Frequently Asked Questions
When considering a parking service for your business or special event, there are some critical questions you should ask a prospective parking contractor:
Q – How long has Peninsula Parking been in business?
A – In the parking industry, experience is important to ensure that the contractor you hire will adequately service your needs. Many valet parking contractors come and go. Peninsula Parking had been in business since 1997 and our team has over 40 years combined experience in the parking industry.
Q – How much should I expect to pay for a valet parking service?
A – Most companies will quote a job by the hour, and per attendant and add in insurance costs. We wouldn’t recommend going with the lowest bid. Go with a company that has been in business for at least 10 years has a certified training program and can provide solid references. There’s an old saying “You get what you pay for.” It couldn’t be more true in the valet business.
Q – Do you have an extensive customer service training program for your employees?
A – Customer service training is a top priority at Peninsula Parking. We invest the time and effort to properly train our staff to industry-leading standards. This assures that when they show up for work, you can count on quality preparation and service. All Peninsula Parking team members attend classroom training in safety and service as well as on location training. To learn more click here.
Q – Do you screen you valets?
A – We run California Motor Vehicle History Reports as part of our pre employment screening. By searching an applicant’s driving record, we learn about suspended licenses, failures to appear in court, and arrest warrants. In addition, drug and alcohol related driving offenses, such as driving under the influence and possession of drugs, which may serve as a warning of potential substance abuse problems that can affect job performance. A criminal history report is run on every applicant by InfoLink. By using InfoLink’s network of researchers, we receive the most current information available and report felony and misdemeanor convictions based on applicable federal and state law.
Q – Do you have insurance?
A – We provide the parking industries most comprehensive garage keepers, liability insurance, and excess umbrella policies along with the state required worker’s compensation coverage. All parking companies should be able to provide you with a copy of their certificate of insurance. If a company can not provide this it is a sign they are not properly insured.
Q – Do you pay your employees with payroll checks taking full and proper deductions?
A -We are fully complaint with all CA state payroll guidelines and labor laws and always pay our employees with payroll checks that have all proper deductions. If you deal with a “independent contractor.” that pays attendants in cash or they work for tips only this could be an indication that the valet parking contractor is doing business unethically and you may be liable for the payroll deductions and labor laws.
Q – Do you maintain an “in-house” claims department to handle damage claims?
A – Peninsula Parking maintains an in-house claims department that responds to auto damage claims within 24 to 48 hours of notification. Every effort is made so that the vehicle’s party is not inconvenienced.
Q – What should I tip my valet?
A – If valet is complimentary at the restaurant or event you are attending, you should tip no less than $5. Valet is a luxury and should cost more than parking yourself in a parking ramp or lot. If there is a curbside charge for valet, then a $2 to $3 tip is acceptable. Of course anything more than the recommended amount will defiantly be appreciated by any valet parking attendant.
Q – What information do I need before I call to book valet service for my event?
A – How many guests are you expecting?
Will your guests all arrive at once?
Is there sufficient parking close to your location?
What time you event is beginning or ending?
Q – How far in advance should I book a valet service for my event?
A – Ideally, you should reserve your valet service as soon as you know the date of the event. A general rule of thumb is to reserve the valet service the same day that you reserve your hall. Keep in mind that certain months of the year such as April, May, June, September and October are popular choices for wedding dates. If you are reserving for a date during those times, make sure to do so as early as possible.
Q – How may Valets do I need for my event?
A – We suggest staffing 1 uniformed valet parking attendant per every 10 cars. If the arrival pattern of your guests is a flow over several hours, the staffing guideline can be modified to 1 uniformed valet parking attendant per every 15 cars.
Q – What forms of payment do you except?
A – We allow our customers to make fast, easy, and secure payments for our services by cash, check, or credit card (Visa and MasterCard)