As I stated last year at this time, it was a pleasant surprise that there were no unauthorized cars parked in our driveway when I left for work. However, I wasn't at work an hour when (Sponsor's Name Here)'s Official Stepson, Grizzly, called and asked if an exhibitor could park in our driveway at no charge. Since Grizzly has been volunteering with this organization, I had no problem with it.
I don't foresee me being as gung-ho about parking as I was last year. In hindsight, I spent a whole lot of lonely hours for not much money. I think timing is more the key. Sure, my neighbor one door west may sit outside all day long and park two cars, but to me, all day long isn't worth $10.
I have also re-visited my pricing strategy. When full lots are expected (like both Saturdays, the first Sunday and the second Friday), I will charge the full rate. But I'll be frshniggled if I sit outside for four hours and not park a car when the guy a block away is filling his lot at the same price. Clearly, that affords the opportunity for a non-prime (read: El Cheapo) rate. It may take me 8 or 10 cars at a cheap rate to make the same money I can with 6 cars at full price, but I'd bet that I can get those 10 cars more quickly.
I know a neighbor a few doors down was more than frshniggled last year when I lowered the my rate so I could get out of the sun and humidity. I portend six days of darts coming out of his eyes.
Another reason for the lack of gunghoedness is because we have some plans over the next week or so that would chew up some prime parking time. Unfortunately, Grizzly is working at the Fair this year, and (Sponsor's Name Here)'s Official Son, Mitten, also has a job this year so the free labor pool isn't as deep. I picture coming home from one such event with cars parked on every lawn in the neighborhood... except mine.
But we'll see. I know that the whole scenario would brighten up with a couple of days of 75 and breezy instead of 85 and humid.
