Do you enjoy driving different models of cars? Are you fast on your feet? Can you drive a stick-shift? If all these things appeal to you, you might consider a valet parking job.
What are the things you’ll need? A current driver’s license is a must. Some businesses require a test in basic math and reading, a copy of your seven year driver record and a background and credit check. Other companies only care if you flash a driver’s license at them. It’s also a good idea to carry car insurance that covers you when you drive someone else’s car. You also will have to be capable of parking cars in tight spaces. In the city, parking spaces are close and tight. Parking the car carefully will keep it free from scratches and dings, things that you’ll be written up for if the owner finds them. Also when parking the car, don’t move personal items, play the radio or peel out leaving tire marks. One of the problems that crops up for valets are misplacing the keys. If the key isn’t ticketed or it’s placed incorrectly on the key board then you’ll have no idea which car is your customer’s. If the keys don’t have a car beeper on it, then you’ll be running up and down the aisles trying the key out on every model of that car. You’ll have a very impatient customer and an angry boss.
The other thing is to pay attention to your customer. Make eye contact and smile when you greet them. Address the customer as “sir” or “ma’am” if you don’t know their name. Ask them when they expect to return for their car. This allows you to figure out if you need to park it close or further up in the garage. Ask the customer if there is anything about their car you should know. Does the door catch? Does the parking brake stick? If you know ahead of time, then it will avoid a potential mishap. Listen carefully to any instructions they do give you and make sure you follow them.
What about tips? Hold the door open for your customer. Also don’t think the people with the nicest cars leave the biggest tips. Your ordinary person who drives an ordinary car may not leave an ordinary tip. They generally know what it’s like to work hard at a job and may surprise you with the generosity of their tips. Also make sure you put the driver’s seat back and readjust the mirrors to the way they were.
This job can make you a decent living if you go about it the right way. You can be a great valet by providing professional service with a smile!
Comments, as always, are welcome!
By Linda Lee Ruzicka
Linda Lee Ruzicka lives in the mountains of Western PA , happily married and with her 8 cats and three dogs. She has been published in Twilight Times, Dark Krypt, Fables, Decending Darkness, Writing Village, June Cotner anthology, The Grit, Reminisce , the book, Haunted Encounters: Friends and Family. She is a Affiliate member of the Horror Writers Association and belongs to National Association of Professional Women. She also does freelance work for Beyond and for CSJobs.com. More of her blogs can be found at CSJobsblog.com.
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