When do you tip valets?

Okay, for once and for all, when are up supposed to tip the valet? Personally, I do it on pick up only. However, I occasionally get the sarcastic "thank you" on drop off. What is proper etiquette?

I'm pretty certain it's pick up only. I'm a good tipper, and that's how I do it. If someone got all sarcastic on me, I'd look them in the eye and tell them I tip at pickup, always.

I've only ever done it on pick-up, feels more natural.

However, I think it would be more utilitarian to do it on drop-off.

$2 on drop off and $2 on pick-up

I've been using casino valet for 30 years. Pick up
only, the same guys do both jobs so it works out.
I asked many moons ago and thats what I was
told.

I would tip at pick-up since then you have a chance to evaluate service to make sure tip is earned. I think they know the guy at pick-up keeps the money and odds of sabotage to vehicle by the first guy are low. If it's worth it to avoid a dirty reaction by the first guy, just give him half of tip risking it being in vain. He is probably stealing any loose change and other things not tied down anyways, so don't worry about him.

Everytime someone helps you, so drop off and pick up. If you don't want to tip more, divide your usual tip in two.

I worked as a valet at a hotel (not a casino) back in high school and college. The evening shift was completely different from the morning shift. You had to have a lot of seniority to get the morning shift (esp weekend mornings). The evening guys had to do more paperwork (vehicle inspections, billing, etc) parking was more work because we optimized for quick depature, and no one tipped on drop off. The evening guys did 2-3x the work and often had to get tipouts to hit minimum wage. The morning guys made a ridiculous amount of money for basically no work.

I worked evenings, then mornings, then managed the place. People always asked us this question and I always said the same thing. Split your tip money in half and tip each time, though it is up to you.

If you are going for dinner or just a few hours, tipping at the end is ok but remember that a tip makes it less likely that the valet will steal from you or damage your car. You'll also likel get a better parking space to get out faster. We marked the tags of drop off tippers and they got much better service.

For the record I almost never valet my car.

I don't valet often, but when I do it is typically one dollar at drop off and two at pick up. I've heard both ways before as ways to tip the valet. Not sure it matters. I assume valets get to keep their own tips, or do they pool like dealers?

-B

Quote: Din

a tip makes it less likely that the valet will steal from you or damage your car.

I hate using valets, as the concept of paying protection money is anathema to me......

I tip the valet in and out. I always tip anyone performing a service for me, even dealers who eventually take all of my bankroll. Personally, I think tipping anyone a dollar today performing a personal service for me is an insult, unless of course if the little kid in the neighborhood sold me a glass of lemonade a dollar tip is sufficient.

I voted for tipping at both ends, for two reasons:

1) It might be a different person working when you drop off vs. when you pick up if you visit during a shift change, and

2) It's not a good idea to piss off someone you just gave the keys to your car to

I suggest $3 to $5 at each end.

Until about a couple years ago, it was $1 on pickup from me.

Now it's $1 on drop off too.

Quote: JB

I suggest $3 to $5 at each end.

Agree totally.

It's also a good idea to make sure you have plenty of ones and fives on hand. I make certain my left pocket has plenty of both just for tipping no matter where I'm traveling.

I'm so glad I don't rent a car in Vegas :)

I'm cheap. I never valet the car.

Quote: SOOPOO

I hate using valets, as the concept of paying protection money is anathema to me......

Its about convenience, nothing else. The last thing I want
to do after a big buffet meal is hike half a mile to my car.
And in some of these joints, thats not an exaggeration.
Also, my wife loves valet parking, its worth it not to hear her
whine about it.

I've always tipped @pick up only. I think the reason is just out of habit. From a rational standpoint, there is no reason one should warrant a tip more than the other. From a practical standpoint it would make sense to tip on drop off only. No use having the valet be angry with you right up until the time he gives you your car back and you leave. I think I'm going to use the suggestion ITT and split my average tip from now on.

I read the average valet tip in 1970 was $1, and today its,
wait for it; still $1. I usually tip $2, so I'm ahead of the curve.

If you ask them, the drivers will tell you many many people
don't tip at all. Some say as many as 40% never tip. Never
underestimate how cheap people can be.

Quote: EvenBob

I read the average valet tip in 1970 was $1, and today its,
wait for it; still $1. I usually tip $2, so I'm ahead of the curve.

If you ask them, the drivers will tell you many many people
don't tip at all. Some say as many as 40% never tip. Never
underestimate how cheap people can be.

Now that is eye opening. I tip $2 on pickup. I'll change it on my next opportunity to $1 in, $2 out.

On pick up only for me. The only exception is when I am told valet is full. A tip at that time seems to always open up a spot.

It would be pick up only for me, but I don't have a car when I'm in Vegas

Today, the standard is to tip only on pickup. The standard tip is $3, not just $1.

Quote: Keyser

Today, the standard is to tip only on pickup. The standard tip is $3, not just $1.

Wrong. The article I read was very recent and said
it hasn't gone up since the 60's. In fact, less people
are tipping valets now than ever before. Frank Sinatra
always tipped a $100 bill on drop off and pick up. Thats
because he only carried $100 bills.

Quote: Keyser

Today, the standard is to tip only on pickup. The standard tip is $3, not just $1.

Wouldn't a standard tip be what you "standardly" tip.........why would anybody care what the "standard" is......tipping is not an obligation, it's an act of appreciation. Knew an old dog player that tipped big. He had very little money. He told me that tipping big was his only chance to be a big shot.

Quote: treetopbuddy

He told me that tipping big was his only chance to be a big shot.

Thats how Sinatra learned to tip, from his
Mafia buddies. They always tipped large, to be
big shots for sure, but also to send a message
that "I am way up here and you're way down
there and don't forget it." Sinatra rarely made
eye contact when he tipped, another ploy used
to indicate his superiority. I'm so important and
so out of your social range that I can't even
acknowledge you with eye contact.

There's a scene in Goodfella's where the De Niro
character arrives at a club and goes around tipping
everybody in sight. Its a dominance move, he's
telling the hired help he's a 'somebody', he's worth
knowing and worth paying attention to. He's buying
something with his money. Respect.

snapping off those crispy's is a big ego boost

I tip usually $1 on drop off and pick up at a casino, but only on pick up if I am out to dinner $2.

Quote: EvenBob

He's buying something with his money. Respect.

If I worked at that night club I would certainly accept the tip, and provide better service in return, but it takes more than money to earn my respect.

Quote: toastcmu

I don't valet often, but when I do...

Damn Dos Equis commercials! I got this far, then switched into the Most Interesting Man in the World voice in my head:-)

I hate valeting my car. It adds time at the end of the visit, barely saves time at the beginning, requires someone else to drive my car, and costs me money. How is this good?? When I do valet, usually at a downtown hotel where there's no option, I tip on drop off to try to "buy" added care.

Quote: EvenBob

Its about convenience, nothing else.

I agree.

Which is why I don't like to valet the car. It always
seems to take too long to get back when you want
to go.

Quote: Wizard

If I worked at that night club I would certainly accept the tip, and provide better service in return, but it takes more than money to earn my respect.

We hear this over and over about food servers, cocktail servers, dealers and now valets. They all have a responsibility to their employers and to the public to do their very best every time. Providing different levels of service based on money or anything else is not doing their very best and is a disservice to everyone. There is no excuse for even a hint of spitting in food or drinks, abusing vehicles, trying to make people lose their money or have items stolen from vehicles. No one should have to worry about these things.

Quote: rdw4potus

I hate valeting my car. It adds time at the end of the visit, barely saves time at the beginning, requires someone else to drive my car, and costs me money. How is this good??

How special a case is Vegas? I mean comapred to the rest of the US?

In Mexico all parking costs money, but at shopping malls, casinos, movie theaters and some businesses, there is free or reduced fare parking with a validated ticket. Public parking lots and parking garages, that si available to the public, are all over town and cost money.

Most of the former are self-serve, with a valet option available on top of the usual fare. Sometimes for tips, sometimes for a fare and tips (tips are always expected for the valet). The latter are mostly valet, in that you leave your car at the entrance and they park it. This way they can get many more cars in than they nominally have room for. Of course you car may be moved several times during its stay.

Compared to the US, too, parking here is dirt cheap in most places. Say anywhere from 14 to 25 pesos per hour, or about $1-$2 US.

Quote: Wizard

If I worked at that night club I would certainly accept the tip, and provide better service in return, but it takes more than money to earn my respect.

He would have earned a certain amount of respect from you,
though. You would realize he was 'connected' and to bring
him his food and drink promptly. You would appreciate he
makes a lot more money than you, has nicer clothes, and
has powerful friends where you work. Thats the respect he's
buying, not the other kind you mean.

