If you’ve ever worked in the hospitality industry, chances are you’ve heard the term valet parking, however, many people may not know what valet parking actually is or what it consists of, or how valet parking works Yes, what are the pros and cons? Understanding the core concepts of valet parking is critical to your success. In the following blog post, we’ll investigate what valet parking is, how it works, and the details of how it works.
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What Is Valet Parking?
Valet parking is a service offered by many types of hotels and high-end restaurants. When guests arrive, they give their car keys to an employee, who greets them, takes the keys, and parks the car. Later in the evening, when the guests were ready to leave, an employee retrieved the car for them and took them on the road. While some valet parking services may be free, most require guests to pay a small fee up front. The cost ultimately depends on management preference.
The biggest difference between valet parking and traditional parking is that when you use valet parking, you don’t have to park yourself. You drive to the terminal, give your car to the driver, and the driver will stop you. The biggest advantage of valet parking is that it saves time; there is no need to take a shuttle to the airport.
Benefits Of Valet Parking
- Increased control over parking lots
Valet parking services can influence where certain types of guests are parked. For example, you can schedule guests for extended stays close to each other, freeing up the rest of your lot. Plus, you can protect your vehicle in the event of bad weather or construction.
- Reduced risk
By handing over control of parking to a valet parking service, you can significantly reduce the risk of an accident in your parking lot.
- Convenient group access
When it’s time to host a meeting, meeting, or party, valet service can easily accommodate the needs of large groups and keep them organized when they arrive.
- Alleviate traffic
Parking can significantly reduce the amount of traffic in a parking lot. Valet parking drivers will know exactly where to park, reducing the number of people looking for a parking space.
Disadvantages of Valet Parking
- Trust
Trust that you won’t be able to see where and how your car is parked, you need to trust parking providers and drivers.
- Cost
Valet parking is usually more expensive than shuttle parking.
How does Valet Parking Work?
step 1. Booking
You can book on the Parkos website, where you can clearly see the cost of valet parking. You will receive a confirmation email within a few minutes with clear instructions to park. In this email, you will describe where you will meet the driver and you will need to dial a phone number before arriving.
Step 2. Arrive at the appointed place
As opposed to shuttle parking, you will drive to the departure terminal. In your confirmation email, you will clearly see a description of the place where you will meet the driver to whom you will hand over the car.
Step 3. Give the car keys to the parking lot staff
At the agreed time, the driver will wait for you at the departure station. They’ll check your car with you for any damage, so there won’t be any surprises or misunderstandings afterward. The car park staff will take your car keys and drive your car into the car park while you continue your journey. The driver will drive your car to the parking lot and park it for you.
How Much Do Valet Parkers Make?
Most valet parkers make between $20,000 and $40,000 a year, although this range can vary based on several factors. It’s important to note that many valet parkers are paid hourly rather than fixed, which can be as low as $9/hour and as high as $15/hour. The average annual salary for a valet parker across the country is reported to be just over $24,000, or $12 an hour.
How to Start a Valet Parking Service
Starting valet service at a restaurant can be confusing at first. Before continuing, you need to evaluate your budget, property, and staff to see if this is a viable option. To activate your own valet parking service, follow these steps:
- 1. Buy insurance
The parking industry can be high-stakes, and anything from a small dent to a complete collision can result in your business having to pay a lot of money. Therefore, you must have adequate insurance before you start offering valet parking. Take the time to contact the different insurance agencies to make sure you choose the plan that best suits your needs. Rates can vary based on different factors and can change over time, so make sure to stay informed of any changes to your coverage.
A good valet parking insurance plan should cover the following:
General Liability: This includes personal injury as a result of your valet parking service.
Garage keeper liability: This includes any damage the car may have suffered during your valet service. Also, it can cover any theft or collision that might occur.
Workers’ Compensation: Workers’ Compensation insurance will provide coverage if the valet is injured on the job. Not only are you responsible for the loss, but you are also responsible for lost wages as you leave with an injury.
- 2. Purchase professional valet parking equipment
To position your parking service for success, consider investing in professional valet parking equipment. Creating an organized, decent valet parking area helps keep your staff productive and creates a professional atmosphere. Some of the most common valet parking devices include:
Valet Parking Platform: A valet parking platform is a place where valet parking personnel stand when not parking or picking up a car. Depending on the podium you choose, it can offer extra storage or a built-in tip box.
Key Box: Any valet parking service should give priority to keeping a guest’s car keys. To that end, consider investing in a safe or key box. These boxes allow you to store several keys at a time and hold them in place until the guest’s car is retrieved.
Valet Parking Umbrella: A valet parking umbrella protects your valet parking crew from sun, rain, or any other weather that might affect them. In addition, they make it easier for guests to locate valet parking.
Valet Parking Tickets: Valet parking tickets allow you to keep track of your guests and the cars they drive. Your staff can fill out tickets and give them to guests when they arrive, simplifying the process of retrieving their cars when they return.
- 3. Hiring employees
Whether you run a restaurant or a hotel, any business that offers valet services should invest heavily in its employees. Having high-quality staff is critical to your success, not just in the car, but in creating a positive experience for your guests. For many people, their interaction with your valet may be their first impression of your business.
The effort to build a comprehensive recruiting process will pay off in the long run. Ensure candidates are selected with clean driving records, excellent customer service skills and a strong work ethic. It is also important to design a detailed training program to ensure that each new employee is job-ready.
- 4. Designated valet parking area
You will need to designate a parking area before you can start looking after a guest’s car. This can be part of an existing car park or a newly built area. Choose a location that is easy to access, offers ample parking space, and is safe from any potential hazards. Also, remember to mark this area clearly to ensure it is used for valet parking only.
Summary
No matter what kind of business you run, valet parking is a useful convenience for your guests. By educating yourself about how a valet parking works, the valet parking locations themselves, and how to start your own service, you’ll be able to improve the quality of your business and create a better customer experience.
