The poor sucker punk who works valet should get training and a real job. $5 is my standard, but I have been known to drop $2 or $3 instead. I find tipping the most daunting thing about travelling to the US. Find someone that you think looks honest and ask. I do my job and I don't see tips for being a supermarket truck driver. A simple rule for calculating the tip may be to tip at least 2-5 USD any time the person drives the car. Comparable to a bartender - you don't have a choice about using their services, but you still tip a buck or two. That can be fun. Even a few bucks on the way in, I make note of it that you showed appreciation on the way in, and make sure your car isn't on level 8 of the garage, yet level 1/2. I tipped a valet in Las Vegas $20 and I thought the man was going to break down and cry. 3 Answers. I look at it this way and this is my honest answer. $5 in and $5 out, and now you're making $600 an hour. If you only have a buck but want to give a $5, make sure to mention it to the valet. So money is tight. I would be willing to lay down some serious money that 95 percent of damage claims and subsequent repairs were not the fault of the valet. The general rule of thumb is $2-$5 at pickup when you feel that the job has been completed. VIP spots are for regulars and people that tip, so don't expect your car to be there if you just say thank you. Drivers should tip from $1 to $5, depending on their preferences or the quality of the service. The guy parking your car is doing just as much as a service, and probably won't be the guy who returns it to you later. A guy who frequently visits our restaurant drives a 92 Ford Taurus, but I always remember his name when he pulls up. i live in an apartment where there is no alternative, but valet. Give me a damn break. 1 decade ago. Many still argue that the valet should also be tipped when he takes the car. The tip amount depends on a few factors – it can be based on the level of service you … You go before everyone else. if the valet does their part, do yours and tip. From my experience, places that charge for valet, pay the valets hourly. We offer self-parking as well as valet. For a city parking lot = $0. Most of your slot wins are not going to be big enough to need the attendant to pay you, so you won’t be tipping at all. Here's a little background, spoken from the perspective of a valet parker: I work for a major hotel/casino as a valet parker in an area where parking spaces are a premium. Our last roadtrip was for 3 months so we went to the bank before we left just to take out around $50 in ones!! You'd much rather he quoted you a fair price up front for doing a good job, and then delivered that good job happily for whatever price he chose to charge. If they prepare your room and show you around, tipping $5-$10 should cover everything including the bags. I just said yes, but from his face I can tell that he got the message. Leave a tip even if the valet is free. Make sure you have all of your gear already organized before you arrive at your hotel. Expect to spend between $4 and $10. Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent wiseGEEK The only exception is that if I have not met the attendant and accepted his "offer" by raising a thumb, I generally don't tip or I give just R2. Lv 4. Let's say an attendant averages 20 cars an hour for the day and they are getting $1.50/per car tip (average of $1-2 per car). Having just lived in Australia for a couple of years, where you don't tip anyone (because the business is expected to pay a fair wage) I hate that every time I turn around someone has their hand out here. Be understanding. What upsets me is when a guest doesn't even give you a second glance or smile and slams the door in your face. $5 on the way in, and $5 adds up too. If you don't like it then don't use the service. Lv 4. My boss pays 4 dollars for every car put in the garage. Virtual Assistant: If your business uses one, tip them $50 at the holidays, or the equivalent of one hour’s pay. Don't. If you choose to valet, then you should expect that a tip is appropriate. So in this case, $2 is a tip, but an unhealthy one for someone who is a single parent trying to work whatever job he/ she can get. I'm not tipping the valets at that place any more. How much should I tip as a holiday bonus? Valet parking attendant: “The tips have gone down, most valet parkers will tell you, at least 50% and probably more,” said Werner. You don’t want to pull up to the valet and then realize you have no cash for their tip. P.S. On the 7 dollar charge, I have to give my boss for every car I park, a $10 on the way out is average and greatly appreciated. On a recent seven-day trip to Las Vegas (where valet parking is free) I spent $340 on "free" parking! So, when it comes down to tipping, realize that you most likely tip your waitresses and if they screw up than all they have to do is redo your order. Thanks Lance :) It’s so true – you do end up having to tack an extra $20 or $30 onto the cost of your trip just in tips!! A $5 tip should be the minimum for a "complimentary" valet. If you want to know how much you should tip, ask the valet how much their base wage is. He just asked me, "Did you park back there so it can in a safer spot?" This helps them figure it out like oh, wow. I want to thank all those