wendy's, Sonic, Burger King, and Carls Jr. parking lot, you could find some of this places near, Walmart, Lowes, Target, Home Depot, Kmart, and Ross or some other large parking lot, making there lot much bigger on some days.
#13 Consumer Suggestion
How is the sign even relevant?
AUTHOR: Josh - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, July 09, 2011
#14 General Comment
I hope you are ALL joking...
AUTHOR: Dcoops - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Bottom line is that people these days are so wrapped up in their own sense of entitlement that they are too blind to read or pay attention to policies and procedures that are CLEARLY marked.
I'm sorry, but you guys sound like friggen rednecks.
Besides being childish and immature, your silly posts made no sense, proved nothing and did not add anything intelligent to the discussion.
The bottom line is that the OP parked in a well marked area warning him/her not to park there, the place they went to had warnings on the door and , of course, they were towed.
The tow was fully justifiable and fair. The OP then started whining about it when they should have admitted they screwed up and taken their medicine like a normal mature grownup.
#17 Consumer Suggestion
Mr. Greedy-Greeley
AUTHOR: Donald - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Friday, July 01, 2011
#18 Consumer Comment
replying to the retardo dimwit that commented on me!
AUTHOR: Donald - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Friday, July 01, 2011
#19 Consumer Comment
TWO Reasons to AVOID DENNY'S
AUTHOR: mr rik - (USA)
SUBMITTED: Friday, July 01, 2011
2. YOU DON'T WANT FOOD POISONING.
You really need to change your meds or get back on the ones you have.
What the hell are you talking about?
It's beyond belief that this Ripoff report is still active.
You state that Dennys assaults its' customers and others (blacks).
You also state that Red Robin should have Dennys customer cars watched and towed.
With all the parking Dennys has, why would ANYONE park in Red Robin's crowded, small lot?
Like I mentioned earlier, your post is pure rant and nonsense.
#21 Consumer Suggestion
The sign seems deliberatly misleading
AUTHOR: EV - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Question is; Are you going to lie down and take it?
Two businesses side by side with parking spots along both buildings and a sign only in front of Denny's. The placement of the sign seems deliberately done as part of a setup.
A more reasonable sign would indicate the entire lot, if that's the case, is for Denny's only.
First I would be sure to tell anyone willing to listen about this and second avoid the place which is not any good anyway. Second, with the photos I would look into the possibility of a small claims case against both the tow company (their name is prominently displayed) and Denny's. Corporate America has gone crazy. You should be able to present your case supported by the ambiguity. As for Denny's... that's just an atrocious business practice otherwise.
One caveat, is there a parking lot for Red Robins available? That may make a difference.
#22 Consumer Comment
a previous West Linn Resident
AUTHOR: Donald - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, June 28, 2011
That is Native American Property.
Shame on you, and curse you Denny's!
You WILL get yours!
That should pretty well clear it up. :)
Most of you would not like others parking on YOUR property..this is DENNY's property, like it or not.
#26 Consumer Comment
Lack of personal responsibility
AUTHOR: Pdxracer - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, June 24, 2011
I have eaten at Red Robin there tons of times (go there before winterhawks games), and the fence between Dennys and Red Robin is CLEAR. The signs are right there to see not to park there unless your a Dennys customer.
Yet you admit you parked there, and then complain when you get towed.
Is there such a thing as personal responsibility anymore? Instead, you lash out and slander someone else over your wrongdoing.
This is whats wrong in America right now, there is always someone else to blame but yourself.
Next time, just park on the street (but dont blame the city when they ticket you and tow you, when you fail to pay for the parking meter)
#27 Consumer Comment
The parking lot is never more than half full...
AUTHOR: dasferntig - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, June 23, 2011
I love that the Red Robin Manager has never seen this in 8 months, but the Google truck found it more than half full the only time it went there...
#29 General Comment
Troll of the year
AUTHOR: Drumbanger - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Monday, June 20, 2011
And if you have me towed, it would also be okay to burn your house to the ground and key your car....right?
I've dealt with people parking in private lots when they shouldn't and they invariably believe they have every right to park there if there is any space at all.
3' x 6' signs on BOTH sides of the entrance warning "Parking for employees only, all others will be towed" are totally ignored.
One employee, female told a guy, who had just parked there he'd have to move his car or it would be towed. He demanded her supervisor's name and said he would have her job.
She told him he could have her job and then she wouldn't have to deal with ass-holes like him.
Why do people feel they are entitled to do as they please and when then caught, cry....foul?
#33 Consumer Comment
Non consent tow laws
AUTHOR: Traceymarg - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, June 06, 2011
In Texas the laws go like this:
1. Each county has a set fee for non consent tows. If the towing company charges more than this, they could pay hefty fines.
2. In Texas, if the owner of the car shows up as the vehicle is being hooked up to the tow truck, the towing company has to relinquish the car to the owner. (Unless the owner is being arrested and the cops authorize the tow.)
3. The owner of businesses cannot legally get kick backs from non-consent tows. (In Texas)
Although you were wrong in parking in a parking lot for Denny's customers only, I urge you to consult your state's tow truck licensing board to research laws in this state. This reeks of predatory practices.
