valet parking tips
Start writing a post
Adulting

11 Things valet drivers want you to know before leaving your car with them

Trust me, it will make your life easier.

Caitlyn Sebastian
Jul 03, 2018
Troy University
80
valet drivers
Youtube/Vodafone Red

I have been doing valet for about four years now as a summer job. I absolutely love the interactions I have with guest/patients. Even though my location parks over 100 cars a day, I could not image doing another type of summer job. However, there are a few things that people should know before choosing the valet option.

1. Yes, we have to get in your car

Believe it or not, valet is when a person takes your car and parks it for you. The amount of people I have had ask me for valet but refused to let me in their car is a little crazy.

2. Tell them what's wrong

Not with you, but with your car. It helps to know if your window does not roll down, or if we have to use this special coat hanger to unlock your door to get out.

3. Be patient

​We get it, you're ready to get your car back, or you are ready for us to get to you in line. Please just be patient, especially when it is noticeably busy. We will get to you.

4. Leave the AC on

Please, for the love, if your AC works, please leave it on. We are normally outside all day. Especially in the summer months. Nothing is worse when it is 100+ degrees outside only to get into a car that has been sitting in the hot sun for eight hours.

5. Tipping in water is completely acceptable

Like I said before, we are normally outside all day. If its in the summer, its HOT. We sweat and are trying our best to not dehydrate and pass out. Bringing us water is one of the best things you can do to thank us.

6. Tipping in money, however, is just a nice gesture

Giphy

It is not required though. Many valet stations tend to pay pretty decently, but tips are often what we use to replenish water and Poweraid for our crew.

7. We do actually judge extremely dirty cars

I'm not talking about a few water bottles and fast food bags or a dirty exterior. I am talking about cars that you get in and stuff is molding over and feels as if something died inside of your vehicle. But don't worry, you car will be parked pretty close to the main station. If your car is basically a dumpster, it may be best to self park.

8. Don't valet when your low on gas

Some valet stations park the cars fairly close, others, it may be several blocks away. The last thing we want to be worrying about is being in a car that runs out of gas.

9. Don't lose that ticket

That ticket is practically your lifeline for your car. It lets us know that it is indeed your car. While we do get your name, having that ticket is physical proof that those keys are yours.

10. Use your real name

This is just as important as the ticket. Most valet stations are not 24/7, especially those at some hospitals. When we have to leave, at my location we turn keys into security. Security will often make sure the last name matches to yours before handing you the keys. While Smith might be a cool last name, we know that's not true.

11. Talk to us before leaving your car

Don't just park your car in the valet line and run off before talking to us. Because remember, no ticket, no getting your keys (at least easily).

Utilizing valet services is honestly the best thing to do in many situations. Many of us that do this as a job love the fast pace and all the people we meet. Just remember, always keep hold of that ticket.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

Siena College
11131
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
small towns
Relationships

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you.

University of New Haven
286966
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Smith College
86751
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
waitlisted
Swoon

Navigating the Talking Stage: 21 Essential Questions to Ask for Connection

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

National Writers Society
149417
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
single life
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

Marist College
52724
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments