First impressions matter.

Not every valet company in Arizona is the same.  Strive to hire a valet company that has experienced and well-trained valets that will greet and welcome your guests, who will be professional and courteous and will be respectful of the vehicles they are entrusted to drive and will follow strict vehicle and key security controls.  Before you interview and hire local valet services, you'll want to have a clear idea of the services you need and your expectations for the valet service provided.

What is the event type?

Are you planning a wedding, grand opening, open house, corporate event, or private party? Do you require more formal attire for the valets or special services such as a red carpet? Would you like gifts or printed materials placed in guest’s vehicles?

What is the date and location of the event? How long do you expect it to last?

Many valet companies pricing is based upon a 5 hour minimum. Standard arrival time is 30 minutes prior to the start of the event to set up and prepare for guest's arrival. Additional hours are typically billed at an hourly rate of $25 per hour per valet.

How many guests are you expecting?

This will determine the total number of valet attendants you will need. If you expect most of your guests to arrive in pairs, take the total number of guests and divide by two. This will determine the number of vehicles that you are expecting. If the parking is relatively close one valet attendant per 20 vehicles is needed. A site review may need to be conducted to determine the logistics, parking plan and needed number of valets to ensure your guests are served quickly.

Will your guests all arrive at once?

Expect everyone to show up at the same time for weddings, and other formal events. You will want to ensure you have enough valets to handle the rush. Informal gatherings such as holiday parties and open houses may not require as many valets as guests tend to arrive and leave at different times.

Is there sufficient parking close to your location?

Determine the number of parking spaces near your location. The valet service will be able to maximize your parking spaces, but make sure the valet drop off area is close to the entrance of your function. If the valet has to run a block away to retrieve the vehicles or if your driveway is far from the entrance, expect to hire a few extra valet. Inform the valet company if there is anything difficult about the available such as gated community, steep drive, parking prohibited on streets, one way drive, etc. If the parking is difficult or far away, a shuttle or golf cart might be used to transport the guests or valets back and forth.

Do you want your guests to have to tip the valet or will you be handling all fees and gratuities?

If you do not wish your guests to feel obligated to provide a gratuity to the valets, a typical fee of $10 per hour per valet will be added to the contract. A sign indicating that that the gratuity has been provided by the host will be posted and valets will be instructed to refuse any offered tips.

How much should you expect to pay for a valet parking service?

Most companies will quote a job by the hour, per attendant and add in insurance costs. Use caution if the bid is too low. Hire a company that has a proven reputation and can provide solid references. There’s an old saying “You get what you pay for”. It couldn’t be truer in the valet business.

For more information on valet parking service or if you have any other questions or comments please contact us at American Parking & Services (800)-419-2975.