Hopefully your state licensing board will be able to clarify your rights as a consumer.
I wish that statement applied to their FOOD.
DISGUSTING!
That's just plain stupid. I actually applaud Denny's for having some standards and adhering to them.
If you get towed it's the evil towing companies fault because you should be able to park anywhere, anytime.
You people are embarrassing.
#36 Consumer Comment
Horrific
AUTHOR: michael gangemi - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, June 01, 2011
Come on, the Denny's corporation is allowing that one restaurant to cripple the reputation of a multi national chain, SHOW ME THE MONEY, who is getting the kick back, the township or the restaurant, or both.
Denny's corporation should repay the fines of all the people who have been ripped off by the money grubbing mongers. I for one and my family will never set foot in a Denny's restaurant again and believe me the word is going to get out.
And If you think I'm just talking through my hat, I live in upstate New York, How fast do you think Denny's corporation will fold up and blow away after a few thousand more people see this link. SPECIAL OLYMPICS FUNDRAISER.... Great DAD gets a kick in the teeth.
Yes I will tell Denny's how to run their business, because I feel like it, and I am ENTITLED to it. If YOU don't like it, tuff sh*t send me YOUR address.
NONE of my "family" would drive a tow truck, we are not leeches, the IQ is too high, and we can make an HONEST living.
How do YOU KNOW Denny's DOESN'T get paid??? (on the table anyway?)
I used to run a business where the tow drivers would literally BEG for me to give them some action. -The owner used to send his sisters and wife in to do me "favors".
Tow drivers are PUSSEEZ and anyways an assbeatin is nothing like an asskillin now is it?
If you pay your fines you're not much of a "scofflaw" are you? Tough guy.
I have roadside assistance myself, its probably better than dealing directly with the tow hogs.
Maybe not all trucks should be damaged, if there really are any "honest" ones in your vicinity, but the ones that aren't keeping their nose clean better WATCH OUT!
And those who feel that they are entitled...... Send me your address. I know some druggies who will change your mind when you see how THEY feel entitled.
And to the idjits who talk about violence, that is your brother, father, son or cousin who gets paid to drive a truck. PERIOD.
No Dennys doesnt get paid. Never met a tow company willing to pay. They dont need to.
And for every "missing tow driver" story that is over 2000 miles from you I will send you a Tow Driver beats stupid person trying to assault him with crowbar, baton, taser, or Hmmmmm GUN?
I am a major scofflaw. I drove with no license for years. BUT when I got caught I got caught. wasnt the cops issue. Pay he fine and move on.
#40 Consumer Comment
Never paid a thing
AUTHOR: Fred - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, May 29, 2011
When you have AAA, and now days, many auto insurance companies as well, the tow is free. I'm sure people pay an extra $1 or $2 a month to have it, but no big deal. In an emergency, it's nice to have.
My first memory of needing one was when I was a child and we were on a family vacation, and our brand new RV broke down in the middle of nowhere.
My point was, they serve more than one purpose, and to go out and destroy them all is plain ignorant.
Tow trucks are not just for impounding idiots vehicles for trespassing on private property.
But I am sure if some drunk neighbor parked his truck in the middle of your lawn and refused to move it, you would need one too for that purpose.
I know, I will get some smart-azz answer like "I would just blow it up", but you see the point.
#41 Consumer Comment
GREED has really risen sharply over the years!
AUTHOR: mr rik - (USA)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, May 26, 2011
No other reason
PURE GREED PLAIN AND SIMPLE!
They are not friendly folk or "nice guys".
Get real.
#42 Consumer Comment
IQ's have dropped so sharpl over the years.
AUTHOR: Fred - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, May 26, 2011
Wow, I am so amazed at how stupid people in general have become.
Think about it;
You have a 4 bedroom house, and a family of 4, but your neighbor has a 2 bedroom house and 12 kids.
Wow, he says; "they sure have a lot of extra space, I think I will move into his house and take over 2 of his rooms. That sure seems fair."
Or, maybe you have a really big yard, so can his kids just hop over your fence any time and play?
Private Property is just that, PRIVATE!
#43 Consumer Suggestion
Damage all tow trucks? Really?
AUTHOR: Fred - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, May 26, 2011
However, not all tow trucks are bad. I have never been towed for parking where I shouldn't. I am not retarded or blind. I can read English, and I don't want to come out and find my vehicle gone.
With that said, I have been towed. Tow trucks do more than impound vehicles of retards that can't read or simply don't care. They come when you call them because you need help and are stranded on the side of the road, or you have been in an accident.
So, if that ever happens to you, and you have to call for a tow, it would be so funny if you have to wait for hours on end because some of their equipment has been vandalized.
LMAO
#44 Consumer Suggestion
Solution to Parking Issue
AUTHOR: 938 Solution - (Canada)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, May 26, 2011
I have read through all of the rebuttals, and I cannot offer a solution to those already
victimized by a business that has gone to the last resort to solve an ongoing problem
and has had to make a deal with a less than reputable tow company, regardless of who they employ.
