Bad customers exposed on market's marquee

By Associated Press, 9/16/2003

EASTON, Pa. -- Those who pay their tabs with bad checks get top billing on the marquee in front the Park Avenue Market.

It's Vic Ricci's way of getting back at customers who bounce checks.

The 52-year-old grocer said he started doing it in January when an infrequent shopper bounced a check for almost $200. He said he tried phoning the man, but the number was no longer in service. Then he went to the man's home and the man said he desperately needed food for his family.

"I said, 'Give me a call every few weeks so I know you didn't forget about me,"' Ricci said. "He never did."

So Ricci cleared a spot on his marquee that normally displays specials and exposed the man publicly. A few days later, the man showed up at the store with about $100, Ricci said. He said he wouldn't remove the name until he recovered all the money.

Ricci said he wouldn't publicly humiliate someone who makes an honest mistake, or who makes payment arrangements.

"Your name only goes up there if you ignore me," he said.

Ricci said he's gotten only positive response from his customers, with the only concern raised being legalities.

"People ask me if it's legal. I say I don't care," he said. "If you can't pay a $25 check, how can you pay a lawyer? If someone wants to take me to court, I'll go."


Home > News > Nation Bad customers exposed on market's marquee By Associated Press, 9/16/2003 EASTON, Pa. -- Those who pay their tabs with bad checks get top billing on the marquee in front the Park Avenue Market. It's Vic Ricci's way of getting back at customers who bounce checks. The 52-year-old grocer said he started doing it in January when an infrequent shopper bounced a check for almost $200. He said he tried phoning the man, but the number was no longer in service. Then he went to the man's home and the man said he desperately needed food for his family. "I said, 'Give me a call every few weeks so I know you didn't forget about me,"' Ricci said. "He never did." So Ricci cleared a spot on his marquee that normally displays specials and exposed the man publicly. A few days later, the man showed up at the store with about $100, Ricci said. He said he wouldn't remove the name until he recovered all the money. Ricci said he wouldn't publicly humiliate someone who makes an honest mistake, or who makes payment arrangements. "Your name only goes up there if you ignore me," he said. Ricci said he's gotten only positive response from his customers, with the only concern raised being legalities. "People ask me if it's legal. I say I don't care," he said. "If you can't pay a $25 check, how can you pay a lawyer? If someone wants to take me to court, I'll go."