Parking row sparks cheeky estate agency campaign

Online backlash over double yellow line parking has morphed into a marketing stunt that gained hundreds of likes.

A Canterbury estate agency has turned an online pile-on into a viral marketing success story after one of its cars was photographed parked on double yellow lines and shared on Facebook.

Charles Bainbridge Estate Agents’ pink mini was snapped in Castle Street, prompting more than 200 comments as motorists accused the firm of inconsiderate parking. Critics said the car was blocking access, while others pointed out the agency has a Canterbury City Council permit, which allows its vehicles to park on double yellow lines.

Quick-thinking agency Director Andy Wicking immediately reposted the photo as a tongue-in-cheek ad with the strapline: “We’ll get closer to your asking price… than our staff can get to the kerb.”

It racked up more than 500 likes and a flood of responses. One called it “first class” and a “brilliant comeback”, while another said: “Just goes to show there’s no such thing as bad publicity.” A sceptic, however, added: “The irony is that the people saying ‘brilliant’ still won’t sell a house with you.”

Parking skills: Negotiation skills: Guess which one we take seriously?”

Wicking then followed it up with another post: “Parking skills: Negotiation skills: Guess which one we take seriously?” generating yet more comments. “Brilliant gorilla marketing” and a clear “marketing win”, and another wrote: “Absolutely love it! Not selling or buying. But will now remember you.”

Wicking told Kent Online: “What started as a wave of criticism was turned around with a bit of humour, perspective and calm — and the response to that shift was overwhelming.”

He also promised the agency would donate £500 to mental health charity the Canterbury Umbrella Centre.