traxtermax wrote: I agree, Walmart layovers can create a symbiotic relationship but if you read many WalMart posts, the entitlement aspect is frequently mentioned as a justification for "WalMarting".
I think I'm done, I hope.
Nope. You're not.
...Anyway, I think folks are misreading this 'entitlement' attitude. Consider this: If Walmart had a policy that if you shop there you get a free soda on your way out. After years of this you would come to expect it. Not demand it, but their policy is that everyone gets a free soda. You'd miss it if they all of a sudden stopped giving it. Instead of soda, substitute free overnight parking. After years of this, folks expect it. It's Walmart policy. Not an entitlement. Get it? I think I do. What about my post don't you understand? It has to do with perception, NOT whether you take advantage of Walmart's parking policy or not. As I suggested, read a lot of the WalMart threads and you can see where SOME use their WalMart purchases to justifying free parking (you know the "old battle"). In fact, they complain that their free Walmart stays cost them more than campgrounds because they dropped $300 at Walmart--like they didn't need those products anyway -- and that seems to me to be a self-serving statement. Observe the bold type in the above quote. Questions?
Edit: clarified third sentence by correcting syntax
* This post was
edited 05/13/08 04:15pm by traxtermax *
javaseuf wrote: "Can't afford them, etc. etc...."
Guess that should have been figured out before one decides to full-time it.
I also am amazed when people have a brand new RV of significant value, outfit it with all of the bells and whistles and then complain about the costs of campgrounds.
It says to me that many of the complainers have no clue what it costs to operate a campground or any business for that matter, as well as fixed costs before one RV enters the park. Utilities, overhead, insurance, maintenance, staffing, telephone, advertising..............
You have no trouble with your suppliers making a 50% profit on all of the accessories you buy but have trouble with a campground owner needing to set prices according to his needs to be able to operate and stay in business, much less make a comfortable living.
The "poor CG owner" card has been overplayed ad nauseum around here. May get more sympathy in a landlords forum, IMHO.
Skid Row Joe wrote: I'm not entitled, I'm empowered by Wal*Mart's gracious invitation as their welcomed guest, whether or not I spend money...
That's my point, you stay there because they allow (empower) you to do so free of charge. You don't justify it by making statements/justifications about how much you buy from them and that those purchases were much more expensive than a campgroud so therfore they did Walmart a favor. In my opinion, it's self-serving. Please read my prior post.
I've found that if I only want to relax/snooze for a while, then engaging my 'emergency flashers' helps keep "security", (ahem), away.
I do this every time I park somewhere other than a dedicated 'RV Stop'. IMHO...the flashers indicate that the owners are only there temporarily, or are in some sort of need.
Just my $.02....enjoy the journey,
"HUTCH" '07 SILVERADO 3500HD 'CLASSIC' DRW - CC - 4 X 4
'07 NEW HORIZONS 35' 5th.Wheel 'MotoMover'
'06 HONDA 106hp.VTX1800 w/'HANNIGAN' Sidecar
"PRIMO" The Boxer
javaseuf wrote: "Can't afford them, etc. etc...."
Guess that should have been figured out before one decides to full-time it.
I also am amazed when people have a brand new RV of significant value, outfit it with all of the bells and whistles and then complain about the costs of campgrounds.
It says to me that many of the complainers have no clue what it costs to operate a campground or any business for that matter, as well as fixed costs before one RV enters the park. Utilities, overhead, insurance, maintenance, staffing, telephone, advertising..............
You have no trouble with your suppliers making a 50% profit on all of the accessories you buy but have trouble with a campground owner needing to set prices according to his needs to be able to operate and stay in business, much less make a comfortable living.
So if I tell you that I have no problem with campgrounds, the owners, or the prices, and that I have lots of reservations this season at campgrounds all over PA as well is in Massachusetts, Virginia, and Maryland, will you tell me it's okay if I periodically accept Wal-Mart's offer to stay overnight when it's convenient for me?
Whatever and whenever you like!
Steve
2007 Springdale 291RKL
2003 F150 King Ranch
2001 Dodge Van w/Wheelchair Ramp
1991 Palomino Mustang PUP
Eureka Timberline Tent
Yamaha IF2400isc
Yamaha EF3000iSEBC "Politically Incorrect And Proud Of It"
I'll make one quick point on behalf of Wal-Mart and cities and towns that restrict "Overnighting at Wal-Mart". To be specific, the WM in Woodland Park Colorado does not allow overnighting. The city, IIRC, prohibited it as a condition for WM to build there. Any locals that want to pipe in here and correct me are welcome. In fact, their ingress and egress is not at all "RV" "friendly", so to speak.