who tip us. “I would recommend clearing your car out of all items of value before you valet park just to take this issue out of the equation,” Ryder said. I park in a parking garage that has a valet who parks my car in the morning and retrieves it for me at after work. It was more shocking that if Elvis galloped by on a unicorn! How much do you rely on your car? United States - NYC monthly valet parking -- tipping - If keeping a car for a month in midtown and using a valet garage under the apartment building, how much are you expected to tip … and it dawned on me. I started part time as a valet parking attendant at only 18 while going to college. Sometimes, you'll park your car yourself but have a valet return the car to you. If you give me the exact charge or stiff me (happens too often to believe), then that comes out of my pocket. How much should I tip as a holiday bonus? For the parking that costs a fee, usually the valet is getting paid the minimum wage hourly rate. Parking Attendants: For parking or garage attendants who you interact with regularly, you can give between $10 and $30. Great tip. I have been in this business a long time and have parked tens of thousands of cars and I know I have not put a single scratch on a single car. So let’s say you go to a hospital and valet your car. Now the risks: I have been hit four times by drunks/texting people four times while on foot, while they were driving less than 20 mph. We take care of one of your most prized investments. Think about it. To have a rogue valet joyriding is going to be noticed by other coworkers, and would be frowned upon, at the very least. We treat your cars with care and respect like they were our own. Also, do people consider the risk valets take every day and their expenses? that comes off as really presumptions. $2 – $5 for the valet who parks your car on arrival is not necessary, but we do it anyway out of appreciation…and as an incentive to take good care of our precious car! If you don't care to tip someone, then go through the drive through or park your own car because it's 2011 and everyone should know by now that tipping is standard and $1 is a slap in the face. Ultimately, how much you tip is up to you. They haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on their list. Remember, when someone hears valet parking is free, about 60 percent of those who use it won't tip. The least you could do is tip them a few dollars so you don't have to sweat your butt off. According one valet parker, most locals tip $2-$3, while visitors go the full $5 ("because that's what the travel blogs tell them to do"). I've been through it. So I took this opportunity to look into it more. In general, how much to tip valet depends on the level of help and accommodation provided. Utilize the following tips for a stress free experience, and to know how much is an appropriate tip. Finally, what do valet parkers earn? If you just cash your ticket out when it starts to get low, around $2-3, you would have enough to tip. We held up traffic screwing around trying to organize our suitcases after we arrived. we won't be doing business again. 1 dollar. Remember, this is only when the attendant is required to pay out your win. Personally, I have always tipped for valet service only when picking up. You don't go out to eat and not tip your server just because you want to save money. I just don't see it happening very often, if at all. And when a customer refuses to tip it's the "customer's fault" the valet can't pay their bills? A lot of the time your car will not be accessible to you without having hotel employees fetch it for you. Naturally most valets wouldn't do that, but I suppose there are a few unscrupulous ones that might. I've left a few cans of soda, some candy, checked channel radio was on etc. Who do you tip, as the person delivering the car is different each time? If one attendant simply wheels you off the airplane and hands you off to another at the gate, then from nothing to a buck or two is probably appropriate. Check the mileage on the car to make sure the valet just parked it and that's all. Do I need to tip the Valet when staying in hotels in America? Thanks for your advice. Yes, the valet’s at DoubleTree Savannah were really lovely, and very considerate. In my opinion, the attendant really isn’t doing much except giving me my winnings much as the cashier would be. Maybe not going in, but definitely on the way out! I tip $2 ($1 to cover the parking and $1 for bringing back the car ), but I don't think most people tip hospital valets because they almost always seem surprised, but also very appreciative. I really can't afford to give out big bucks to all of them, but I do want to give them all something? That is $60,000 a year IN CASH for parking a car and retrieving a car + their salaries. If not, you can't help but feel insulted. There are about 10 different valets that work at the garage. However, be absolutely certain the damage occurred by the valet. True, it seems horrible and it is when the national average is $20k. Keys, wallet, phone, phone charger! And you’ll have the opportunity to tip both attendants if there’s more than one. I definitely think so with my car. When on vacation in LA we have no option but to use valet parking at the hotel. I give R2-4 if the parking time