WHBM, I take it that you have never been to any southern European country where it is not only normal but many establishments would close if they did not offer valet parking, countries like ITALY, SPAIN and GREECE come to mind instantly.

Back to the subject, it is never expected that onetips on drop off. My tipping on pick-up is totally dependent on how far the lot is and what if anything is being charged for the service. If its stupidly expensve and the lot is within 100 feet and still slow, I may not tip at all.

I've always tippped $1 or $2, depending on how much of a walk it is for the valet. Usually $2 in Las Vegas...

If you look in car related forums, you'll find that valet joyriding stories are not that uncommon. Every few years, a car dealer valet crashes an expensive car while joyriding it and the story gets cross posted to every car related forum around.

And then I remember someone who worked as a valet telling the story of them trying to learn how to use a manual transmission on a customer's car because none of the valets knew how to use one.

Then there is the added risk of theft. The only time I've had things stolen from my car was when it was valet parked.

I consider valet parking to be like checking baggage for an airplane flight -- something that may be necessary in some situations (not enough parking, so valet parking is needed to allow "burying" of cars), but generally to be avoided.

I am curious about the zero on dropoff and whatever on return. If you want to maximize your service shouldn't you do it the other way around. If they brand you as a non-tipper on the way in, that might delay the return. After you get the car on the end...you are on your way. To Insure Promptness.

Almost no one tips on dropoff -- but even if this wasn't true, to motivation for promptness is the prospect of more tips from more cars (assuming multiple valets, the quickest one has the opportunity for more tips).

A bottle of cold water? Wow that's a nice service lol

And you wouldn't know if they drive your car thru CityPlace though ;)

No, because seriously, only stupid people tip on dropoff, and in any case as you don;t have the same guy normlly when you return it means nothing whatsoever, Valet's will of course take it, but don;t regard people who give on dropoff as very savvy.

Not true in Paris where many, many restaurants offer (expensive) fixed fee valet parking.

I tip $1.00 when I get my car back.

Awhile ago there was a thread on here about leaving room tips, most people were against that policy. What is the rationale in giving $1, $5 or even $20 for a valet when you won't give a couple of bucks a day to your hotel room maid?

Aren't tips in certain situations (such as valet parking) "To (I)ensure Proper Service" and thus advised beforehand instead of after you pick up the car?

As one who has done a huge amount of travelling across Europe all my life I find these accounts of places where valet parking happens strange, as I have encountered it precisely once in all that time, the Hilton in Berlin, where I had driven from London.

And on discussion with the valet driver I found he had never handled a car with the steering wheel on the right hand side before, so I said I would do it myself.

People always love to say how tips are freely given - often justified along the lines of "these people are so poor, and I'm relatively rich blah blah blah"

But I think you've hit the nail on the head. In reality it can be:

1) A payment under the duress of fear that if you don't cough up, something might go wrong (as per your example)

2) A bribe. ("I'm happy to leave a generous tip. I alway get a big smile and extra blah blah blah next time around.)

3) A patronising attempt to keep people in their place and maintain the pecking order.

For fast return of the car - a $2 bill.

But I don't mind not giving a tip if the car isn't returned fast.

$0 on dropoff, $2 on pickup.

I prefer to, and usually park my car myself, but will use valet parking if no other choice (Some hotel properties have only valet parking, no self-park).

$3 on dropoff and $3 on pickup unless at an exclusive resort where it is $5 and $5. I want my car alive and well without scratches or dents.