Valet Parking Etiquette: Tips for a Memorable Experience
Valet Parking provides a full service--from parking your car to looking after it to dropping it off back to you. The entire valet process requires meticulous planning and coordination to ensure results are smooth and customers are happy. How about the car owners? Do you have a role to play? If you're new to valet parking, you may be wondering about this.
For the most part, customers don’t need to do anything out of the ordinary. However, there is valet parking etiquette that you can follow to help make the process smoother and ensure safety. Keen to know more about valet parking etiquette? Let’s find out!
Before Your Arrival
Valet service is often seen as a sophisticated service for guests at important events or high-end places. So, of course, you want to come dressed for the occasion and arrive in a ride that reflects the event’s tone. There’s no need to get professional detailing, but give a quick wash to ensure no dirt and dust build up on the exterior and tidy up to ensure no bits of crumbs and leftover foods on the inside.
You also want to prepare some cash for tipping, as it’s customary in valet. How much to tip (which we’ll discuss later) depends on the venue. In addition, familiarize yourself with details of your vehicle—such as any existing damage or special features or mechanical quirks that may be tricky to operate by those new to the car—and prepare to share these details with the operators to ensure a smooth process from the beginning.
At The Valet Drop-Off
Once you arrive at the drop-off zone, the valet service begins. The operator will greet you and take over your vehicle. Before leaving the car, take all your personal and valuable belongings(such as wallet and phone). Never leave your valuables in the car for peace of mind and safety.
Remember that valet operators have a system in place to ensure efficiency. So, one key point is not to turn off your car. Leaving it running will help save time and maintain a seamless and flowing operation.
The valet operator will also hand you a ticket (for retrieval), and it’s crucial that you don't lose it. Lastly, as we mentioned earlier, let the valet attendants know about any quirks your vehicle might have.
During Your Time With the Valet
Know that a valet operator’s job doesn’t end when they have parked your car. They work around the clock, monitoring and ensuring your vehicle is parked safely. By having everything ready in advance, such as the retrieval ticket secured and some cash ready to tip later, you can enjoy the party without stress, and the valet attendants can focus on providing the best service for you and other guests alike.
Picking Up Your Vehicle
When you’re ready to leave the event, have the ticket ready and hand it to the valet attendants. Remember that retrieving your vehicle may take a short time (depending on the location and how busy it is), so please be patient. If the valet uses a digital system, such as an app, you may be able to request the retrieval in advance as you walk toward the retrieval zone. This way, you can minimize your wait time. However, ensure you arrive promptly, as having the valet waiting for you can affect other guests and make things harder for everyone.
Before entering and leaving the car, take a quick look at its condition, ensuring everything is okay. Once you’re happy with it, offer your tip to your attendant and thank them for the service.
How Much Should You Tip a Valet?
Valet parking tips are customary and more than just a gesture. Tips are also a significant portion of the valet attendant’s income, greatly benefiting them. So, how much do you usually tip in valet? The standard range is $4 - $10, with the option to tip more if you think they’ve done an exceptional job. At a high-end venue, like a five-star hotel or fancy restaurant, $15 - $25 is expected.
End Note
Valet parking is a complete service experience, where customers are taken care of from start to finish. With that said, there are things we can do to help make the process smooth and show appreciation towards the valet crew for their work. Valet parking etiquette are simple things we do before, during, and after the service that can greatly affect everyone involved to have an overall pleasant experience. Knowing this valet etiquette is especially essential for those first timers in using the service, but also for regulars in maintaining the standard high and keeping the service running efficiently.
For any valet service you need, contact Pittsburgh Valet. No matter the size and type of the event or the number of guests, we can handle it! Our professional crew will ensure your valet parking experience is a memorable one!
