$100 fee to access a mall to perform a service call

[Rocco]

Hi

 

Has anyone run into this before?   We've worked in the King of Prussia mall for years and years, and hever had to sign it, let them know when we were coming, etc.   Now we have to file an "after hours" form, but I can actually understand that.   They need to know who's getting access to the mall before it's open, need our COI, etc.  Fine, not a problem.   However, now it's a $100 fee to allow us into the mall to do a service call before hours.  I've been doing this for more than half a century and this is a new one by me.   BTW, this is Simon properties, who own a good percentage of malls across the country.   I'd exect this to become common for malls owned by them.    Anyone have similiar experiences?  IDK if this is legal or not but my customer is going to get that fee added to the invoice.  I'm glad I only have another 35-40 years before I can afford to retire.  ? 

[A.J.]

I would say they are justifying the fee as a 'handling charge' now that they make you fill out that form, paper, Xerox, filing, yada yada yada.  But ultimately malls are hurting in general, so any little bit helps, I guess.  Have never heard of that, but not surprised either, and would imagine this will start popping up in other locations. 

[Rocco]

Update,

 

We spoke to the mall again and was told that the fee will only apply AFTER mall hours, not in the early AM to do sign service calls though we still have to fill out an after hours form.   As usual, it all depends on who you speak to on the phone!   The moral of the story, always double check when you come up with something strange.     And customers wonder why a lot of sign companies don't like to work inside of malls!

 

Rocco