Coming from someone who has done valet for over 7+ years here's what you need to do:

1) Roll up slowly paying attention to the lanes that they have set up. Do not just cut through the "drive" and park on the sidewalk.

2) Ask to speak to the lead/manager on duty. Explain that you have a company party and ask if it would be possible for you to park it on the drive.

3) Have cash ready and out. If it's an upscale event at a nice hotel, tip $20 in. If it's a normal event at a convention center, tip $10 in.

4) Expect them to ask to hold on to the key. It's normal policy for most valet.


Plan on tipping $5-10 when you leave.

 

Don't forget to lead in with a big fat stoppie!...............lol

 

so true

 

And just drop the back where you want to park. If someone ever did that, and I was working, I'd let them park it wherever they wanted, after the police had a talk with them.

 

For $30 they better have it washed, waxed and filled by the time I'm out of that party.

 

LOL - They'll get my standard $2 tip when I leave, just like I do in Vegas. Either that or for $30 I'll park 3 blocks away and walk to the front door.

 

$2 tip? What is this the 1930's? Open that wallet up you tightwad.

It's amazing how much people do NOT understand how valet works, let alone tipping in general.

 

most valet companies won't valet bikes...

 

They're lucky I give them anything at all. While waiting for my car I've seen many who don't. Whatever resort I'm staying at pays them a salary.

This sort of reminds me of my cousin who was a shuttle driver for several years in FL. He said that if everyone tipped him the recommended $1 per bag that it says to in all the travel books he'd be a rich man.

 

I've yet to meet a resort/hotel/casino Valet that gets paid a salary. Most get paid mininum wage just like a server. In fact, take a look at this link:

http://www.indeed.com/salary/Valet-Attendant.html

Average valet "salary": 19k

Being a valet/server/shuttle driver, you do get stiffed occasionally, but it just goes to show the character of that individual. Please do not continue to attempt to justify your "tightwad-ness".