I'm hoping that the next person that searches for an article like this sees my comment before some others. Check the mileage? If you drive a car and have to worry about checking the mileage, then you have enough money to tip the valet well on the way in, say "keep it close" and trust me -- not only will it be sitting in front of the restaurant all night in plain view of its owner but it's likely that you'll be remembered the next time you stop by and receive just as good service for a more modest tip.

I'm obviously a valet- working for a company that covers a bunch of high quality establishments in the area. We therefore have the opportunity to park some really nice cars and cater to regulars and vip's. Most of those people treat us well because they can, no matter how often they come in.

Does that mean we treat everyone else like crap? No. The ones that we want to treat like crap are the ones who watch us run out to their car in 20 degree, snowy weather that we've been out all day in, see us brush off their car while warming it up, then hand us a dollar or two.

Here's something to look out for- valet companies that are sub contracted to a few or more establishments have become more common. My company treats me well for all the hard work I do for them. Still, when you see a sign like ours that states the three or four dollar charge for service, my employer takes all but 50 cents of that. So the 50 cents and any tips go to pay my hourly.

If I do well enough to warrant some nice tips, it comes back to me. If you give me the exact charge or stiff me (happens too often to believe), then that comes out of my pocket.

So go ahead, listen to this mindless pinhead- Emily Post and tip the guys two bucks that run around in dangerous, sometimes ice and snow covered parking lots where drunken idiots speed around. See where that gets you- besides being despised by the valet.

I'm not saying that everyone needs to tip $5 every time but cough up a third or fourth buck. It makes the difference.

And for the heartless, cheap SOB's that go to a fine dining establishment with a group of coworkers to suckle from the company's teat by eating for free for some meeting or awards party- effectively walking away without spending a dime- instead of giving us the one crinkled dollar you have ready, just go ahead and shove it up your butt. Park it yourself next time.

Unless you are at a place that requires you to valet (not many of those left these days) then put some money in the kid's hand who busts his rear in the worst weather because you didn't feel like walking to your car.

i am a account manager for the valet at a restaurant in uptown dallas texas called bella. we offer great service, nothing but the best. I'm sorry to hear some stories that people tell about the valet screeching away in their car. thats' not how my guys work and if i see or hear them doing that i remove them. I want to thank all those who tip us. we do work hard whether sleet, snow, rain, or sunshine. people do get what they pay for. but nobody deserves to have their car damaged or driven improperly, or treated wrong. --brian

How much and when do you tip when you live in a condo that uses valet as the monthly means of parking? Do you tip at the end of the month, upon each time your car is brought to you? Who do you tip, as the person delivering the car is different each time?

I gave a guy a $10 tip tonight and he looked at me like I was a jerk. Forget him. I'm not tipping the valets at that place any more.

Valets like that would take the money and drive it anyway.

Osmosis,

Your comment reminded me so much of the movie Ferris Bueller, when the kids take the car out, and the valets put a couple 100 miles on the thing. Naturally most valets wouldn't do that, but I suppose there are a few unscrupulous ones that might. Good advice though.

Check the mileage on the car to make sure the valet just parked it and that's all. Most people are honest, of course, but there's always a few people who will take advantage of you.