Running a valet operation is a high-speed, detail-driven process. Communication is everything—and yet, until now, most teams have been stuck relying on external apps, radios, or word-of-mouth to coordinate pickups, parking, and last-minute requests.
We’re changing that.
Summon now includes Valet Chats: a fully integrated internal messaging system designed for operational teams on the ground. It’s private, fast, and purpose-built for valet operators. With Valet chats, communication becomes as seamless as the rest of your operation.
Built for the Way You Work
Shift Chat is not just another messaging app—it’s an operational communication tool embedded into your Summon workflow. When your team checks into a shift at a specific location, they’re automatically added to that location’s private chat. Every garage, hotel, or property now has its own real-time communication channel.
Whether you’re running a shift at a boutique hotel or managing multiple locations, Shift Chat ensures that every team member is plugged into what matters, instantly.
How It Works
Here’s what you can expect from the new Shift Chat:
- Location-Based Rooms
Each chat is tied to a location. If you’re checked into a shift at the Beverly Tower garage, you’ll automatically join that garage’s chat. This creates a focused communication loop where only the team on-site can interact—no noise, just relevance. - Automatic Assignment
You don’t need to add or remove people manually. Summon uses your location and shift data to manage chat participants dynamically. - Push Notifications and Message Badges
Get notified when a new message is posted. The chat displays message counts and unread indicators to keep team members informed at a glance—so no important directive goes unnoticed. - Notification Controls
Team members can disable notifications when needed—ideal for off-hours or focused tasks. - Available During and Outside Shifts
Chat isn’t limited to active hours. Team members can review messages and plan ahead, even when off shift. It’s perfect for pre-shift updates, team planning, and following up on operational changes.
Why It Matters
Valet operations thrive on responsiveness. Whether a car is being pulled, a key needs to be located, or a supervisor is calling an audible mid-shift, every second counts. Shift Chat helps your team:
- Reduce miscommunication during peak hours
- Avoid cluttered external messaging tools
- Improve shift planning and end-of-day coordination
- Enhance accountability with read receipts and activity visibility
- Provide supervisors with a consistent communication channel across locations
The result? Faster handoffs, better teamwork, and a smoother experience for both operators and guests.
What’s Coming Next
Today, Shift Chat is built for internal use—between valets, runners, supervisors, and business staff. But the roadmap doesn’t stop here.
Coming soon:
- Global Company Chat: A general company-wide room where teams across all locations can share insights, announcements, or high-priority alerts.
- Ticket-Level Messaging: Future updates will unlock customer-to-operator chat functionality, enabling guests to ask questions, make requests, or confirm pickup details—right from their phone.
We’re designing communication to be as fluid and intelligent as the rest of the Summon system. One day soon, your entire operation—from ground teams to front desk to customers—will be connected in real time, all from one app.
Get Started
The Shift Chat feature is now live and included with all active Summon accounts. No setup is needed—just check into your shift, and start chatting.
If you’re already using Summon, head to your dashboard and tap the Chat icon at the top of your shift interface. If you’re not yet on the platform and want to learn how Summon can transform your valet operations, schedule a demo today.