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Re: BUSTED! EZ-Towing & Danny's of ShopRite Lot Infamy
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Home away from home
 
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Oooooooh! $20,000. That's gotta hurt.
Posted on: 2011/3/9 3:48
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I live by the river.
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Re: BUSTED! EZ-Towing & Danny's of ShopRite Lot Infamy
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Home away from home
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Good. fk them. I don't even own a car and I think they're scum.
Posted on: 2011/3/9 3:42
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BUSTED! EZ-Towing & Danny's of ShopRite Lot Infamy
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Home away from home
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From NJ.com
Link to Article A state probe into predatory towing complaints has resulted in two Jersey City car towing companies agreeing to pay nearly $20,000 each in civil penalties, attorney fees, and investigation costs, officials with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs said yesterday. "It is completely unacceptable, nearly two years after the state's Predatory Towing Prevention Act went into effect, for any towing company to be running roughshod over consumers and their rights," said Thomas R. Calcagni, acting director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. As a result of the inquiry, Gary Matarazzo of EZ Towing and Recovery on Grand Street, and Daniel E. Johnson of Danny's Towing on Eighth Street, have agreed to, among other things, cease all predatory towing practices, Division of Consumer Affairs spokesman Neal Buccino said in a press release. They are also obligated to submit to binding arbitration in all outstanding consumer complaints, and for any disputed consumer complaints filed within the next year, Buccino said. The two towing companies may be best known by residents for their swift work towing illegally parked cars from the lot used by patrons of Pep Boys, ShopRite and BJ's, near the Newport Centre Mall in Downtown Jersey City. "Let it be known: the days of towing companies casing out parking lots, hijacking someone's vehicle, and holding it for a cash ransom while authorities quietly stand by, are over," Calcagni said. The Predatory Towing Prevention Act prohibits towers from failing to release a vehicle hooked or lifted but not yet removed from private property upon request of the vehicle's owner. It prohibits trolling for vehicles parked without authorization, paying for information about vehicles parked without authorization, refusing to accept an insurance company check or a debit card, charge card, credit card or check for towing or storage services, if the company ordinarily accepts them. It also prohibits charging unreasonable or excessive fee, and charging for a towing or storage service that is not on the Division of Consumer Affairs list of services. Anyone who thinks they have been cheated by a business, or suspect any other form of consumer abuse, can file a complaint with the Division of Consumer Affairs at www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov or by calling or .
Posted on: 2011/3/9 2:49
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Re: towing at shoprite
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Home away from home
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Quote:
In the fox 5 report in the link above, besides that parking lot they go into one in Union City, where the city gave them a cease and desist letter because of their predatory towing practices. If they can why can't we (jersey City)?
Posted on: 2011/2/22 16:14
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Re: towing at shoprite
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Home away from home
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2007/10/20 17:38 Last Login : 2012/7/18 2:23 From Not in JC anymore
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I've never experienced the pleasure of being towed out of the Shoprite parking lot, but I've read somewhere on this site, maybe even in this thread, that JCPD indicates that there is nothing they can do and that the car owners have to pay. Anyone know if this has changed or is inaccurate?
Posted on: 2011/2/22 14:29
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- Never argue with an idiot. They bring you down to their level and then beat you with experience.
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Re: towing at shoprite
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Home away from home
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apologies Heights, the link was in another thread. take a look at all the laws their breaking. http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/local ... ivers-new-jersey-20101216
Posted on: 2011/2/22 13:30
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Re: towing at shoprite
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Home away from home
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2008/5/6 6:21 Last Login : 2022/11/28 18:03 From Jersey City, NJ
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If you get towed the thing to do is pay with American Express, Visa or MC. If the towing people say not accepted then immediately call the police and file a report and demand your care be released. At that point the tow operator will most likely accept your credit card.
The law requires that all tow operators in NJ accept credit cards. They cannot offer a discount for cash either, if they do call your credit card company and complain; thieir credit card privilages can be terminated.
Posted on: 2011/2/21 21:23
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Re: towing at shoprite
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Not too shy to talk
 
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I?m thinking the video taping by the tow Company breaks some privacy laws since they are neither management or security of the lot.. The owner of the property (ABC Investors or whoever) obviously consented to have the taping system in place, they can have it monitored by whomever they like. No judge would find that shopping center patrons have an expectation of privacy walking around a huge public parking lot.
Posted on: 2011/2/21 20:30
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Re: towing at shoprite
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Home away from home
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How about the tow trucks driving around with front windows tinted? I?m thinking the video taping by the tow Company breaks some privacy laws since they are neither management or security of the lot..
