i never ask nor pay the "car-guards" when i go somewhere. it's simply a personal thing since after my car was broken into and my radio stolen, i was rudely asked by the "car-guard" present where his tip was....needless to say he was told to shove it and since then i have no faith in them whatsoever! and you have hit the nail right square on the hear another! they are not even aware which car is yours when they ask you to watch your car. try doing that next time a "car-guard" shouts at you from across the parking lot, get him to tell you which car is yours. i guarantee you, he will not know!

Posted 13 May 2008 by powder

I agree with most of what you are saying, like these 'car guards' not even noticing when you drive off, or not caring if anything happens to your car.

But I must say that there are the select few who actually do the job properly. There is one car guard at Baines that always runs to you, smiling and friendly, asking if he can watch your car. And if you say yes, he actually makes an effort. I have never come out of the shop and had to look for him. He is there, patrolling up and down next to the cars, and he knows exactly which car is mine. And he also always directs you out of the parking properly - something they are actually supposed to do as well. Yeah, many of them do it but most don't do it properly but this guy really makes an effort at his job.
So thank you to him, and to those select few who actually try. And to the other majority who are giving the rest a bad name, please don't watch my car.

Posted 14 May 2008 by ChristineM

I have found that the best thing to do is to create a personal relationship with the guard. I see so many arrogant people who feel that they are better than the person watching their car simply walk away from the car, and without looking at the guard or even treating them like a person simply shout that they must watch the car. I remember one of the top lawyers in South Africa once telling me that they day you look at a person sweeping the street and feel that you are better than them is the day that you no longer deserve the respect of any other person.

I openly admit to having various instances of OCD and will mostly try to park in exactly the same parking bay each time I visit a store (or the one closest to it if it is full) and I thus know the guard who looks after that section. I have struck up conversations with these guys, great them with a smile and a 'how are you doing today', they now know me, I know them, and I know that they will protect my car because I am more than just a person, I am their 'friend'. If you don't really want to make this kind of effort to get to know a fellow human being then that is your decision and you could try slipping them Ten bucks next time they watch your car - I'm sure they will remember that!!

Posted 14 May 2008 by Deacon

I recently had a bad experience with a Security Guard/CarGuard at Marua Mall under roof Parking. He came from behind me and grab my arm demanding me to pay him because he looked after my vehicle. It scared me so. I told him to back off, and that I wont pay him because he get payed to do his job. I no longer park at the basement and choose to park on the upper floor.
I do feel sorry for them. I dont know how much in salary they get for the job. All I ask is pleas do not beg for money or demand some.

Posted 14 May 2008 by RockFerry

They work for a company where they have to pay for the vests and the cards. They get numbers assigned to them. Like number 11 or 14. I usually memorise this number and ask the gaurd his card and name. On his card, is his number as well as the contact details of the company he works. So, in the case of any problem, you can contact the employer and give the number of the car guard.

I am irritated though with these guys trying to sell you perfumes and belts and glasses. They are dodgy and they do not work for anyone...

Posted 14 May 2008 by Cheerie

I agree with Deacon here fully....

Posted 15 May 2008 by sammy11

I don't mind paying them, but it irritates me endlessley that most of them just stand around somwhere and do nothing, and should you happen to walk past them they ask "oppas". They sometimes do not even know what car it is they want to look after. Also, if you are looking for a parking space or if you are reversing out of your parking bay they mostly do not make any effort to earn their money, just take whatever money you give them and bugger off, without directing you. Or they shout at you from the other side of the parking area, without making an effort to come to you.

And this sometimes 5 or 6 times a day. No thanks.

Posted 19 May 2008 by hbsnam

Funnily enough, when you at some point in time decide that you do not want them to watch your car ... (for whatever reason, perhaps you're just running into an office to drop off a letter - i.e. you'll be parked for 30seconds) and you tell them "no thank you" it often happens that when you return, your car will have a scratch or a dent or some form of resentment imprinted on your car which is not caused by some inconsiderate car-owner opening their door into your cars side.
Actually, where do these carguards suddenly come from ? my car was safe parked amongst 60 other cars for years ... and now I have to pay for having this guy stand there and look at it or else I need to respray the car every 2 years or so ....
what is going on in this society ?

Posted 20 May 2008 by sigmatis

We are living in Africa, that's what's wrong.

Corrupt politician's, unemployment, high food prices, racisim, resentment towards those that have etc etc. are all factors one could blame for car guards scratching / denting ur car etc.

Posted 22 May 2008 by hbsnam

And as always there are buts.... And not the kind that look good in Bikinis. Blame it on Africa is always the easiest excuse. Like Deacon said, respect can earn you a lot of fortune in this life.We are all in this and have to work at it.

And on Car Guards that really make an effort are the guys at Ai-Gams Woerman & Brock. Those guys will even escort you to your car with an umbrella when it's raining. A big 1 up to them.

Posted 22 May 2008 by Chapor