My solution is for moving forward, I am unfamiliar with the by-laws in Portland, but Dennys would make a lot more money if they simply charged for parking in their lot. If you eat there, your parking is validated at no charge with minimum purchase, and if a person wanted to eat at Red Robin but park at Dennys, then they pay $5-$10 to park per hour, and Dennys makes money and no one has to get towed, unless they refuse to pay for parking. Seems like on game nights or busy convention times, that a game day package where they can eat at Dennys and park there for the game may cost them an extra $20-$30 but they were not towed. Even if someone had no interest in eating at Dennys, Park there for $5.00 per hour non game days and $10.00 per hour on game nights Dennys would likely make $400-$500 a night legitimately and other than a set up cost of a gate arm or retractable tire spike gate, and the hourly wage for an employee to monitor the lot, the money would always come in year round. I would bet that if you asked any one of the people who were towed for $214.00 if they could have parked there for $10.00 for two hours they would have paid it. People are by nature always looking for the closest parking spot, they will circle a lot for 10 min looking for a stall one isle closer to the doors, rather than parking two isles back and walking. Just a thought.
#45 REBUTTAL Owner of company
Don't Get Mad, Get Even
AUTHOR: Beatnikjd - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, May 24, 2011
#46 Consumer Comment
Towing Scavangers
AUTHOR: harrumph - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, May 19, 2011
The law was posted above and a direct contradiction to that law was also posted above. Please read the posts above you before you criticize the posts above you. Doh!
#47 General Comment
What the..
AUTHOR: mjordan - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, May 18, 2011
#48 General Comment
Interesting
AUTHOR: mjordan - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, May 18, 2011
#49 General Comment
Good one!
AUTHOR: mjordan - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, May 18, 2011
#50 General Comment
Hold up!
AUTHOR: mjordan - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, May 18, 2011
That's not adding up to me partner. If that was your only thought, that means you knew before going in that it was a Sergeant's worker there, you knew what Sergeant was AND that they were watching you. No logical person with that knowledge would have gone in. Therefore I don't believe you. Good try though lol
The rest can be left up to your own evil imagination.
http://www.portlandtribune.com/news/story.php?story_id=120804612859294100
http://blog.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/2008/04/body_is_that_of_missing_tow_tr.html
or just google: Tow Driver Missing
Whine all you like, if you park only where you're supposed to, you won't get towed. Pretty damn simple really
#53 Consumer Comment
Towing Scavangers
AUTHOR: harrumph - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, May 15, 2011
I can certainly understand the victims in the case at hand not understanding that they have to become instant parking-lot inspectors and read a bunch of signs in detail in order to determine if they're running the risk of being towed from a particular parking spot; they were just wanting to have a fun evening out. I can also understand that the way a lot appears and who appears to own it may not be a true reflection of who actually controls it (why should people parking right up against the wall of a Red Robin assume they were at risk of being towed by a Denny's 50 yards away?).
The people in this forum suggesting that the victims were miscreants who got what they deserved are sadistic barbarians more of a threat to civility and public order than any wayward parkers.
I think the moral of the story is that when you park on private property in Portland, you'd better be able to document your permission to park there or you risk having your car towed and incurring a hefty fee. It is harsh treatment for people not used to living in a place where, in many places, parking's in much greater demand and shorter supply than what they're used to.
The truth of the matter is that Portland ought to have signs greeting all visitors that say "Parking's a problem here, as it is in many larger cities - know the rules, keep you receipts and park only where you have clear permission to do so. Read all signs and ask questions if the situation isn't clear. If you're not in a public space and you're parked somewhere you haven't paid to park - be afraid - be very afraid". Yeah, it's an absolute buzz kill - enough to make many people avoid coming back, which may have something to do with why Portland has such a hard time attracting businesses.
You really should give that towing ordinance a going-over - there are rules in there about signage if cars are to be towed from a lot, and from my experience with tows in Portland, the Denny's lot may not have met the minimum requirements.
I'm also very surprised that Red Robin doesn't have some kind of sign warning their customers about parking in lots that will result in their being towed - how much trouble could that be, especially since it happens so often? Unless Red Robin is also part of the scam....
FYI, FWIW: Sergeant's hires off-duty Portland police officers to help do their dirty work, so complaints to the police about Sergeant's behavior are likely to be treated with considerable skepticism on account of how much money policemen make moonlighting with Sergeant's. In other words: Sergeant's and numerous policemen are in cahoots, and it helps Sergeant's significantly to have the cops on their side if things go to court. It's very possible that the "spotters" in the Denny's lot were actually (very experienced) off-duty Portland police officers sharing in the proceeds, in effect, along with Sergeant's (the company) and Denny's, in the day's haul.
In fact it's Sergeant's, not Denny's, that handles the signage for the Denny's lot as part of their ongoing contract with Denny's; I can't prove - but any attorney you were to hire might be able to find out - if Denny's is getting a commission off of all tows from their lot (thus giving them a reason to not go to too much trouble to keep people from parking in their lot), but it seems likely. That said, though such an arrangement sounds like a smelly racket to you and me, I'm not sure it's illegal. But it may be so odious as to incite change if the public were to know more about it via the press/TV, letters to the editor, etc. If it can be proven.
