Valet parking is a popular service that allows you to spend more time doing the things that are important to you. Valet services are common at hotels, shopping malls, and golf clubs, but as with all of these things, there is a certain etiquette to ensure that you keep everybody happy. Follow this guide from DCH Toyota of Oxnard on valet service etiquette to ensure that you do not make any faux pas.
Before you take your car to a valet, there is a minor amount of preparation that you should do inside first. There is no real need to clean the car, but you should always remove items of value. This includes your checkbook, any personal paperwork, your mobile phone, and similar items. Try to take as many of these items with you as possible, or remove them and leave them at home. This ensures your personal security, and can also avoid an embarrassing situation later.
When you approach the valet, allow him or her to give you directions on where to park or where to leave the car. Wait patiently if the valet is dealing with somebody else, bearing in mind that he may simply ask you to move forward a little. Wait until the valet greets you and asks for your keys before getting out of the vehicle.
Tipping is common for valet services, and if you want to get good treatment, you should make every effort to give the valet a tip. This applies even if you are already paying an overall service fee. It is advisable to tip the valet when you hand over the keys AND when the car is handed back to you, particularly if this is a service that you want to use regularly. The valet will remember generous drivers, and will then try and keep your car in a good space. If the valet has to retrieve your car because you forgot something, you will need to offer another tip.
You may not want to give the valet your entire key bunch, especially if this contains your house keys, or keys to your office premises. Drivers that regularly use a valet service keep a separate bunch for the valet, with only the essential keys for the car, but this may require a little too much forethought. Ensure that the valet has all the keys that he could possibly need, including any alarm or immobilizer fob.
Ensure that throughout the process you are polite, friendly and courteous. There is no need to bark orders at the valet, or treat him like a servant. Bear in mind that this individual is looking after a very expensive asset, so it is worth your while to show him a high degree of respect and manners. This could go a long way when you need help with your car.
