Valet tipping etiquette?

[SaMaster14]

Originally Posted by G37Sam

haha even my dad dint drive it.. apparently the suspension is too stiff for him and its not his kind of car (good for me i guess )
the merc S500 spoiled him!

my dad hates driving my car. He has a mercedes too, the new SL550 roadster.

back on topic: my parents have taught me only to give to valet if there is no other option. Its not the money at all, they just usually steal money and there is a chance that they will damage your car, and you can't do anything about it.
The only time my car has ever been given to valet(i've only had it like 3 months but still), I got the little tray in the center compartment(storage place between the front seats) stolen and it had about $5 of quarters in there.

And if you think that just because u are going somewhere fancy they won't do anything, your wrong... in Maui we went to a very high class restaurant and they completely dented one of the doors of the rental car, and wouldn't take responsibility

[DetroitG37Joe]

Originally Posted by Black Betty

Since you have a nice car now, consider skipping valet parking as there us definitely lots of room for problems by letting them handle your car. If you must valet, let them know that your car is special to you. If you frequent a place that you will valet park regularly, tip huge the first time.
I pay valet to NOT park my car wherever they will allow it. I've valeted about 2 or 3 times and tipped them to let me park it myself about 10 times. Every valet has stalled it and then looked dumbfounded as to how to restart it. One came to ask me how to start it so he could bring it around.

I usually tip when I leave. $3 to $10. Always walk around and check for scratches, door dings, and bumper damage front and rear. Check for valuables missing and excessive mileage. Always do this immediately before you leave and raise hell if anything is wrong. Document it with the valet company's management and with the establishment you are patronizing's management.

Skip valet if at all possible.

+1

I have NEVER valeted my G. I typically pay them the valet charge AND tip to be able to double park it in a good spot MYSELF. They are typically cool with it.

[DrJones]

I never Valet my G. Never ever. ESPECIALLY AT HOUSTON GALLERIA.... don't do it Houstonians... I've seen what they do!

[G_rev]

I learned my lesson and not to use valet anymore... Last time I got my car back it smelled like burnt clutch and my clutch were slipping. Thing is... I didn't noticed all these after I got off the lot. The manager said it's not their fault since it's off the damn lot!!!

[crazjayz]

Personally, I only valet at Las Vegas strip hotels. Those are the only valets that will respect your car.