When it comes to valet parking, tipping the runner who brings your car back to you is a common practice, but it can be a bit confusing for those who are unfamiliar with the process. If you’re not sure how much to tip, or even if you should tip at all, read on for some helpful tips on best practices for tipping valet parking runners.
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that tipping valet parking runners is not required. However, it is a nice gesture and a way to show appreciation for the service that you received. Valet parking runners are responsible for retrieving and parking vehicles, and they often have to navigate tight spaces and crowds to do so. It can be a physically demanding job, and a small tip is a way to acknowledge their hard work.
So, how much should you tip a valet parking runner? It’s generally accepted to tip $5-$10, although you can certainly tip more if you feel that the service was exceptional. If you’re at a high-end hotel or restaurant, you may want to tip on the higher end of the scale. Alternatively, if you’re at a casual event where valet parking is offered as an added convenience, a smaller tip of $3-$5 would be appropriate.
When it comes to paying the tip, it’s best to have cash on hand. Many valet parking runners do not have the ability to accept credit or debit cards, so it’s best to be prepared with small denominations of cash. If you don’t have cash, it’s okay to ask the valet if they are able to accept a card, but it’s not uncommon for them to be unable to do so.
It’s also a good idea to tip the valet parking runner when you pick up your car, rather than when you drop it off. This ensures that the tip goes directly to the person who provided the service, rather than potentially being distributed among the staff.
While tipping valet parking runners is not required, it is a nice gesture and a way to show appreciation for the service that you received. Remember to have cash on hand and tip when you pick up your car, and you’ll be following best practices for tipping valet parking runners.
One company that is helping to make the process of tipping valet parking runners even easier is Summon Vale Parking App. This innovative app provides valet operators with multiple tipping options for their customers, including the ability to tip via credit or debit card. This not only makes it more convenient for customers to tip, but it can also help valet operators increase their tips by providing more options for payment.
Overall, valet parking runners provide a valuable service, and tipping is a simple way to show appreciation for their hard work. Whether you choose to tip a few dollars in cash or use a convenient app like Summon Vale Parking App, remember to thank the valet parking runner for their service.