In regards to the OP, when I do utilize the valet, I normally give $2 at the time I drop off my vehicle, and another $2-3 when I pick up the vehicle.

I've heard from people who are willing to spend a lot more money than me, that giving a hefty tip at drop off could result in some preferential treatment. Such as parking the car in the shade on a summer day. An acquaintance once told me that since he was only stopping at a particular casino to eat, he gave a big tip at drop off, and indicated that he would only be a short while, and to keep his vehicle close and handy for when he returned. I'm not sure if this would actually work. In some sense, I think that it could, but at the same time, I feel like you're going to have to tip a hefty enough amount to make the valet feel like doing "extra" work.

Quote: rdw4potus

I hate valeting my car. It adds time at the end of the visit, barely saves time at the beginning, requires someone else to drive my car, and costs me money.

I agree with the last two parts, but disagree with the first two parts. Although, I would say it kind of depends. In some cases, the self parking for a casino is a significant difference from the valet parking. In those instances, dropping off is significantly faster. Picking up, well, yes, that's probably more time consuming depending on the time of day or night. On the other hand, when it's a hotel I'm staying in, I've found that it's quick and easy to call the valet before even leaving my room and request my car be brought around. By the time I'm downstairs, the car is there as well, and so there is no lost time. I've also heard that if you utilize the bellhop, the same time of service can be requested. I've never used a bellhop, so I don't know about that.

As a personal example, I will mention the New York New York casino. Using the valet, you can reach the casino floor much quicker than by self parking. However, the only reason I go to New York New York is to eat at Gonzalez y Gonzalez. I think the time it takes to walk from the valet and to walk from self parking is about equal. Thus, I normally self park.

Quote: rdw4potus

When I do valet, usually at a downtown hotel where there's no option, I tip on drop off to try to "buy" added care.

Interestingly, I find that I valet less at the downtown hotels. I feel the parking around the downtown area has been adequate and fairly easily accessible for self parking.

One issue I have with valet parking is that I feel that a hotel's valet parking should always accept your vehicle if you have a room in that particular hotel, no matter what their situation is. I know that is something that is difficult to manage, but I feel EXTREMELY frustrated when I drive to a hotel that I'm staying at, find that the self parking lot is full, and then am told by the valet that there is no room for my vehicle. Admittedly, this has only happened at downtown casinos, but seeing as how I enjoy staying downtown, it's a nuisance. One particular circumstance, I did indicate to the valet that I was staying at the hotel, showed my room key even, but was still told there was no room for vehicles. Maybe it was a look of consternation on my face, or even annoyance, but the valet did finally say that he would try to find a place for it. So I gave him $5. I don't blame the valet for not having room or for telling me that they can't do anything. He's probably following company policy. But by trying to help me, I feel that's worth something.

Quote: rudeboyoi

$2 on drop off and $2 on pick-up

My third favorite website, behind this one and wizardofodds.com, artofmanliness.com and they recently released a great article on this very subject (http://www.artofmanliness.com/2013/03/19/how-to-use-valet-parking-without-looking-like-an-idiot/). I am copying the important part of the article related to the OP's question:

Tipping a Valet

Tipping is probably the most intimidating part of the valet process for first-timers. How much do you tip? Do you tip when you drop off your car or when you pick it up?

First, offer a tip even if the valet service is complimentary. Even if the hotel or restaurant you’re staying at offers “complimentary” or free valet service, make sure to still tip your valets. Drew says that the hourly pay for most valets is similar to that of waiters, i.e., they get paid below minimum wage (usually $4 an hour), and make most of their income from tips.

Who to Tip?

This was probably the most confusing part for me when I used a valet for the first time. Which valet are you supposed to tip?

According to Drew, most people will just tip the valet that retrieves their vehicle when they’re leaving the hotel/event. But he recommends that you also tip the valet who takes your car when you drop it off. First of all, you’re a gentleman. Take care of the person you are entrusting with what is likely your most valuable possession (besides your home). Even if it’s not intentional, as humans we tend to take better care of items in our care if we’ve been treated well and appreciated.

Another reason, especially if you’re using valet for overnight parking, is that the person you gave your car to likely won’t be working in the morning when you retrieve your car. The morning valet will reap the entire reward for handling your car, even though he only did half of the service. For a one-time event, it’s also no guarantee that you’ll have the same person handling your car both times. Tip all the folks who had a hand in your valet service.

