If you’ve ever worked in the hospitality industry, there’s a high chance you’ve heard of valet parking.
However, many probably don’t know precisely what valet parking is or what it includes.
Whether you’re attempting to start your own parking company or want to learn more about hospitality, understanding the basics of valet parking is essential to your success.
In the following blog post, we’ll examine what a valet parker does, the job description, and the specifics of the position.
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What Does a Valet Parker Do?
Valets are in charge of parking cars, maintaining and cleaning them, and helping clients with their luggage.
They operate in various locations, including hotels, airports, exclusive clubs, dining establishments, and other companies that need valet services.
Valets need to be meticulous, well-organized, and proud of their work. They must also possess excellent customer service skills to engage with the public regularly.
Valet Parker Job Duties
Valet parking attendants are responsible for a variety of tasks, which can include:
- Performing routine maintenance on a car, such as changing the oil and monitoring the tire pressure,
- Responding to inquiries, recommending places to visit or things to do while in town, or assisting with luggage or packages are all examples of basic customer service.
- Welcoming customers when they arrive at a site or event.
- Assisting customers with their jackets, opening doors for them, and storing their belongings
- Ensure the safety of high-profile clients by keeping an eye on them during events to ensure they don’t get hurt.
- Controlling traffic, establishing parking sites, checking for unauthorized usage of slots, and managing valet parking operations.
- Guiding attendees to the proper locations following event needs, such as seating arrangements, food tables, or bars
- Serving food and drinks during gatherings like weddings and bar mitzvahs.
- Report any occurrences as necessary to management staff or security personnel.
Valet Parker Salary
In the US, the typical salary for valet parking attendants ranges from $25,948 to $59,277, based on experience, location, ability, and other criteria.
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Valet Parker Job Requirements
A valet parker must meet the following standards, for example:
Education
Employers generally provide on-the-job training to valet parkers. As part of this training, you will learn the property’s layout, where the parking spaces are, and the best routes to take to deliver people to their destinations.
Additionally, they might pick up tips on handling guests’ unique demands and the ideal places to park cars.
Training & Experience
Most of the time, valets are exempt from licensing requirements.
However, certain businesses could demand a current driver’s license, and some jurisdictions require that valets hold first aid and CPR certifications.
Certifications & Licenses
Typically, valet parking employees must possess a high school diploma or a GED. Some jobs may prefer an associate’s degree or certificate in hospitality or business.
Valet Parker Work Environment
Valet parking employees often work in the parking lots of hotels, eateries, and other businesses where they are in charge of parking and retrieving clientele’s cars.
They must be able to lift and move big goods because they operate outside in all types of weather.
Although they may work full time during busy times, such as holidays and special events, valet parkers usually work part-time.
They might also put in extra hours and weekend shifts.
How to Become a Valet Parker
An excellent way to break into the hospitality sector is through valet parking. Additionally, it’s a terrific way to practice customer service skills and gain experience working with clients.
You might desire to advance in your profession by taking on additional valet parking positions or even rising to the manager position.
No matter where you are in your career, keeping up with the most recent developments in valet parking is critical.
Attend conferences and workshops, read industry blogs and publications, and watch videos online.
You’ll be able to learn new things and keep your knowledge up to date by doing this.
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Conclusion
Getting experience is the key to moving up in this field. Many valet parkers begin their careers working for a valet parking service before moving on to other employment options.
Some manage parking lots or work as attendants in parking garages. Others find employment as cab drivers or chauffeurs.
Others leverage their expertise to launch their own valet parking companies.