Be courteous for better service, and stay in vehicle until approached.
Like anyone, valet attendants are much more responsive to drivers who are respectful and pleasant. Instead of throwing keys at an attendant and barking a command, treat the valet with the same respect you like to receive. A little kindness goes a long way, especially if they're working in harsher weather or temperatures. When first pulling up to the curb, stay with the vehicle until a valet greets you and retrieves your keys. He or she may ask you to move forward or park your vehicle in a different area. If you don't wait to receive a proper ticket, valets won't know which vehicle is yours.
Entire key ring or just "valet" key?
It's mainly personal preference, but the valet should have the car key with the remote control fob. This is extra insurance that the valet will find your car quickly; if necessary, they can use the remote to locate your car by flashing the lights or sounding the horn. If a single key is preferred, take the key off before arriving at your destination to avoid delays in traffic flow.
Valets can retrieve items.
Be aware of what type of event it is, whether there's a definite start time at which everyone is trying to get seated, compared to a continual trickling of traffic, coming and going with no set agendas for arrivals. You can sometimes ask the valet attendant to retrieve your car if you forgot your cellphone, lipstick, purse or briefcase. However, if you ask nicely for them to retrieve the item from the car for you, and they have time to do so, they may be glad to help you out. Just be patient. Always, always check for your cellphone to take with you while handing over your vehicle.
Lost ticket advice.
The overall retrieval process always moves more quickly when the valets don’t have to search for vehicles. At the point of discovering tickets are nowhere to be found, it's nice, but not necessary, to offer a small tip for the inconvenience. To help address this potential situation, A+ keeps data on all the vehicles they park by using software that records vehicle make, color and the ticket number awarded.
Mandatory tip if already paying service fee?
Tipping is a nice gesture and is always appreciated. Lori Griffin, A+ marketing and sales manager, says most attendees at private events assume gratuities are prepaid when they are not 90% of the time. Whether paying a standard fee, or valet parking is offered on a complimentary basis, tipping is still customary. The going rate is $3 to $5 per vehicle.
Hiring a valet service.
Request services in a timely manner. Have adequate parking for the event; if securing enough parking is a challenge, discuss alternative arrangements with the parking service being hired. Make sure to follow up and let the parking service company know if event attendance is expected to increase or decrease so the event can be staffed with the appropriate number of valet attendants. Communicating ahead of the event ensures that the parking process will flow smoothly. And, be sure to let the parking service manager know if event times or dates change compared to the originally booked arrangements.