How to approach Ralphs about EVSE upgrade?

In Los Angeles, a mid-Wilshire Ralph's supermarket (Wilshire and Hauser) has two EV parking spaces per the pictures below. I'd like to meet with the manager and discuss the upgrade to the J1772 plug.

1. Should I recommend getting rid of the existing paddles? Does anyone still use these?
2. Please provide links to the "free" upgrade program that a few have claimed Costco could use.
3. If we should keep the existing paddles, what free options are there for installing new chargers?

I don't think there's any sense keeping the existing paddles. Few people use them, and it can be confusing to some new EV drivers who are out of the loop.

I couldn't find a direct link to the free upgrade program, but I read that it's being implemented by the Center for Sustainable Energy: https://energycenter.org/

There is a 30% state and 30% federal tax credit for the installation of new charging stations:
https://energycenter.org/index.php/incentive-programs/clean-vehicle-rebate-project/additional-incentives/2439-infrastructure-tax-credits?catid=470%3Afederal-tax-incentives" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/laws/law/US/351" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Clipper Creek is managing the legacy EVSE upgrade program. Here is more information...

http://www.energy.ca.gov/drive/projects/ARV-10-001.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

They have already contacted all legacy equipment owners to tell them about the program, but the decision is up to each owner if they want the equipment to be upgraded. The replacements would be "dumb" EVSEs and they wouldn't be able to collect data or bill for use.

As an alternative, the EV Project might consider them for free Blink units. An allowance covers most of the installation, and since the legacy units are already in place, the installation should be modest. These units could be free for users to charge at, if the host site wanted to fully sponsor the energy costs. With the Blink units, the hosts may decide to collect a fee for charging through ECOTality...

So there's a couple of ways for business owners to get into the EV charging game...

Unfortunately those are LPI (inductive) and, AFAIK, only conductive AVCONs are eligible for the free upgrade (California Energy Commission). However, your best bet is to contact the EAA or PIA to double check ... they would be the most authoratative on this subject. In addition, if those stations are in working order, EAA would live to take them off your (Ralph's) hands.

http://www.evchargermaps.com/?SiteID=90036_1&Want=SPI%20LPI%20AVC%20OC&Zoom=17" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Can I still get the 30% tax credit on the equipment if I bought it if ebay? Its new btw in box.