How Much to Tip Valet?
If you are going to be using a valet in the year 2021, knowing how you should tip and more about the service a valet provides can be crucial to valuing the service appropriately. A valet can take the headache of parking out of your experience. If you are going to an event or you are spending time at a restaurant or hotel, having a valet on hand will make it easier for you to retrieve your car and enjoy faster experiences with fetching your car when you need it most. Figuring out what the etiquette is for tipping is not always easy. And knowing how much you should tip a valet can mean assessing the service and choosing a fair market price. Here are some of the best ways to approach tipping a valet in 2021.
Rules to consider in Valet Tipping for 2021
When do I tip a valet driver?
Typical valet service will include parking your car and bringing the car back to you in no time. Finding the best time to tip during this experience often means finding a time where it feels right for you. If you have never taken a valet before or you infrequently use a valet, you might wonder about when the tip should happen with your valet.
When you pull up to a valet drop-off area, the valet parking attendant will get into your car and park it for you. Tipping when your car is picked up can be advantageous and there are many drivers that recommend tipping during this time. Tipping a driver that takes the vehicle will ensure that the valet taking your vehicle receives a tip as well as the valet that may drop it off. Depending on the size of the venue, there is a good chance you will not see the same valet attendant twice and this is why it can be a great idea to tip when the car is picked up.
Tipping your valet when they take your car can often make sure that the valet driver will take extra time to find a convenient spot so you can get your car faster. You will also have a chance to ask for other requests during this time if you are leaving a tip. Sometimes a small tip can give you the option to ask for services like taking your car through a car wash or extras that the venue may offer to its guests.
There are other drivers that expressly tip only when they pick up their vehicles. It can be more customary to tip at the end of the service, especially if you are choosing to give just one tip. If you are going to give just one tip to the service, it is best to tip after the car is brought back to you. Tipping both times can be a more generous move and it can make sure that everyone working receives a tip for their services.
It is likely that you will find many drivers that have a preference for both kinds of tipping. Whether you would rather tip at the start and end of service or just at the end of service, the choice is yours. It is not recommended to only tip when your car is picked up as it is traditional to provide the tip when the car is delivered.
Do I need to tip when the valet service is free?
There are many events that offer a free service for parking. Even if the service is completely complimentary, it is still a standard to offer a valet tip at the end of the service. The valets that are working that day are still carefully parking your vehicle and helping to load and unload items from your car. The help that they provide is something that needs to be acknowledged. Tips for a valet are normally separate from the cost of the service. Many valets are often paid a smaller wage and rely on the use of tips much like waiters and other members of the service industry. If you are the type of person that generally tips at a restaurant, considering a tip for a valet can be important as the valet workers are depending on the extra wage.
How much should I tip a valet in 2021?
The standard tipping for most valet services ranges from $3-5 in 2021. Based on surveys conducted by AAA in the united states, the majority of their cardholders were tipping $3-4 for valet service. When you choose to tip both valet drivers, it is not customary to split up the tip to $2 and $2 but rather give both drivers $3-5 each. If you plan on tipping both drivers, make sure that both are getting in this range of a tip.
If you have received an extra service like a car wash or the valet was exceptionally quick, it is wise to consider increasing your tip to show your gratitude. This is a great way to showcase a job well done and to encourage the service that you received. Tipping is a universal way that you can show off the quality of service that you received and it often extends back into the quality of work that a person continues to offer in their job. Giving a little extra ensures that your valet driver will keep offering a better service to future customers because they will be confident in their abilities.
Tipping at a hotel valet can be a different situation. If you are using hotel Valet Parking services at an upscale hotel where a valet will open doors for you or help you out of your vehicle, you may not have to tip the valet each time during a long-term stay. If you had to tip your valet every time you got in and out of the vehicle, you could see the costs add up very quickly. Choosing a large tip at the end of your stay or tipping your valet once a day during your stay is often considered the norm.
Special circumstances for tipping your valet:
There are some situations where your valet may have gone above and beyond for the service that they offered. If you asked a driver for something specific or they provided an extra service like wiping down your dash or cleaning parts of your car, this warrants an extra tip. You could also have services where a valet picked up your jacket or grabbed a notebook out of your car. These types of services will warrant an extra tip.
Special circumstances for tipping larger when your car is picked up can include the chance of getting your vehicle parked near the front of the lot for faster access. During a night of especially poor weather, your valet could also save you some time in walking and this can help you to avoid a crowd or a chilly walk on your way to a venue. The value of a valet at this time can be a huge asset.
Some drivers have also found themselves in situations with lost tickets where a valet has had to take extra time with them and this often warrants a larger tip for the trouble. Any valet that truly extends themselves beyond the average job description should be able to receive a larger tip in return.
Is it best to tip a valet in cash in 2021?
It is very common to tip in 2021 for a restaurant valet or pick-up service using debit or credit. Many people have less cash that they carry with them today and as a result valet services have adapted offering a tap system for tips. It is usually best to keep some small bills with you if you are using a valet, however. Cash can be easier to work with for tipping and it is much more convenient to exchange when you are picking up your vehicle and interacting with a valet.
Some hotel services and venues have changed their charge policies to include a valet tip when you check out or when you pay for your meal or tickets. Paying for your valet service in cash is still the most accepted option as the valet will have their wage immediately. It is more flexible for the employee and for you to adjust accordingly.
Do I need to clean out my car for a valet?
Your car doesn’t need to be in pristine condition to have a valet go inside. It can be more convenient when the valet has full access to the driver’s seat and the amenities in your vehicle, but it is not a full requirement. Keeping your vehicle clear of debris that may impede driving can be important for safe use from the valet. If you are self-conscious about a few receipts or crumbs on your seats, you could consider cleaning your vehicle first but most services will not mind a slightly dirty car.
It is usually in the best practice to remove any valuables from the car or stow them away as most valet services will not be held liable for damages or theft while your car is parked. Stowing away your valuables ensures that the valet won’t have to regularly check on your vehicle and you won’t have to worry about them while you are in a venue. Valet services do have insurance, but most have policies in place regarding their responsibilities to your vehicle while it is parked.
Should I call ahead to get details on a valet service?
If you know that you are going to be going to a venue with valet service, calling ahead can let you know where to go to use the valet, how you can pay and tip, the cost of the service, and more. Calling the valet ahead of time will also reduce your waiting time and make sure people can get your car as soon as you arrive. If you are going to a crowded event, calling ahead can make sure you get service first.
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Now that you are familiar with how to tip a valet in 2021, you can use our services for yourself and offer them at your next event. For the best in valet services, contact us to get a quote and learn more!