Also, as Drew will explain below, generously tipping the valet who takes your car when you drop it off can buy you preferential treatment — like a parking spot in a “full” garage or a spot in the shade at an outdoor event so it stays nice and cool.

How Much to Tip?

There are a lot of different opinions on what an adequate tip is for valet service. Drew said $5 was about average at the Marriott he worked at. One former valet recommended you pay $1 for every $10,000 your car is worth. I’m not so sure about that bit of advice, however. If you’re driving a 2000 Honda Accord, you’d only be tipping the valet $.30 when you drop off the car and $.30 when you pick it up. “Here is your quarter and nickel, dear sir. Thank you kindly.”

According to our research $2-$5 is pretty standard — that’s $2-$5 to the valet when you drop off your car and $2-$5 to the valet when you pick it up. All in all, look to tip between $4-$10 total for valet parking service.

If you want better service, tip more than the standard when you drop off your car. Drew recounts an experience where a larger tip bought preferential treatment for a customer:


“You can usually buy preferred service through tipping…If we run out of space, especially for events, we’d say, ‘Hey we’re out of space,’ but we’d typically still have a few spots in the garage that we had to reserve for overnight guests. I negotiated a larger tip with a guy who said, ‘Well surely you can find a spot for my vehicle somewhere in the garage.’ He pulled out a $5 bill and said, ‘Don’t you think you can find a spot?’ And I said, ‘Not for 5 bucks I can’t.’ So I got a $20 tip from that guy and I found a spot for his car.”

If the valet that retrieved your vehicle went above and beyond — like having your car waiting by the curb with a bottle of water in your cup holder — reward him with a nice, fat tip.

I never tip a valet because I have never used one. For some strange reason, I just cant hand my car keys to a total stranger. Also saves money. I am a tipper but try to avoid tipping situations if I can provide the service myself. Besides , its important to get as much exercise as posible. I dont mind a nice walk after parking, actually enjoy the small amount of exercise. I dont really drive much anyway. Maybe once a week on average just to do a grocery run, otherwise I ride my bike. I love commuting to work on my bike.

I would like to tip only on pick up, but today's valets expect a tip on the drop off too so I give it to them. I tip a dollar on the drop off unless they are doing something extra for me. I'm talking about a casino here.

When I go to a restaurant here in LA (and many have their own valet parking that usually cost $8 to $12) I tip one dollar on the pick up only. Damn't I just paid $8 to $12 for the free on street parking spaces you convinced the city to let you use exclusively during your business hours.

On pick up at a casino it's also a dollar unless I am delaying the valet or the valet is helping me with something. Normally, they bring my car to appointed pick up spot where I have been waiting ten minutes, I throw my small bag in the back seat, say thank you and leave.

Now when I travel with my wife and she has 6 suitcases for an overnight trip then I will tip extra.

I just did a deal for a guy who is a valet at Mohegan Sun Pocono Downs. I showed him this topic and asked him the questions.

1) Almost no one tips at drop off.
2) The most common tip is $1, but a lot of folks tip $2. The second most common tip is $0.
3) Tips are shared among all the valets at that particular casino.

There is no casino charge for valet parking at Mohegan Sun Pocono Downs; valet parking is free, other than what you choose to tip.

He did tell me a story that I thought was pretty good.


Sagamore Card holders can go to the valet desk and ask to be jumped to the front of the line; they can get their car without having to wait. But almost no one does it, it is not common. But there is one woman who is a real PITA; she flashes her Sagamore card, demands to be taken care of, won't swipe her ticket but instead makes the valet swipe her ticket for her and go get her coat (won't walk across the freakin' lobby), always complains that it takes to long and NEVER TIPS. And she's up there several times a week.

Someone who knows her saw her doing this (it's a small town casino, folks know each other around here) and after she went through her act, that person went over the the valet desk and said, "She's not really a Sagamore. She found that card in a machine and uses it to get free drinks, and into the fancy buffet, and to get parking privileges. She's not a Sagamore." And that person gave the woman's name, and they looked it up. You need 400 points to be Sagamore, and she had... 15. Sooooo, BUSTED. He didn't see what happened when she got caught, he was off that day. My guess would be a banning. That is an identity theft crime. But I would have loved to have been there when it all went down. Nasty witch gets BUSTED.

