Getting VIP Treatment From the Valet: Part 2 of 2

Posted on 02. Jan, 2009 by Mark Cornish in Uncategorized

In my previous post Getting VIP Treatment From the Valet: Part 1 of 2, I outlined how valets can benefit you. Now, I want to give you some concrete ways to take advantage of these opportunities. Follow these simple tips, and you are on your way to VIP treatment.

Tip well and tip early
Seems like a no-brainer, but a lot of people mess this part up. The fastest way to get great treatment is to tip well on your arrival instead of your departure. Let the valets know that you know how to take care of them, and they’ll want to please you and keep that relationship growing. It is not like you have to throw tons of money at them at every visit, but always tip well. What’s another ten or twenty bucks when trying to look good in front of an important client?

Treat them like people
Instead of ordering them around like most people do, take an interest in them as a person. Remember, you are trying to build a relationship that you can both benefit from. Ask how their day is going. Call them by their first names.

Compliment them
Compliment them genuinely (just don’t overdo it). It’s best if you do it in front of others; in front of the whole line of people waiting to get their cars, for example. Let the manager know how much you appreciate the valets. It will most certainly get back to them, bring you into a more positive light, and strengthen your relationship with them.

Buy them a meal
Like the old saying about a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, the same can be true for valets. On your arrival, ask them what their favorites are on the menu. Order up a meal to go, and give it to the valets on the way out (no need to buy each valet a meal; they can share). You could also bring them food from elsewhere: cookies, snacks, or drinks. A little show of gratitude goes a long way.

Ask for what you want
What you are trying to develop is a partnership. Let the valets know that if you do well, so will they. Don’t be afraid to ask for VIP treatment. For example, maybe the establishment doesn’t allow for cars to be parked right up front. That doesn’t mean you can’t ask the valet to have your car waiting for you when you’re done. Motivated with a good tip, the valet will have the host clue him in to when you’re done with your meal and are ready to leave and have both your cars waiting.

Solicit ideas from them
You shouldn’t take everything that I say as gospel, because every valet is different. Get to know the ones at your favorite restaurants. Find out what works for them. Ask them what really bothers them. If you’re creating a relationship and you’re not pushy, they’ll tell you a lot.

Approach this relationship like a partnership, follow these simple tips, and you will be treated like a VIP in no time. Happy parking!