Is This Wrong? How to Avoid SmartPark Parking Fee

May 25th, 2007

Portland has a parking garage company called SmartPark. The rates are pretty affordable for night or weekend parking, but weekday rates are similar to other companies.

The upside to SmartPark is that hundreds of stores in Portland validate, each giving you 2 free hours of parking. Buy from 4 different stores and you get 8 hours of free parking or one full work day. This can be handy if you occasionally need to drive into work, rather than using mass transit or other (cheaper) commuter options.

Now, I’m curious what you all think. Do you feel it’s okay to buy something just to get the validation and then return the item?

Of course, the act of buying and then returning takes precious time out of your life. Do you feel it’s even worth it to do this?

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Entry Filed under: Transportation

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