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Posted on: 2011/2/21 17:29
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Re: towing at shoprite
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Home away from home
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I have never been towed, as I only park there to shop at BJ's so it doesn;t affect me; if it does it;s in the positive as I can always find a parking space there. But to answer your question, the 2 main state laws they're breaking are 1. the owner of the lot must call the towing company (they're using spotters) and 2. They demand cash, under state law towing companies must accept credit cards. you can argue the merits of these laws, but the fact is they are laws and the towing companies are breaking them. Scroll up to the fox 5 link if it's still active there are a bunch of others they're breaking as well.
Posted on: 2011/2/21 14:15
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Re: towing at shoprite
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Home away from home
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How are the tow truck companies not abiding by the law...can you give an itemized list ? It's funny how the "patrons" can't figure out how to park but they're cunning enough to monitor the tow truck business who is just trying to do they're job. Start a class action lawsuit or man up and do it yourself.
Posted on: 2011/2/21 13:09
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Re: towing at shoprite
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Home away from home
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While it is true if you leave the shopping center, even to that bank next door to use the ATM, they have every right to tow you, it is also true that the towing companies are also acting in an unlawful manner. If the shoppers/parkers have to abide by the law, so should the companies that act as the enforcers/punishers.
Posted on: 2011/2/21 12:06
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Re: towing at shoprite
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Home away from home
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What don't people get about the parking? Am I stupid or something? You cannot park in ShopRite or BJ's and walk out of the lot to go to Chili's for lunch or to the mall to shop. There are signs everywhere. If they don't tow you then every person hopping the LightRail will park in that lot for free when they go to work in NYC.
Wake up already - either shop where you park or park somewhere else and pay the lousy $4 at the mall. Ignorance .....that's all it is.....something for nothing....sorry folks it doesn't work that way in JC !!!!
Posted on: 2011/2/21 2:15
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Re: towing at shoprite
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Newbie
 
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no. question. about. it.
Posted on: 2011/2/20 14:55
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Re: towing at shoprite
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Home away from home
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Quote:
I call run-on sentence.
Posted on: 2011/2/20 7:21
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Re: towing at shoprite
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Newbie
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I cant believe you people are crying about be towed from areas that your not suppose to be parked in and crying scam LoL. its a very simple solution..... DON'T PARK WERE YOU NOT SUPPOSE TO.. simple as that. I deal with this on a everyday bases and it gets so retard after asking 20 & 20 question, just to find out they park where they were not suppose to with signs all over the place saying not to go figure. I call laziness and stupidity.
Sincerely yours, A future tow truck owner (Just for the fun of it)
Posted on: 2011/2/20 3:20
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Re: towing at shoprite
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Home away from home
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You know, Danny's or E-Z Towing may be 100% within their rights to tow the cars from the parking lot at Shop Rite, but it really PISSES ME OFF that they will only accept cash, no credit or debit cards and are BREAKING THE LAW OF JERSEY CITY IN PLAIN SIGHT. Of course, maybe I shouldn't be surprised, given the track record of our administration, which is known for not enforcing laws that matter, like the residency requirement for Jersey City employees.
I have avoided going to this Shop Rite for years because of this practice, even though I've never been towed from that lot. The A&P is better anyway IMHO. I occasionally go to the Bed Bath & Beyond but the towing practices on this lot have managed to piss me off even more than I thought they could so I'll avoid buying anything there as well. By the way, since Shop Rite and BJ's say they can't do anything about it, maybe you could mention to the owners of the shopping center space how you feel about it. I'm not going to post who they are - check the Jersey City property tax records and you can figure it out. There is a good chance that the rent paid by Shop Rite, BJ's and Bed Bath & Beyond is a percentage of the amount of monthly sales they make (common practice in the retail industry) and it is in the landlord's interest that their tenants do well as far as sales go. Maybe the landlords don't care either but trying is worth more than bitching and moaning.
Posted on: 2010/10/14 4:39
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Re: towing at shoprite
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Newbie
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Question for Gary Matarazzo......
Being a responsible business owner trying to make a living, do you feel a responsibility to train your drivers in regard to the driving their trucks safely? I guess you cannot control what your drivers do when they are out on the roads but you should probably know... I live between Columbus and 2nd and you've got a driver who needs to SLOW DOWN when he is chasing down an illegal parker. There are a lot of people living in those few blocks and I am sure they can all agree that this driver speeds recklessly and speeds in the lot behind BJ's (which is a one way... the opposite way your driver goes) He does not stop...or even slow down when approaching intersections. Are you familiar with NJC Idling laws? There is on truck idling across from where I live constantly. About a month ago one of your drivers was attempting to tow a vehicle from BJ/BBB/SR lot when the owner realized she was about to be towed and ran back to her car. The driver lowered his pitchfork and backed up toward the car as the woman stood there screaming her head off in fear he'd run her over...he was relentless until enough passersby started to come to her aid, when he sped off (in a parking lot.. people, pets, kids, strollers.. get the picture?) We understand you need to run a business but in order to garner any respect your people need to respect the community. Your company gets a bad rap because they disregard the laws and act like hungry animals in pursuit of their prey. Just my observation..
