Posted by Matt Markins in This came up yesterday, so I’d love to pass it along!
A buddy of mine called me yesterday and said, “I’m going to Ruth’s Chris tonight, how much should I tip the valet?” Great question! Why would he ask me?
I was a valet for 3 years during college. Even since we’ve been married, as times have been tight, I have pulled a few valet shifts to make some instant cash. Well enough of that, here’s the scoop. Assuming you are a believer in Christ and/or you are striving to think of others before your self, always be aware of the context when you are valet parking, and never stiff the valet (unless they pull a Seinfeld). There are different contexts for valet parking: hospital, airport, everyday restaurant, high-end restaurant, etc. My comments below are based on an everyday restaurant that has valet parking, such as a Macaroni Grill, Carrabba’s, Some sort of steak house, etc.
Ok, so here is the skinny. I will not tell you what to tip, but I will tell you what your tips communicate to the valet.
$0 – “This guy is a real Jerk.”
$.25 – “You have got to be kidding me…Thanks Mister, My little brother Bobby is going to love the gum ball.”
$1 – Base line…you can go no lower, “Gee wiz Mister, when I split this tip with the rest of the crew, that will give me 33 cents…Thanks!”
$2 – Average
$3 – “This guys is considerate…I bet he opens the door for mothers of young children and gives his seat up for elderly women.”
$5 – “I would like to see this guy on a regular basis.”
$7 – “That’s an odd number…I bet he wanted to tip me 10 but just ran out of cash. But thanks!”
$10 – “Dude, this guy separates himself from the rest of the crowd.”
$20 – “Man, when I grow up and get a real job, I want to do what he does.”
$25 – “A 20 & a 5, that takes coordination!”
$50 – “I hate splitting tips!”
$100 – “Pack your bags boys, it’s time to go home!”
Most of us can’t imagine tipping a $20, let alone anything more than that. Bottom line is, if you are going to go to the dance, bring your dancin’ shoes. Tip respectfully. If you are able, tip generously. Who knows, the college kid parking your car may be the next C. S. Lewis who just needs to pay his school bill!
If you are thinking to yourself, “no one tips a valet $100″you’re wrong. It happens…just ask Mark Gainey of Towne Park. Only the few, the proud, the elite have see such success. That’s why I stick to publishing.
good post dude. my roommate is a valet. the stigma that christians have is that they don’t tip! he says the valets where he works all think that. it’s time we change the tide!