We just returned from a sales pitch for one of the camping resort memberships (didn't buy anything) and we were told there is a new policy announced by WalMart and Cracker Barrel against overnight parking at ALL of the stores. According to the salesmen, this was just announced in the news in the past week or so. We wondered if there really was any truth to this or just a way to try to sell us on the camping membership after we told them we stay at WalMart fairly regularly when we travel.
Has anyone heard anything about this?

We have not heard anything about a change in policy at WalMart.

Sounds suspiciously like they are trying to make their camping membership more "attractive" by making you think you have fewer overnight choices...

You do know how to tell if a salesman is lying, don't you? His lips are moving.

quote:

Originally posted by mrs crj:
We just returned from a sales pitch for one of the camping resort memberships (didn't buy anything) and we were told there is a new policy announced by WalMart and Cracker Barrel against overnight parking at ALL of the stores. <snip> Has anyone heard anything about this?

There has been some discussion of this on another forum. In that discussion, several members said that some Wal-Marts have, in fact, banned overnight parking because of a few bad apples who set up camp in the parking lot and stay for a week or more.

As I don't park in Wal-Mart, I don't know if those reports are true or not, but it apparently is not only camping resort salespeople who are talking about it. FWIW.

Walt

Yes, I heard both of them have anew policy.

Beginning March 2008, all rvers will recieve a 10% discount on night parking.

What the heck, 10% off nuttin, is a good deal!

Believe me, if this was true this forum would be buzzing loudly.
If that salesperson lied on one item, they probably lied about much more.
Plus a Wal-Mart is an overnight stop and the membership campground is probably more set up for multiple night stays.

My guess is that it was a way to try to close on a membership sale. Personally, I rarely stay at a Walmart, so it would make no difference to me. Over 20 years ago we got a "hard sell" on a campground membership. That salesman said that within 5 years all of the RV Parks would be gone and we would have no place to stay if we didn't purchase that day. Somehow we have managed.

We own memberships, and have been to MANY presentations on membership campgrounds. Primarily for the 3 free days stay, which is typical.

I have experienced some pretty hard sells. It rolls off me like "water off a duck" but it does bother Danielle some. I've seen some pretty rude salespeople, too. My experience, in general, is that they will say ANYTHING if they think they can close that day. ANYTHING.

some Walmarts do have a "NO Overnight" policy. There is one in Eugene Oregon with big signs indicating no overnight rv parking. As others have said, I don't think it is country wide..

I don't know if it's "all" stores but I do know that we have received a knock on the door and have been told we cannot spend the night more times in the last 6 months that in the last 6 years so there possibly could be something to it. Diana

In many locations, there are city ordinances put in place by local governments when a WalMart comes in, that prohibit overnight camping in the parking lot. Not WalMart's fault. Blame the local homeowners who live nearby.

Wal*Mart Valreco, Florida now has signs up no over night Truck & Rv parking . Previously there was several trucks and some campers on Saturday mornings. Geo

In that discussion, several members said that some Wal-Marts have, in fact, banned overnight parking because of a few bad apples who set up camp in the parking lot and stay for a week or more.



These "myths" keep being posted. The Corporate policy is to allow over night parking unless the location has ordnances against it.

Period.

Nothing to do with "individuals", geeze, the store would just tell 'em to leave. Go to the source, rather than someones post on the net. You are hearing assumptions and opinions and spreading them as fact.

AK TRAVELER, do you work for Wal-Mart? We live in South Central Missouri.

Andy

quote:

Originally posted by aktravler:
In that discussion, several members said that some Wal-Marts have, in fact, banned overnight parking because of a few bad apples who set up camp in the parking lot and stay for a week or more.



These "myths" keep being posted. The Corporate policy is to allow over night parking unless the location has ordnances against it.

Period.

Nothing to do with "individuals", geeze, the store would just tell 'em to leave. Go to the source, rather than someones post on the net. You are hearing assumptions and opinions and spreading them as fact.

I assume you are referring to my earlier post. Actually, I wasn't "hearing assumptions and opinions and spreading them as fact." The "fact" I was reporting was that people other than the salesman referenced in the original post were discussing this matter.

When you suggest going to the source, are you suggesting that I contact every single Wal-Mart in America to see whether they have actually banned overnight parking? It seems there may no longer be a uniform policy, based on what other posters here are saying. That may at least in part be due to municipal regulations.

I wouldn't choose to overnight in a Wal-Mart parking lot, so the issue is of little concern to me. I was merely reporting that other people were discussing the matter. And that is fact.