Posted on: 2010/10/13 0:22
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Re: towing at shoprite
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Newbie
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We have been living here in JC for two years now. We part at least 1X sometimes more each week for shopping at BJs and Shoprite. Never had our car towed. The tow truck operator probably does keep a close watch to be sure that only illegal parkers are towed.
Posted on: 2010/10/12 22:04
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Re: towing at shoprite
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Just can't stay away
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JCMC
Towers and Towing http://library.municode.com/HTML/1609 ... OTO_S319-17REVEPAABPRPRFE H. As a condition of receiving a tower's license under this chapter, a licensee shall at minimum arrange to accept payment by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, cash and money order from the owner or driver of a vehicle for any towing, impoundment and storage fees. Personal check or other methods of payment will be at the option of the licensee. If payment is made by personal check, the licensee may require identification in the form of a valid major credit card in the name of the owner or driver of the vehicle. In appropriate cases and for good cause shown, the Division Director may waive the requirement of payment acceptance by credit card as to any tower who provides evidence of an unsuccessful but good faith attempt to make such arrangement. The licensee must provide an itemized receipt, including the licensee's name, address and telephone number, listing all fees charged. The payment options available shall be posted in a conspicuous place near the place of payment and shall be on the rate schedule required to be given to the owner or driver of vehicles. The wording and placement of the payment options shall be approved by the Director.
Posted on: 2010/10/12 20:17
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Re: towing at shoprite
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Just can't stay away
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consumerbrief
What You Should Know About Getting Towed The amended Predatory Towing Prevention Act became effective in New Jersey on April 15, 2009. The amended Act regulates tows from private property, and tows initiated by law enforcement, without the prior consent of the vehicle?s owner or operator. TOWING FROM PRIVATE PROPERTY Unattended cars cannot be towed from private parking lots, unless: ■ There is a sign posted at vehicular entrances to the property stating 1) The purposes for which parking is authorized; 2) The times when parking is permitted; 3) That unauthorized parking is prohibited and unauthorized vehicles will be towed at the owner?s expense; 4) The name of, and contact information for, the towing company and the address of the storage facility?which must be secure and located within a reasonable distance of the property?to which the vehicle will be towed; 5) The charges for towing and storage and the times during which the vehicle may be redeemed; and 6) Contact information for the Division of Consumer Affairs (1-800-242-5846, prompt #4.) ■ The property owner and the towing company have a contract for the towing the property owner has authorized the towing company to remove the particular vehicle. Revised 10/16/09 ■ The requirements do not apply to a single-family home or an owner-occupied multi-unit structure, and the signage requirements are different for a residential community with clearly-marked assigned spaces for residents. TOWING AND STORAGE CHARGES The towing company?s fees must be reasonable. A reasonable fee is considered one that is no more than 25% greater than the company?s fee for the same consensual (vehicle owner approved) towing services or no more than 50% above the fees charged by other towing companies in the community for the same towing services without the vehicle owner?s permission. Towing and storage charges cannot exceed rates set by town ordinance. VEHICLE STORAGE The Act requires that after a vehicle is towed: ■ The vehicle must be stored in a secure facility; ■ The facility?s business office must be open to the public between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. at least five days a week; and ■ A towing company must make reasonable accommodation for after-hours release of stored vehicles. The towing company may charge for after-hours release. UNLAWFUL PRACTICES FOR TOWING COMPANIES The Act prohibits towing companies from the following: ■ Failing to release a vehicle hooked or lifted, but not actually removed from private property, upon request of the vehicle?s owner; ■ Trolling (cruising) for vehicles parked without authorization; ■ Paying for information about vehicles parked without authorization; ■ Refusing to accept an insurance company check or a debit card, charge card, credit card or check for towing or storage services, if the towing company ordinarily accepts such payment at its place of business; ■ Charging for a towing or storage service not on the Division?s schedule of services; ■ Charging an unreasonable or excessive fee. NEWARK CHERRY HILL 124 Halsey Street 2201 Route 38 P.O. Box 45025 Suite # 202 Newark, NJ 07101 Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 973-504-6200 856-482-4380 800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey) E-Mail: AskConsumerAffairs@lps.state.nj.us Web site: www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov New Jersey Office of the Attorney General DIVISION OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS
Posted on: 2010/10/12 19:45
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Re: towing at shoprite
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Just can't stay away
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Gary Matarazzo also appears to be totally right about the towing policy at that parking lot. Now, I'm not so sure the same can be said for their billing practices......
Posted on: 2010/10/12 19:15
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Re: towing at shoprite
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Home away from home
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Gary Matarazzo appears to have no more than a 3rd grade education.