That said, Ms. Gaylord doesn't work for the police, and can be counted on to stay objective regarding where your situation stands in relation to the rules. But she can only go on what you tell her (or, more precisely, what you tell her that can be proven and not contradicted by the towing company). So, try to stay on her good side and don't tell her anything that isn't true. But don't expect a whole lot from her operation either.
I was in a situation a few years ago where I and a few others were towed from a lot that wasn't adequately signed. In between the time of the tow and Ms. Gaylord's investigation, the tow company helpfully came by the lot and put up the required signage. However, we victims' matching testimony about the lack of signage resulted in our towing charges being refunded. In hindsight I wish I'd carried things further and sued the tow company, but like a fool I was so grateful to get out from the towing fees I let them off the hook; I now regret having done so, knowing what I know now.
Best wishes in going after them.
#59 UPDATE Employee
denny's towing
AUTHOR: franklysonata - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, May 12, 2011
What a bunch of cry babies. You're embarrassing!
#63 Consumer Comment
Here's your sign....really? c'mon
AUTHOR: thegrimtower - (USA)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, May 05, 2011
To Mr. Rik-diculous...
Bugs bunny said it best, What a MAROON!
#64 General Comment
Totally agree
AUTHOR: Dawn - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, May 04, 2011
There is no sign that says if you eat here please remove your vehicle as soon as your done...... I think there is a total scam going on. We actually were offered the tickets to the Blazer game from the people if we did not eat at Dennys, since their cars were towedf they could not make it to the game. So of course we jumped on it. But I felt so bad for them, and it was real messed up that they had ate there and still got towed! I really think something needs to happen there if it hasnt yet. This was like last October.
#65 Consumer Comment
For your reading pleasure....
AUTHOR: mr rik - (USA)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, May 04, 2011
http://blog.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/2008/04/body_is_that_of_missing_tow_tr.html
or just google: Tow Driver Missing
No suspects mentioned either...
Something to think about.
#66 Consumer Comment
Mr Rik - diculous
AUTHOR: thegrimtower - (USA)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Park where you please and suffer the financial loss. Do something stupid and illegal, land your dumb ass in jail where it sounds like it probably belongs...or has been there before maybe?
Violence is never the solution, but if you're stupid enough to engage in such criminal behavior, that's what jail cells are for. There's one with your name on it just waiting I'd guess.
I still think you're full of BS.
Sometimes I even leave a note on the windshield that says "tow me- I dare ya". Ive even left one of my pieces on the dash before to better accentuate my message.
Now I'm a reasonable guy so if they kiss my a** real good, I may go easy on em!
But there's nuthin like the sight of one of these big pushys piss'n his pants!
Stupid as they are, most realize a tow isn't worth their health or life.
Park legally and you won't get towed. If you accidentally or take a chance and park in a tow away space and get towed, admit your guilt and take your medicine.
What a bunch of big babies. Pathetic.
#69 Consumer Comment
Yep, that's how this country was founded
AUTHOR: mr rik - (USA)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, May 03, 2011
That's a nice story, er tall tale.
The FACT still remains that I'VE DAMAGED MANY A TOW TRUCK AND NEVER, EVER GOTTEN CAUGHT!
Probably because tow drivers are just TOO STUPID to catch me, and also because they're just big, fat MAMA'S BOYS who are afraid of a confrontation!
You carry pepper spray? WHAT A PUSHY! You should see what I carry!
Grimtower, ha meet the GRIM REAPER!
#70 Consumer Comment
Violence and criminal acts? Really?
AUTHOR: thegrimtower - (USA)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, May 03, 2011
I've been doing this for over 10 years now, and yes, even I have the occasional idiot that thinks violence is the right choice for their stupid parking mistakes. First, I'm more than capable of defending myself and have done so on a few occasions. I'm usually able to talk to the individual and let them see some logic in not being violent. However, (sigh), there are those idiots who just don't understand much of anything except acting stupid. Even if they're drunk, it's no excuse.
For these morons, I carry pepper foam. I've had a few of these morons arrested, charged (yes, I will sign a complaint with the D.A. and prosecute), and some are sitting in PRISON for their actions. I feel sorry for their families, but not for them.
IF I catch anyone messing with my tow truck (and I have), the police get called, a citation is issued fro criminal mischief (or they arrested, especially when they have outstanding warrants.) LOL Ah yes, the old saying is true....if you have a warrant, why would you do something that could bring the police?? Again, not to smart of individuals. Money...I've made parents pay out thousands for their teen's stupidity for vandalism. I've sued people who are to this day still having their paychecks garnished for their criminal acts against my tow equipment. I'm nice, but mess with my stuff or me and they will pay one way or the other, either with their freedom or their money.
#72 Consumer Comment
first put on gloves and masks, then beat the hell out of the Spotter
AUTHOR: Jim - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, May 01, 2011
Whimpering and crying about it makes you look weak and ridiculous.
#74 Consumer Comment
I've damaged MANY a tow truck!
AUTHOR: mr rik - (USA)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, April 30, 2011
And I've NEVER EVER gotten caught!
One of my favorites was when I slid underneath and pulled the oil drain plug!
DAMN I'M GOOD!
#75 Consumer Comment
To the OP. You parked wrong, you are wrong. BUT...
