Valet Tipping

[The_Good_Dr]

I work as a valet at a 5 diamond hotel in Newport Beach, CA. It's a great job to balance out the lack of excercise I get when playing cards. Also, it gives me a cash bankroll every night.

As far as tipping valets, like most poker questions, the answer is it depends. Tipping in general is optional, but here are some basic guidelines:

When you come in, let the valet know if you plan on being there under an hour or more than that. If you're gonna be there for less than an hour, we normally park the car closer for you. Tip us $2-3 for that. If you're gonna be in for more than an hour, just leave the keys in your car and put your claim ticket somewhere safe. No real need to tip right then, but we do appreciate it.

ALWAYS tip when your car comes. If you tipped on the way in, tip about the same ($2-3). If you didn't tip on the drop off, tip the runner at least $3. If you really had a great time, won a ton, or are in a good mood, we will gladly accept more. $5 bills are the simplest for everyone, but $20's and $100 's can be split just as easily. Generally, all the valets pool their money together since there are a bunch of us and we don't choose which cars we pull up.

If you ask to keep your car "up front", give the runner at least $10 right there and at least another $10 on the way out.

NEVER give us change. That just sucks.

ALWAYS leave your keys in the car. if you forget and you realize it later, bring them back immediately. Let us know if there are any special instructions with your car. Any kill switches, window/door problems, starting procedures, etc...

If it seems like an excessive amount of time and you haven't gotten your car, show us your ticket and be polite. Sometimes mistakes are made, sometimes you're an ass and we walk to your car that was parked on the roof in the back corner.

Just be nice, think about karma, and remember that "Sorry, I'll get you next time" doesn't pay the bills...

[Gordon Scott]

2 on the drop off and a red bird on the pick up.