Posted on: 2010/10/12 18:52
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Re: towing at shoprite
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Home away from home
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The Rebuttal -
http://www.nj.com/hudson/voices/index ... egitimate_towing_bus.html In response to Joan Kristensen\'s letter in yesterday\'s edition about being towed for parking illegally in a private lot near B.J.\'s: Your complaint about being improperly towed is flawed by your own behavior. No, it\'s not a tax scam; you see the tax is $2.10, which is billed into the receipt you received at our office. You also could have called a legitimate taxi company for the ride to our office and not jumped into a gypsy cab. Since when do you expect to park free in a lot that\'s clearly marked for use of store customers? The problem is that you could have parked at Chili\'s parking, which is located at a nearby garage, but instead you took a chance in a private lot. Unfortunately, you are not alone; it seems that many people risk the tow while shopping in Newport Mall. Instead of paying a parking fee at the mall they want to park for free. I\'m sorry for your trouble, but it was your own decision to park in a private lot. You also stated you thought you would have to wait all weekend for your car; in truth, you picked up both cars one hour and 20 minutes later. It is a business and we are in business to make money. We provide a service for parking lot owners to remove vehicles that are parked illegal. There are approximately 64 signs in that lot, and legally there are supposed to be only four. We have 64 as a courtesy to people who park illegally so they can\'t say they didn\'t see the sign! We run a legitimate business, which is a very difficult one, and when we make a mistake, be assured, we own up to it! GARY MATARAZZO E Z TOWING, PRESIDENT JERSEY CITY
Posted on: 2010/10/12 18:13
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Re: towing at shoprite
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Just can't stay away
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What a coincidence that their towing fees are $152 and $242 instead of $150 and $240 and that they don't have change on hand. That's pretty blatant.
Posted on: 2010/10/12 15:26
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Re: towing at shoprite
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Home away from home
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If you park in the narrow lanes in front of the Shop Rite the risk of towing is less. Why you ask how could a big tow truch with all the towing equipment get under your car and pull it out without banging up the other neighboring parked vehicles so close in proximity ?? Especially when you are shoping in ShopRite. I 'd like to pretend I got towed with a Shop Rite receipt in hand and see how Shop Rite handles customer service. Who has say over the parking lot ? I am still puzzled by that mystery. By the way I never got towed from either SR or BBB when shoping at either establishment (that is when I'm not riding my bicycle there), 'cause if I did I would call the BBB.
Posted on: 2010/10/12 2:19
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Re: towing at shoprite
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Home away from home
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Quote:
For years dating back to BB&B being The Wiz, I would pull my car into a spot and shop any of the three stores. There are no designated spots. I have never been towed by them. They seem to be selective on which cars/people they tow. There is no constancy in their towing practices at the lot to give you a responsible answer. This thread disgusts me each time it comes back to life because so many people are scammed by them. I no longer give BJ's or that Shop Rite location my business just for this reason and, I'm a shop-a-holic. Hello....Costco! 
Posted on: 2010/10/11 23:16
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Re: towing at shoprite
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Home away from home
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I am avoiding THAT SR at any cost. My own observation is that food inflation has gone up considerably over the last year but especially THAT place. It is ridiculously overpriced for the "privilege" of getting tasteless fruits and vegetables. Look at how ridiculous the price for hummus has gone up there, they really take advantage of people.
I used to think it was funny to shop at Trader's Joe but not anymore. I spend 30% less there, people are nice and even if the selection is more limited, it is more seasonal.
Posted on: 2010/10/11 23:11
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Re: towing at shoprite
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Home away from home
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I know people who have been towed from that lot while they were shopping at BB&B. What if you just want to shop at BB&B without going to Shop Rite or BJ's? I absolutely am paranoid about shopping at BB&B because of the towing nightmare, and once told the store manager I'd rather just shop at the Manhattan stores (assuming I'm not buying anything bulky). I haven't been able to discern, within that lot, if there are store-specific spaces. If BB&B customers are only supposed to park in specific spaces, can anyone shed some light on which ones they are? And what do you do on a busy weekend day and you're forced to park closer to BJ's rather than BB&B? What bothers me about this whole set-up is that there's no recourse if they mistakenly tow your car. They don't give a shit and they still want to make money.
Posted on: 2010/10/11 22:38
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Home away from home
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This crap has been going on for years and nobody ever shuts them down. Unless the laws changed very recently (too lazy to look up) they must accept credit cards. There are enough complaints filed with commerce to take action, I cannot understand why they do not. For someone not in the know, I can see how a person may think Chili?s is part of that parking lot.
I have no pity party for someone parking and going to the mall, light rail, path etc. There are many documented cases of people being towed going into Bed Bath and Beyond, Pepboys before going to Shop Rite/BJ's.
Posted on: 2010/10/11 22:21
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