AUTHOR: anonymous - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, April 30, 2011
E. Prominently display at the vehicle
release location a placard, provided by the City of Portland,
containing the current list of approved PPI rates; and
Did they do this? Are you sure? Sue them. Make them PROVE they did this!
F. Prominently display at the vehicle
release location a placard, provided by the City of Portland, containing
a statement of the rights of the vehicle owner; and
Did they do this? Are you sure? Sue them. Make them PROVE they did this!
L. Notify the local police agency of the
intent to tow by telephone call to the Tow Desk prior to attaching any
equipment to a vehicle at a private parking facility; and
Did they do this? Are you sure? Sue them. Make them PROVE they did this!
M. Notify the local police agency of
the location of the vehicle by facsimile transmission to the Tow Desk
within one hour after the vehicle is placed in storage; and
Did they do this? Are you sure? Sue them. Make them PROVE they did this!
N. Notify the local police agency of the release of a
vehicle to the registered owner/owner's agent, acceptance of a vehicle
title in lieu of payment, or foreclosure of a possessory lien by
facsimile transmission to the Tow Desk within eight (8) hours after the
release; and
Did they do this? Are you sure? Sue them. Make them PROVE they did this!
O. Pay a data service fee, in an amount established by the
Director, for each vehicle released to the registered owner or owner's
agent. Such data fees shall be payable to the Tow Desk by the 20th day of each month; and
Did they do this? Are you sure? Sue them. Make them PROVE they did this!
P. Pay a service fee, in an amount established by the
Director, for each vehicle released to the registered owner or owner's
agent. Such service fees shall be payable to the City of Portland by the 20th day of each month
Did they do this? Are you sure? Sue them. Make them PROVE they did this!
If you do all this, will you win in court?
I'll bet you Five bucks that you won't!
If you do all this, and you lose in court, will you feel like you won the lottery, since you lost the case, but made them pay a few thousand dollars in video retrieval, subpoena costs, attorney fees, time spent showing up in court defending themselves, etc. etc. etc. to defend their right to tow your vehicle and get 214 bucks from you to get it back?
I'll bet you Five bucks that you will!
Now that I got out of jail for shoplifting and had to pay bond and attorneys fees and then a $250 fine I want to go to the local media and have them tell everyone how wrong WalMart is. Then I want to sit in WalMart and take pictures of Loss Prevention doing their job. What jerks to want to get paid for their merchandise. Oh and if loss prevention tries to stop someone throw the stuff I was stealing on the ground and run out the door and if followed have an accomplice trip them.
Sounds like a good analogy.
I have worked for the "dreaded tow companies" in other areas. We call the action a snatch and grab and do not pay the location. In certain instances we charge AND get the thousands of dollars in tow fees. IF you think we are bad at places like Denny's try a place like 7-11 or other convenience store. We have a number of locations where we have agents with radios and trucks around the corner. The law says we pick the car on the boom, we own the tow. Try and damage the truck you WILL be put in jail for malicious damage to property. Take out one of our tires and jail it will be.
There is no excuse. Dennys owes nothing to you or to Red Robin. We owe you no duty to warn you any more than a loss prevention person should warn you not to shoplift. THEY (WE) put up a sign. End of warning, babying, or anything else. YOU ARE WARNED AND WE WILL enforce that warning.
And Marie........ What a loser. Why not just do things right and park on non private property? Low of work to make a point that would be ignored or get you in SERIOUS legal trouble.
#77 Consumer Suggestion
Some good news, some bad news.
AUTHOR: thegrimtower - (USA)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, April 30, 2011
Now, with that being said, since this takes place in the City of Portland, there are certain laws that towers have to follow. The one specifically that I'm thinking of here is in prohibited practices.
Predatory practices :It shall be unlawful for a PPI tower to park within 1,000 feet of a private parking facility for the purpose of covert observation in order to obtain PPI tows. Neither shall a PPI tower post any observer in a private parking facility for the purpose of monitoring and ordering towing unless the monitor provides a verbal warning to persons leaving their cars or unless signs are posted clearly warning that the lot has on-site monitoring and the hours during which monitoring occurs.
I'm not sure if Sergeant's is meeting this requirement....you might ask Marion Gaylord, the City of Portland Towing Coordinator. If they haven't met this requirement, then there is a very good chance that people CAN get their hard earned money refunded.
Good luck.
#79 Consumer Comment
Solution to the problem
AUTHOR: Inspector - (USA)
SUBMITTED: Friday, April 29, 2011
#80 Consumer Comment
Red Robin does warn their customers
AUTHOR: Maskman - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, April 28, 2011
Red Robin is in the business of selling food and simply does not have enough parking, Denny's is in the business of towing cars. Red Robin's customers tend to be younger, hipper, and probably spend more (including alcohol). The perfect solution here would be for Red Robin to buy out Denny's and expand their restaurant.
If you park at Denny's, you get towed...
#81 Consumer Suggestion
I LIKE your thinking Marie!
AUTHOR: mr rik - (USA)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, April 27, 2011
#82 General Comment
Suggestions to stop this
AUTHOR: Marie - (USA)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Secondly contact Denny's corporate offices and let them know what is going on. They will do everything they can to make people happy. You could even get a free meal from Denny's if you make a complaint (not that you probably want to eat there after that).
