Bad experience with Spothero for parking

Question

Drove two hours to the event venue just to find out that the garage is full. They did not honor Spothero reservation. Drove back home after a frustrating night. Spothero customer service is non existent, finally got to talk to someone and all they can do is issue a future spothero credit instead of refund. I want my money back and the wasted 4 hours of my life. Never using them again or let any friends use them.

Answer

Your experience with SpotHero is understandably frustrating. Driving two hours to a reserved parking location only to find the garage full is unacceptable, especially when a reservation was confirmed. The lack of prompt and effective customer service compounds the problem, and offering only a future credit instead of a refund can feel dismissive of both your time and money.

Here are some steps and options to consider if you want to pursue a refund or take action:

Contact SpotHero Customer Support Again: Try reaching out via multiple channels — phone, email, and in-app messaging. Clearly document your reservation confirmation, the garage’s inability to honor it, and the hours lost. Request escalation to a supervisor or manager for a formal refund request.
Dispute the Charge: If SpotHero refuses to issue a refund, contact your bank or credit card provider to file a chargeback. Provide evidence including emails, screenshots of your reservation, and any communications with SpotHero. Banks may consider this valid grounds for a refund.
Document Everything: Keep a detailed log of times, dates, names of customer service representatives, and any written correspondence. This will strengthen your case if you escalate the dispute.
Public Reviews & Social Media: Sharing your experience on platforms like Yelp, Google Reviews, and Twitter can sometimes prompt companies to respond faster. Companies often monitor social media closely and may offer resolution to avoid negative publicity.
Seek Legal or Consumer Protection Advice: If the monetary loss is significant, you could consult with a consumer rights advocate or attorney. Filing a complaint with a consumer protection agency or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) may also be effective.

While SpotHero’s system is designed to streamline parking, incidents like yours highlight the importance of having guarantees and responsive support. Your experience serves as a cautionary tale for others planning to use the service.

To prevent similar situations in the future, consider the following precautions:

Confirm parking availability directly with the garage before leaving home, if possible.
Use services with strict refund guarantees or 24/7 live support for critical events.
Check multiple parking apps or providers and compare their customer service reviews before booking.

Ultimately, your lost time and frustration are valid, and pursuing a refund through escalation or a bank dispute may be the most effective way to seek compensation.

Bad experience with Spothero for parking

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