The reason is because there is a perception that RV folks would abuse the relationship if it were allowed, in as much as Woodland Park is in a very nice vacation area. Hence, overnighting might well become two-nighting, or three-nighting or worse. My wife and I personally shared that concern based on our casual observations of behavior in the USA in this day and age. That topic, BTW, is a whole 'nother thread which would probably get shut down faster than a moonshine still on a Sunday in the middle of mainstreet in Honey Grove Texas.
Right or wrong, good or bad, it appears that some folks have a concern based on casual observations of behavior, whether it is triggered by feelings of entitlement, justice, the constitution, or some cryptic statement made by Judge Judy.
DH
And boycotting Exxon or Shell will do nothing either.
Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away.
--- Philip K. Dick
1999 Gulfstream Sunvoyager (Our Gulfstream Home Site)
2006 Jeep Wranger
Doberlady
German Shedder Dog
Rescued Gentleman (In Spirit)
This whole entitlement thing is silly. Wal Mart encourages RV'ers to overnight. Wal Mart hopes you will shop at while overnighting. There is no requirement that you spend money with Wal Mart. You are allowed to park and leave without spending a dime.
However Wal Mart knows more than likely you will shop. They are willing to take the gamble and invite all RV'ers to overnight on their lots whenever required and of course local ordinances allow. Wal Mart knows most of those who overnight will shop. I don't feel entitled to stay at Wal Mart. I feel invited to stay there.
I do not go out of my way to overnight at Wal Mart.
However when the need arises I have no problem using Wal Mart for overnights. I spend plenty of money at destination CG's and state parks. However when overnighting is required. CG's and state parks are generally too inconvenient to use for over night stops. Other retailers ie. Cracker Barrel have discovered that allowing overnighting can be good for their business as well.
What I fail to grasp is why others oppose Wal Mart allowing overnighting. Are they concerned about my safety? All they concerned about Wal Marts business strategy? Are they concerned about the enviroment? What is it that causes such opposition to overnighting.
I build Big Boxes for a living, these Mega Retailers would rather have a dedicated core of customers, such as overniters. Most has been stuck with acres more asphalt than they will ever use, the lights are on, and the employees are looking to serve someone, and the stock is aging on the shelves. If Wallyworld or whatever wants to trade some empty asphalt for an opportunity to ring the register, so be it. If anyone out there thinks its degrading to catnap or bunk up in a parking lot while on the way to or from, well there are plenty of CG's and Motels that will jump at the opportunuty to ring their registers. Do or Don't, Live and let Live, and avoid a broken nose ! Color Me Gone !
traxtermax wrote: I agree, Walmart layovers can create a symbiotic relationship but if you read many WalMart posts, the entitlement aspect is frequently mentioned as a justification for "WalMarting".
I think I'm done, I hope.
Nope. You're not.
...Anyway, I think folks are misreading this 'entitlement' attitude. Consider this: If Walmart had a policy that if you shop there you get a free soda on your way out. After years of this you would come to expect it. Not demand it, but their policy is that everyone gets a free soda. You'd miss it if they all of a sudden stopped giving it. Instead of soda, substitute free overnight parking. After years of this, folks expect it. It's Walmart policy. Not an entitlement. Get it? I think I do. What about my post don't you understand? It has to do with perception whether not you take advantage of Walmart's parking policy. As I suggested, read a lot of the WalMart threads and you can see where SOME use their WalMart purchases to justifying free parking (you know the "old battle"). In fact, they complain that their free Walmart stays cost them more than campgrounds because they dropped $300 at Walmart--like they didn't need those products anyway -- and that seems to me to be a self-serving statement. Observe the bold type in the above quote. Questions?
I certainly agree with you that some folks take advantage of situations. Those knuckleheads are everywhere in life. But after years of reading these Walmart threads (and for some ungodly reason, they are still entertaining) the moochers are not the norm. The norm are the folks taking advantage of Walmart's hospitality; and usually spending a few bucks in the store. Again, Walmart clearly states that folks are invited to stay, no purchase required.
The "poor CG owner" card has been overplayed ad nauseum around here. May get more sympathy in a landlords forum, IMHO.
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