Third, this one may sound a little mean but set them up. Have someone drive up and park in the parking lot and go into Red Robin's. BUT have someone hiding in the car. The person in the restaurant should keep a watch out and as soon as he/she sees the tow truck pull in notify the person hiding in the car by cell phone (who should have snuck up to the driver's seat by now) to start the car and drive off. As he or she drives off laugh and point at them.
Another option would be to have one person go into Red Robins and another go into Denny's and really confuse them.
#83 Consumer Comment
Sorry Attyboy...
AUTHOR: Brian - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, April 27, 2011
#84 Consumer Suggestion
The BEST advice!
AUTHOR: mr rik - (USA)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, April 27, 2011
FACT - YOU PARKED ILLEGALLY AND GOT TOWED.
It doesn't matter that their lot is not full - there is no law saying that if you aren't using it, you have to allow others to. Do you go into hotels and say, oh hey, I'm going to use your pool. It's not being used by any paying guests right now and so it's not going to hurt or inconvenience anyone. No. Of course not. That would be silly. This is Denny's property and they pay the taxes. Those taxes get paid from customers. You were not a customer. You had no right to park there. They had every right to tow you.
It doesn't matter how many times a day they have to have people towed. - Say you have a two car parking pad at your home. Say you never use one side. If someone parked in your empty spot on you driveway, would you call a tow truck? Of course. If people day after day parked there would you at some point stop having them towed, just because there are so many? No, of course not. You would keep towing people off your property until the infringement stopped. It doesn't matter if one person is breaking the law or a mob of people. Is breaking the law suddenly okay "if everybody's doing it"? Is breaking the law okay if it is against a business and not okay if it's a private citizen?
It doesn't matter that you didn't see the sign. (Although oddly you say you saw it, couldn't understand it, parked there anyway, then say later that you didn't see it when you were complaining to the denny's manager... hmmm.) The point is the sign was there. You have provided a picture of it in your complaint. So. If you saw it and didn't understand it you should have asked before you parked. If you truly didn't see it, that is sad, but it still doesn't matter. I know I've been stopped for speeding in a school zone. Didn't see the school zone sign, didn't know it was a school zone. Got a ticket anyway. BUT OF COURSE I did. Ignorance is never a valid excuse for not obeying the law. The same law that protects Denny's from having non customers park in their lot whether they see or understand the signage.
Your entrapment argument is silly. Is it entrapment to have plain clothes store walkers to keep people from stealing in shopping malls. Of course not. I bet the people caught by those people cry entrapment too. Oddly enough so do Johns who get caught trying to pick up prostitutes. That argument never works. It doesn't matter if Denny's is paying them or if the tow company is paying them. Businesses have the right to hire anyone they want to ensure people aren't stealing from them. Parking in a spot, even if the lot is empty, is just like walking in and stealing a ketchup package. Granted, neither seems to be a big deal. But that is not up to you or me to decide. It is up to Denny's and they have decided they are not interested in having non customers park on their lot.
Finally, you don't know what is happening between the two businesses. Maybe Denny's tried to work out an agreement with Red Robin to have them share costs of parking lot maintenance, snow shovelling, line painting or perhaps pay 1$ every time one of their customers needed to use their lot. Maybe Red Robin refused the arrangement. This whole thing might not be Denny's fault. Maybe your anger should be directed at Red Robin. I'm just saying you don't know all the facts of the situation. So maybe instead of trying to get out of your tickets, you should have spent the time gathering facts. You should have asked the Denny's manager, "how on earth did you end up in such a situation where you felt you had to have people towed?" Maybe it would have brought you some clarity on the situation. Maybe you wouldn't be so mad if you knew all sides.
#86 Consumer Suggestion
Solution
AUTHOR: Attyboy - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Red Robin can take the higher road and warn people not to park at Denny's.
Patrons of other businesses can go into Denny's and order a desert and then show their receipt to the AG. The tow company would have to start paying damages. They can't prove intent. A receipt for purchasing an ice cream shows that you intended to patron Denny's and they would have no right to tow you.
I can't imagine that a trip to Red Robin lasted longer than 2 hours. That is certainly a reasonable amount of time to be parked in their lot especially when you were planning on getting desert at Denny's. wink wink.
They SIMPLY have a guy sittin there in his car (sounds like Denny's already has this covered), and whenever you park and walk by the guy says "you goin to xxxxx's?" and if you say "yes" he says "ok cool, just bring me the receipt" and if you say no he says "move along".
Real simple, (if I can borrow that expression from Steve) and has worked for years. Keeps everybody happy!
The only thing that is stopping this from being implemented at Denny's is PURE GREED. And believe you me, it is costing them customers in the long run. Also you cant honestly expect us to believe there isn't some kind of "kickback" system going on. C'mon get real!
I would also like someone to snapshot that "warning" at Red Robin and post it here, But I'm sure RR will take care of that as soon as they see this!
Back to the stakeout, Denny's/tow employee!
#88 Consumer Comment
So hard to be sympathetic....
