Tent location question to ponder

[Roo]

I have looked into this at several sites, probably won't ever go that route but one has to explore all the options...right?

So everytime, I have always contacted the property manager to see what they would charge for a spot. Then I started thinking, why does the property manager deserve the rent on these spaces? Aren't the businesses in the strip mall/shopping center paying for those parking spots in their rent payment? I know if I was a tenant in the complex I would think that my rent is paying for all the parking spaces in front of my store.

Just a discussion question to see what everyone thinks.

[screenman]

If I was one of those businesses and you were set up for free I would be very upset. Pure business they have something you want, so why should they not charge for it.

[Frank EU]

Roo: my reply is a bit long and goes beyond your point, but I feel that it adds some information. I could keep on writing about this, but I trust that this will do.
I am not sure as to why the owners should grand any rights in terms of renting a number of spots on the lot. In my opinion it would not only be a silly thing to do, but also it would simply be too complicated, it will lead to trouble one day. If I were a property owner (malls and strips) I would not specify anywhere in the lease anything related to allocating parking spots, ''rights'' or an allocated number related to the lot. Here's why.

Often the bigger names function like a magnet, they need big names to have visitors coming in visiting the mall spending their money. Those big names are Sears, Kroger, Meijer, Best Buy, Target, Borders etc, we know them all right? How are you going to determine this? It is too complicated to grand rights related to the parking lot, and I do not think that retailers can claim any rights when it comes to the quantity. Normally, the average visitor tends to park as close to their desired shop or mall-section as possible.

I know of people in MI (mainly the Detroit Metro Area) who indeed do ask for permission at the shop manager, the manager often agrees. But it is the local ordonance officer who's telling you to leave ''right now'' and may even be presenting a fine if you have ignored the first warning (if I remember well that fine is over $200). I have never seriously looked into this part of the business, as you know we don't care for it, but it would not harm to go and see the highest possible manager available and discuss this matter to find out the details. I am pretty sure that the shops have no say at all in this. It is either the property owner or the county/town. Of course it would not, never, hurt if one could claim that the shops do like the service you provide and don't mind you being there.

[Roo]

I should have said this in OP, but I wasn't saying to get a place rent free. I was saying you should be paying rent to the store you are sitting in front of. Sorry for not being more specific.

[Frank EU]

I mentioned that I don't think and cannot believe that one has to pay the store you are going to locate the tent in front of -or any store at all.
In this situation (malls and strips) I think it is not up to the individual shops, I think, that if there's a fee, your point of contact is the mall owner.
Also; one may need a permit from the county or city.
Again: the local guys can tell you, just ask. Good luck Rees.

[Roo]

I probably won't be going that route anyway. I like taking my time on repairs and I think I would feel rushed in a tent setting. I just wondered what people's thoughts were on this. I thought the existing tenants rent would include the parking in front of the store, I just kinda felt like the property managers are double dipping by charging for those spots again. However now that it was mentioned I think most rents are calculated by the sq ft and therefore would only include the sq footage under roof.

[a_johnson1972]

Don't forget the property owner is legally responsible for anything that occurs in the parking lot of their establishment.

Thats why they want some form of compensation. It does not always have to be monetary.

[GLASSTIME]

Roo,

I'd like to chime in on this one.
I as you know do the "Tent Set Ups" My experiance with working with property owners/management has been a 50/50 split.
Some are accepting as they see it as a possible way to bring more customers onto the property that any other time wouldn't . Like for instant a dealership allows me to set up on its property 2 days a week.
I currently and before this "Tent Set Up" at the dealership was already one of their vendors, So I guess it was an easy pull considering they already knew me.

Or I have a Custom Shop who sells wheels, stereos ect. Was extremely quick to agree to allow me to set up on his property as he sees it to bring business growth to his area. He said there are still people who doesn't know where he is or who he is. Me being there may attrac these
Unknown potential customers to even his business.

I have although had prospective locations where the property owners or managers either wanted too much money fojust 2 parking stalls or they didn't want to bother.

I think that there are many tactics to consider when deciding to set up a "Tent Set Up"

One thing I was thinking about doing is donating to a charity such St. Judes Childrens Hospital. Why?
I believe in what they d and on top of that Everyoneknows who they are. Its an easy identify.

Maybe by donating to a well kown charity would helps others relate. It could possibly improve your presence.

Or maybe you could try something I have tried and it works out fairly well.
Offer the Owner only a FREE Evalation of their personal vehicle and if you find any damage you will repair the damage for FREE for payment of utilizing his property.
And honor that for the entire time frame of using his property!

JMHO! Take Care Pal!

[candyman]

I checked in the raleigh area at some of the large malls. The cost is very high, and the mall managers control the lots, not the tenants. Example a 5 x 5 space is $2500. per month plus 10% of everything you make above $2500. Weekend rates only $2000. per mopnth plus 10%.
They do not allow any damage to pavement, and you need an attorney to digest all the fine print. The rural malls are much better. I was told that the anchor stores that are remote from the main mall controll their parking lots. I am picking up referals from a detailing shop for HL restoration. I do most of the referals at the detailer when they call. I pay the person that refered the individual $5 and the owner of the Business $5 for each vehicle that I do.
They provide me electricity and sometimes a inside bay to do the work. This guy sells Tires and fancy rims, car stereos, speakers and DVD players. He has a large bay that he leases out to several others. One man does the stereo/DVD instalations, one does windshield tinting, 1 has a detailing (wash, wax, buff, engine cleaning) and one man that specializes in custom interior uphoster and headliner work. The owner recieves a fee from each. He has one addtional person that he pays to install the tires and rims he sells. I dont know if this is a good deal or not, but they do generate business for me. Each of these guys have my flyers with a code that identifies them if I get a call from someone that they gave the flyer. I showed them what to look for when they have a customer, as far as windshield and headlights are concerned. Thats why I say if I had several of these I would have plenty of business.

[candyman]

I forgot to include the following. My city requires a vendors license or a 1 day or weekend permit. The permit ranges from $25 - $50. The big city also requires the same. It cheaper to pay the yearly fee for a license than to purchase one each time you set up. The fine is high if they catch you without a permit. I pay about $55 per year and that is good for the entire county. That does not authorize me to set up in any other county or city in this state.