is just 5 to 20 minutes but sometimes I have tipped even R10 if the attendant has been helpful and the parking time many hours. If you don't like being a valet, do something else. Anonymous: Do you have a monthly parking permit in the garage, or are you paying the daily rate? I tip $2 ($1 to cover the parking and $1 for bringing back the car ), but I don't think most people tip hospital valets because they almost always seem surprised, but also very appreciative. I say, "Yeah, you're my last car, but I wanted to take care of you." However, if the parking charge is $10, the valet should be tipped $3; if the parking charge is $15, the valet should be tipped $4; and if the parking charge is $20, the valet should be tipped $5. How much did your car cost you? If you leave and come back 10 times in one day, don't expect to tip. Valets know the better the service they provide, the better the tips should be. If you drive to the restaurant and go inside to pick up the food, there is no need to tip. So my advice is this: Do not feel obligated to pay more than you want for mediocre or bad service. The reason why I tipped so much was it was the middle of summer and hot in that garage. More often than not, the valet will figure it out. Experts recommend that you should tip between S$ 5-10 … It should be noted that the second type of stiff not only annoys the valet, but there may also be another customer, who is willing to pay for the service, who is now having to wait for their own vehicle immediately following the stiff. It stinks. Want to save up to 30% on your monthly bills? Around $750 to $1,000. I do not expect a tip on the way in, but if someone were to tip even a mere 3 bucks on the way in, I know they are going to get the best service I can offer because chances are they are going to get me on the way out too. Looking for items in your car, talking on your phone, and just hanging around takes up time as well. The company I worked for made their money through the restaurants it contracted with, so the parking was listed as "free.". I am more than capable of parking a car myself. Follow our simple pointers for tipping your valet attendant: How Much to Tip for Valet Parking in the USA (And Other Advice) $2 – $5 for the valet who returns your car to you is a standard tip. For example, if parking costs $5, the tip to the valet can still be $2. working on her first novel. I remembered his name and gave him service beyond the normal here's your ticket and I'll park your car. Don't think bartenders, valets and waiters don't remember who stiff all the time, because we do. We have a few $5 in $5 out. I work as a nanny in the hotels in Vegas. It’s little things like that which make a huge difference to a holiday – the convenience and minimal hassle. Get your answers by asking now. One time I even noticed a woman's tire running low, and zipped it down to the corner station and threw air in it (I told her and she gave me $25). Nothing pisses someone off more than being accused of something they did not do. Bellhops or porters should be tipped $1-2 per bag they bring up to your room. “Why invite the problem?”. Don't get me wrong; I love America. Now, let's talk about the "stiff". It will also make sure that the workers are properly compensated. 05/16/2011 10:16 Subject: Re:Tipping etiquette for daily parking garage . If you have a problem then you probably can't afford where you're staying/eating. So you want to keep that in mind. Is it not just another money spinner like the resort fee, premium location fee, room service delivery charge on top of 21 percent service charge, etc., etc., etc. There is some disagreement about when and how much to tip, however. Same with being wheeled onto the airplane by a gate attendant. Required fields are marked *, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. And unless your vehicle is garage kept, not driven on a freeway/highway (where small rocks and debris chip paint), or not left in parking lots regularly to be door-dinged, don't blame the valet for very small damage unless you are absolutely certain it was the valet. As an american, I don’t even know this. I'm not going out with that guy again. For valet parking, tip $1-2 to the attendant retrieving your car. I give R2-4 if the parking time is just 5 to 20 minutes but sometimes I have tipped even R10 if the attendant has been helpful and the parking time many hours. Parking garage attendants are not pimps If the same crew cleans your apartment each time, a holiday tip … However, if someone brings the food to your car, you should tip 10 percent. I'm sorry to hear some stories that people tell about the valet screeching away in their car. I'm in the wrong bleeping business. I never thought of bringing a second set of keys but I can see why it would make things easier. I'll tip the valet $2 when the car is returned but he can talk to the hotel about splitting the $12 if he wants more. It’s easy to forget when you’re rushing to grab everything, especially if there’s a line up of cars waiting behind you. Note: You give a tip up front depending on how much (i.e. There is really no excuse. Check the mileage? INSPIRED? VIP/Regulars: Like has been said, you throw me cash on the way in ($20-plus), I'll get you a place up front. 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