AUTHOR: Another consumer - (USA)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, April 05, 2011
I agree with the person who pointed out that there is a fence along the whole back side of the building (which is the side the Denny's lot butts up against), it's not even easy to get to the Red Robin from the Denny's parking lot. People park at Denny's because the Red Robin lot is small (indeed much too small for a sit down restaurant of that size) and they don't want to pay to park on the street or walk a block or two. Still not the Denny's problem.
I have driven by that Denny's MANY times (I work near by) and seen their lot full and their restaurant empty, and wondered why they don't have more people towed. I know if I was in the market to eat at someplace like Denny's and I saw that their parking lot was completely full, I would probably go someplace else. So how much business does Denny's lose because people who have no respect for other people's property abuse their parking lot??
The other point that people might be missing is the legal ramifications of people parking there. Denny's is responsible for what happens on their property. If a person twists their ankle on a curb or whatever they could potentially sue Denny's. It's ridiculous, but it happens. SO why should Denny's be liable for people who aren't even patroning their business?? People who may or may not have been drinking (Denny's doesn't serve alcohol but Red Robin does) and might be more likely to hurt themselves on the property?
And as far as the lofty fee that's required to bail a car out after it's been towed... I know several people who have been towed and also a couple people who work for towing companies, the fee's are all governed by the city (and this can all be confirmed by speaking with the towing coordinator of Portland, Marion Gaylord). So the city says what the tow companies can charge. They can probably charge less than what the city says, but why would they? Every business has to make money, and wouldn't you want to get the most money you can for your services? People think that money is just all profit... it's not. Some of it goes to the city. There's the cost of running those trucks, fuel, maintenance, etc. There's the high cost of insurance. There's drivers and dispatcher and managers to be paid. There's a building and lot to pay for. Taxes to pay. Oh, and the Denny's doesn't actually get anything out of the tow bill. It's illegal for towing companies to "kick back" to private properties for towing. What Denny's DOES get out of contracting with a tow company is the convenience of parking for their customers in the parking lot that they pay the taxes on, and pay to have cleaned and maintained.
If a guy is being paid to sit in that parking lot all day, where do you think his paycheck comes from? If there are no tows generating income, where does the money come from to pay for someone to sit in the parking lot.
While I agree that it's sneaky to stake out a parking lot for illegal parkers, you have to admit that it's also a bit sneaky to park in one restaurant's lot in order to patronize another restaurant.
Im still concerned about the high tow volume going on. Your right Red Robin should have some sort of warning out about this, unless theyre afraid of losing business and would rather make a few bucks off a customer then warn them of the possible tow, or
Im starting to suspect there may be some sort of collusion going on between the businesses. Maybe even the same owner. Someone may wanna take a look into that.
If this is the case SHAME ON YOU RED ROBIN TOO! AND YOUR OWNER!
#91 Consumer Comment
I'll concede a bit...
AUTHOR: JustAnotherConsumer - (USA)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, April 05, 2011
Please don't get me wrong... in YOUR case, I'm a bit more sympathetic because you admit you were wrong, but are just pointing out how petty they are being. I don't have that same sympathy for the OP because he/she seemed to indicate that this was all a big scam, OP did nothing wrong, they were ripped off, etc. Had they come across as humble as you and admitted fault, I would have been sympathetic to their plight as well.
It does seem that those particular establishments should try to work something out. Maybe the owners/managers could get together and come up with some sort of "rental" agreement for certain parking spots during certain times of the day. As anyone who has ever been to either restaurant knows -- Red Robin is very busy at lunch/dinner hours, while Denny's is mildly busy (at best) and is mainly a breakfast diner or after-hours stop after the local bars close. They both have different "rush hours" and should easily be able to accommodate overflow parking between them, if they were willing to do so. Just a thought...
#92 Consumer Suggestion
I got towed too.
AUTHOR: John C - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, April 05, 2011
I had this exact same thing happen to me this evening. I parked at Denny's (because the Red Robin lot was full, and all other street parking on the block was taken), went to Red Robin and was promptly towed. $214 fee, including the extra $25 after hours charge since it was after 6pm.
First off, I was wrong to park at Denny's and walk next door, and wow did I get whacked for it! Did I see the signs? Sadly, yes. There are many posted now, not just the one or two, so claiming ignorance is definitely out. No, I saw the signs and decided to risk it.
I seriously thought to myself as I was leaving the car "Crap, I know I technically shouldn't be parking here. But there is plenty of space, at least a dozen other open stalls, The Red Robin lot is full and there's no open street parking. I'm pretty sure I'm not screwing over any Denny's customers for parking, I really want to make this meeting on time, and it'll be over fast enough."
17 minutes later, I come back, the Denny's lot is still 80% vacant and my car is gone. Ouch! My only thought was that the Sergeant's worker watched me leave my car and called in the truck immediately. Well, my intentions and logic were pretty benign. But considerate intent really counts for nothing when you enforce things to the T.
So technically put, I was wrong, and Denny's had every legal right to tow me. And to Sergeant Towing's credit, I thought the worker stationed in the lot to watch for folks like me was very professional, he even called me a cab. So anyone accusing them of being outwardly sleazy, they weren't, at least in my dealing with them.