Quote: Mosca

3) Tips are shared among all the valets at that particular casino.
.

Yup, thats the case. When Four Winds opened in 2007, they
had a whole platoon of valet drivers. At least half a dozen of
them were of a certain ethnicity. 6 weeks later they were all
gone. I had gotten to know the valet manager and he told
me they were all fired for stealing tips. They had spotters,
just like I had when I owned the bar. A planted customer
would tip $5 and the manager would see if it turned up in
the shared tips. Every one of them was eventually fired for
flunking this test. Nobody else was, just them. Some drivers
were let go for being late too often or not showing up, but
none for stealing.

Don't even ask me what I know you want to ask, I don't play
PC games and you all know that.

i was about to say who needs to valet at four winds? that parking lot is usually empty and huge! but then i remembered it actually rains/snows in states outside of nevada.

Quote: Wizard

Okay, for once and for all, when are up supposed to tip the valet? Personally, I do it on pick up only. However, I occasionally get the sarcastic "thank you" on drop off. What is proper etiquette?

You tip a dealer when he can do you some good.... prior to your coloring up. So why tip a valet parker at pick up.

Now of course some of this depends on whether its a rental car or not and some of it depends on whether you are in a rush or not, but in general I try to tip very moderately at drop off just to avoid problems or lack of attention.

IF a guy actually runs on a hot day ... he merits a tip. I try to be honest and let the parker know when I'll be picking the car up. If its okay to put it to bed for the night, I'll let him know and he can use up one of his more distant spaces so as to give prompt service to the evening traffic (read "evening tippers").

I don't make enemies with a valet parker but I don't over tip them, I don't ignore them either. Usually.

Sometimes I've had some really rude guys lugging the bags down and it sours my mood. At one small hotel, not in Vegas, it was also his job to go out and drive up the car for early morning departees. So I stiffed him on the bags AND on the car. Not nice to do but I did it without hesitation. When the service is really and truly bad, don't tip.

If you've lost heavily,,,, tip. It is supposed to show character. I don't know if it does or not, but we might as well be cheerful losers.

Quote: AlanMendelson

Now when I travel with my wife and she has 6 suitcases for an overnight trip then I will tip extra.

Hey nice to know I'm not the only schmoe who has to deal with that. Now add in that she is NEVER
on TIME for ANYTHING, and you've got the picture.

Quote: rudeboyoi

i was about to say who needs to valet at four winds? that parking lot is usually empty and huge! but then i remembered it actually rains/snows in states outside of nevada.

Its also a real hike for many people from the lot
or the garage, when you consider the average
age of Indian casino guests is over 50.

Quote: EvenBob

Its also a real hike for many people from the lot
or the garage, when you consider the average
age of Indian casino guests is over 50.

arent those the people that prob need the hike at the same time?

Quote: rudeboyoi

arent those the people that prob need the hike at the same time?

Why don't you make it your life's work to tell them
that. I don't need the abuse.

To clarify, I didn't mean to refer to "downtown" as in Fremont Street. More like Market Street here in Philly, Nicollet Ave in Minneapolis, etc - where self parking is not an option or carries a significant fee itself.

When I moved to Philly, I stayed at Loews for a few days. Priceline got me the room for $29/night. Valet (the only option) was $35 night. I think that price point is designed to discourage car utilization. It was very difficult to tip when the cost itself was that high.

The valet guys at the casino I worked at in arizona split the tips also. It seemed to me like they did pretty well for themselves. And just to add my 2 cents I usually tip around $3 dollars at pick up. Obviously it varies depending on the amount of cash I have. If all I have is a $5 I don't mind tipping $5. I am under the assumption that all hotels and casinos have a tip pool system so I don't see the need to tip at drop off and pick up. My point of view is that I tip after you provide the service. Nobody tips the waiter before they get their meal and eat it right?

The tips are pooled, it makes no difference when you
tip, they all go in the pool.

Quote: EvenBob

The tips are pooled, it makes no difference when you
tip, they all go in the pool.

As long as you leave while they are on the same shift.

I always tip in and out. Usually I receive better service for it (Car right up front, car comes back quick, etc). How Much? It depends on the place, at the hotel usually $3 in and out, a place like Maestro's, Morton's etc. Usually $5 in and out. Why less at the hotel? Because I am in and out more often than when I am at dinner. Plus I like it when they have my car right up front.