FREE 2-day Parking at SFO: Tip-of-the-Day #229

YOU FLY AND I'LL BUY - THE PARKING!

Here's a deal worth noticing. Ever since Park SFO opened their parking structure near the San Francisco International Airport, they've been doling out the deals. And they keep coming, despite the fact that this place is probably the most popular lot to park at now.

They hand out FREE one-day parking passes like candy - just grab one when you walk in the door, or ask your nifty shuttle driver for one on your way back to the structure after your trip.

But the real nectar comes from signing up for their emails (which aren't annoying because they only come once a month and they bear fruit). As a "friend" of Park SFO, you'll be emailed a FREE 2-DAY parking pass to use with every 4-day stay. That's 50% off of their ALREADY LOW pricing (as little as $11.95 a day if you park outside - inside is $13.95).

Just go here: http://www.parksfo.com/free.asp and sign up for emails. The first one is positioned as a one-day pass, but after that, you'll start getting the good stuff. This month's 2-day pass can be accessed here: http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/213807/8729b8c309/100001905/ca1047954a/

Beyond the great prices, my favorite things about this lot are:
1. You recognize the shuttle instantly - it's green and blue like their logo
2. The parking lot is clean, well lit and they have indoor and outdoor parking
3. They offer valet parking (if I'm feeling REAL lazy or my company is paying)
4. The shuttles come and go ALL of the time - so you're never waiting long
5. They take credit cards

Pay Yourself & A Fav Non-Profit: Tip-of-the-Day #228

MAKE SOME MONEY AND PAY IT FORWARD AT THE SAME TIME

I just got an interesting email from the San Francisco Food Bank (one of my favorite non-profits), alerting me to the fact that they had recently partnered with Op4G (Opinions for Good), a market research company with a twist -- individuals who sign up will be able to participate in paid surveys and questionnaires, but with additional funds going toward a non-profit of their choice. Fascinated, I signed up and learned more.

I can put my opinions to work (and clearly have many of them!) supporting up to two Non-Profits with the option to change them at any time. I can contribute at least 25% of my earnings to each of my Non-Profits, and can optionally choose to contribute 50%, 75%, or even 100% of my earnings (I opted to donate 100% to the SF Food Bank). Op4G takes care of all the bookkeeping, but charges no fees — sending 100% of earnings to me and my Non-Profit(s).

This just struck me as a super cool way to make a few bucks - either for yourself or your favorite hard-working non-profit. Very innovative!

1. Sign up at: http://www.op4g.com
2. Answer a short questionnaire about yourself (don't get turned off by the probing nature - they need to know a bit about you in order to assess if you're the right fit for the survey at hand).
3. Confirm your email address.
4. Wait for a survey to come your way!

Real S.F. Treat: Donuts & Beer! Tip-of-the-Day #227


IF YOU LIVE IN S.F. YOU'LL WANT TO INDULGE IN THIS TASTY TREAT

On Friday, March 18th, Dynamo Donuts (in the mission district) will launch their newest doughnut flavor marrying Project Open Hand's homemade peanut butter with bananas and topped with a sweet honey glaze.

To celebrate the flavor’s debut, Dynamo is giving away FREE doughnuts paired with FREE Stiegl beer, an Austrian specialty, on March 18th from 4-6pm at the bakery on 2760 24th Street. They are inviting all guests to help name this new doughnut. The person who creates the winning name will receive an incredibly tasty surprise.

Indulge!

Birthday Bonus with Retailers: Tip-of-the-Day #226

IT PAYS TO DISCLOSE YOUR BIRTHDAY AT REGISTRATION

If you're not one to disclose your birth date when you register for new accounts with retailers, restaurants, etc. you may want to rethink that choice. It's true that there are times that information may be used to try and sell you stuff, but today I received a birthday wish from Pasta Pomodoro, wanting to commemorate the day I was born with the gift of a free entree. Now that's pretty impressive. They aren't throwing me a free order of garlic bread - or a dessert with purchase of an entire meal. They are actually GIVING me the meal!

Some retailers will send you "birthday bucks" (Banana Republic usually doles out savings of some kind though I haven't received that yet and my bday is March 8). And I think generally, retailers are getting better about giving the customer more without expecting something in return.

Just a heads up that if your bday is coming up, you can get a free plate of pasta at Pasta Pomodoro and if you're a registered Starbucks card holder, you can get yourself a free cup of joe to wash it down!

Mmmm. Enjoy.