Still, if a guy is paid to sit in that parking lot all day, a simple warning or "hey, move along" would have been super. Or better yet, if Denny's is towing so many Red Robin customers, why doesn't Red Robin post a sign warning folks "Parked at Denny's? They WILL tow you. No, seriously. In fact if you're reading this a truck is probably on its way." Wishful thinking yeah? Haha.
It took 20 minutes for the cab to come get me today. And in that time, I stood in the mostly empty parking lot, watching the Sergeant's Towing worker sit in his car waiting for more folks like me. Awkward. I vowed that if I saw anyone else park in the lot, I would tell them what had just happened to me and save them from getting towed.
Let me put it this way. Even police officers give out warnings now and then. Imagine if traffic enforcement were privatized, with enforcers paid on commission and given license to enforce everything to the letter. We'd ALL be getting ticketed for going 28mph in 25mph zones. It's technically right... but yet somehow wrong. I was wrong today and I paid a price. But I will say the amount of punishment leveled against me was disproportionate in the scheme of things. I mean compare a $214 towing fee to a speeding ticket, or having your parking meter expire. To all the comment folks telling drivers tough luck. Please, cut us some slack. I've laid out the mitigating circumstances here; I'm sure we've all had situations like this before, maybe let your meter run out, or leave your car in a loading zone with your emergency lights on while you run in to drop something off? I'm just the guy who happened to park in an empty Denny's lot to go to a meeting next door and got pwned! Instead of saying "You're an idiot for ignoring the signs" just ease up and simply say "Dude, that sucks." and know that I'm never parking at (or going to) Denny's... ever... again.
Anyway, I feel better having written this. Hard lesson learned. The easy fix? Take it from me. Don't park at Denny's unless you darn well intend to eat there!
#93 Consumer Suggestion
Suggestion to Denny's
AUTHOR: mr. rik - (USA)
SUBMITTED: Monday, April 04, 2011
I personally would avoid a restaurant who's parking lot doesn't have at least a few cars in it from time to time.
I usually dont offer suggestions for scummy operations, but really, think about it- By having those red robin customers park in your lot, you are making your own "restaurant" look a little less decrepit.
But this is all useless anyway, as now the towing is your "bread and butter".
I say theres some sharking going on, and theyre just trying to leach on people. Kinda like a spider casting a web. Just because people are getting tired of the crap food and have a better choice now.
Back to work Denny's employee! (even if it is THAT slow!)
#95 Consumer Comment
The number of cars towed is irrelevant!
AUTHOR: JustAnotherConsumer - (USA)
SUBMITTED: Monday, April 04, 2011
If I came home everyday and someone was continually parking in my driveway, blocking my driveway, etc. (i.e., anywhere on MY property) I would have them towed as well. I might even sit in my house or down the street and report them as it happened. Eventually, the people who were parking there illegally would get the hint. And, I would not feel that I owe them any apology whatsoever!
Just because the OP thinks that he/she has the right to park their cars (Note: they mention 2 mini-vans were towed) in another business' lot and then take their party of 13 people to another business, doesn't mean it's right. By looking at OP's pics, he/she clearly had to walk past one of the 2 signs in that area: (1) the one on the fence which they photographed; or (2) the one on the post at the entrance where they indicate with arrows "These 3 spots are not marked." Give me a break!
The lot is separate and anyone with any ounce of intelligence could figure that out; they drove by a sign on a post at the entrance; if they walked from those "unmarked" spots to get to Red Robin, they either passed the sign on the fence or the sign on the post. They are just mad they got caught. So sick of people and their sense of entitlement these days.
OP parked in a private lot of a business and did not conduct business there. He/She got towed for doing so. Too bad. Learn from the lesson and respect other people's property.
#96 Consumer Suggestion
Yeah but
AUTHOR: mr. rik - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Monday, April 04, 2011
Shame on you Denny's!
p.s. your food is nasty and sucks!
#97 Consumer Comment
They are 2 different parking lots!
AUTHOR: JustAnotherConsumer - (USA)
SUBMITTED: Monday, April 04, 2011
From the pics below, anyone can see that where you parked is (1) a completely separate parking lot from the Red Robin; (2) it runs along the BACK of the Red Robin restaurant where there are NO entrances to that restaurant; (3) it is fenced off from the Red Robin parking lot; (4) you would have had to walk around that fence to even get to either sidewalk in order to enter Red Robin.
This is not a simple case of a shared/common parking lot that is accessible to both restaurants. They are clearly separate and you chose to park in the Denny's lot so you deserve to be towed. I'll grant you that the Red Robin lot does not appear to be large enough to provide adequate parking to its patrons, but that doesn't give you the right to park at Denny's. Sorry!
#98 Consumer Suggestion
Wow, sounds like Denny's is makin more money on towing than food!
AUTHOR: mr. rik - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, April 03, 2011
I agree you should be alot more careful because there really are alot of sharks out there. Most of em in Dennys parking lot undercover!
Having these losers doing this when the restaurant is really dead is pathetic! They must really envy Red Robin and their superior food!
What do you expect of a restaurant ran by a bunch of ex-cons?
#99 Consumer Comment
Are you serious?
AUTHOR: Brian - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, April 03, 2011

