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Getbig Main Boards => Gossip & Opinions => Topic started by: Danimal77 on March 24, 2014, 07:22:07 PM

Title: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Danimal77 on March 24, 2014, 07:22:07 PM
So, went back to school recently (graduate level) and need to work at the same time. I accepted a job as an indoor valet at a high end hotel. Anyone ever work as a valet and if so, any advice? My shifts are all over the place. Tomorrow I work from 8:00am to 4:00pm, Wednesday from 2-10pm and Thursday-Saturday from 11:00pm to 7:00am.
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: calfzilla on March 24, 2014, 07:28:19 PM
How's the dental insurance plan?   ;)
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Icelord on March 24, 2014, 07:29:19 PM
Smile often, kiss a lot of ass, and wait for the tips to come in. That's definitely a baksheesh job.
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Danimal77 on March 24, 2014, 07:31:28 PM
Smile often, kiss a lot of ass, and wait for the tips to come in. That's definitely a baksheesh job.

Wonder if I get to keep my tips or if I give it to the house and they give me a percentage of it? I believe I will be the only valet per shift.
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Roger Bacon on March 24, 2014, 07:31:37 PM
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/15/Thebellboy.jpg)
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Icelord on March 24, 2014, 07:32:14 PM
Wonder if I get to keep my tips or if I give it to the house and they give me a percentage of it? I believe I will be the only valet per shift.
It varies by establishment. Some allow you to keep everything and others want you to turn the tips in, or a percentage of them. The idea is to accept a tip out of view of the hotel personnel. You can make decent money with a valet job, actually. 2k/month after taxes can't be ruled out, maybe more.
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Danimal77 on March 24, 2014, 07:32:34 PM
How's the dental insurance plan?   ;)

Touche ;-)
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Danimal77 on March 24, 2014, 07:33:39 PM
It varies by establishment. Some allow you to keep everything and others want you to turn the tips in, or a percentage of them. The idea is to accept a tip out of view of the hotel personnel. You can make decent money with a valet job, actually. 2k/month after taxes can't be ruled out, maybe more.

Sweet. I take it that it gets really busy during check in and check out?
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Icelord on March 24, 2014, 07:37:16 PM
Sweet. I take it that it gets really busy during check in and check out?
The busiest time is the evening, between 5-8 p.m.

Mornings and afternoons are relatively quiet by comparison but there's never much time to sit around. You'll always been doing something other than parking cars when there aren't any at that moment.
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Danimal77 on March 24, 2014, 08:00:44 PM
The busiest time is the evening, between 5-8 p.m.

Mornings and afternoons are relatively quiet by comparison but there's never much time to sit around. You'll always been doing something other than parking cars when there aren't any at that moment.

What kind of stuff would I be doing other than parking cars if there are no cars to park?
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Icelord on March 24, 2014, 08:02:52 PM
What kind of stuff would I be doing other than parking cars if there are no cars to park?
Seconded for other duties...your guess is as good as mine. Some places expect you to help unload luggage for other customers who may not have a car or to stand at the door and open them for people coming in. There's always some low-level work to be done in a busy hotel.
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: calfzilla on March 24, 2014, 08:08:18 PM
Friend of mine did it for a few years so imagine it was ok. Prob good opportunity for tips.

Why not work part time in your field of study?
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: LiftEaTsLeEpRePeAt on March 24, 2014, 08:19:04 PM
So, went back to school recently (graduate level) and need to work at the same time. I accepted a job as an indoor valet at a high end hotel. Anyone ever work as a valet and if so, any advice? My shifts are all over the place. Tomorrow I work from 8:00am to 4:00pm, Wednesday from 2-10pm and Thursday-Saturday from 11:00pm to 7:00am.
my buddy did it years ago and he took 1 dollar from each car,  some days he would make 100 bucks plus tips...
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Danimal77 on March 24, 2014, 08:33:20 PM
Friend of mine did it for a few years so imagine it was ok. Prob good opportunity for tips.

Why not work part time in your field of study?

Doing a Master's degree in Psychology. Took a long layoff (was working as a financial adviser for a major bank). I left the bank to go back to school. The only kind of work in the field of psychology at my level is volunteer work, which won't pay my bills. Canadian loans aren't the greatest and my GPA wasn't worthy of a scholarship unfortunately (less than a 3.4).
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Danimal77 on March 24, 2014, 08:34:46 PM
my buddy did it years ago and he took 1 dollar from each car,  some days he would make 100 bucks plus tips...

That's decent. The hourly rate is shit (under $15/hour), but I'm assuming with tips I'll make up for it.
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Rambone on March 24, 2014, 08:35:24 PM
Time to break out the khaki shorts and sneakers, studddd.
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Icelord on March 24, 2014, 08:35:53 PM
That's decent. The hourly rate is shit (under $15/hour), but I'm assuming with tips I'll make up for it.
14/hr is good by most unskilled worker standards. Doesn't Walmart start people at like $8? lol.
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Big Chiro Flex on March 24, 2014, 08:39:27 PM
In undergrad I worked valet and bell service at a nice 5 star hotel.

Literally the most fun 4 years of my life. Working with all my best buddies, going home with $200 cash in my pocket every shift, epic times for an 18 year old kid.
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Danimal77 on March 24, 2014, 08:41:14 PM
14/hr is good by most unskilled worker standards. Doesn't Walmart start people at like $8? lol.

No idea. Gave up a job at the bank making $30/hour to pursue school (in my mid 30's).. Haven't worked at less than $23/hour since my teens.
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Icelord on March 24, 2014, 08:42:21 PM
No idea. Gave up a job at the bank making $30/hour to pursue school (in my mid 30's).. Haven't worked at less than $23/hour since my teens.
I don't like hourly jobs. I tend to think of them as blue collar or entry level mostly. Most of my gigs have been salary with a yearly bonus if the business did well.
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Danimal77 on March 24, 2014, 08:43:30 PM
In undergrad I worked valet and bell service at a nice 5 star hotel.

Literally the most fun 4 years of my life. Working with all my best buddies, going home with $200 cash in my pocket every shift, epic times for an 18 year old kid.

What was your shift? Graveyard? Morning? Thing is, I interviewed at 2 high end hotels. 1 hired me after the first interview. The other gave me 3 interviews and I still didn't get the job (which is the one I really wanted). The staff there seemed way cooler.
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Danimal77 on March 24, 2014, 08:44:29 PM
Time to break out the khaki shorts and sneakers, studddd.

HA. It's still winter weather here in the North East bro ;). Besides, they have us wearing a black dress shirt and black plants.
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Danimal77 on March 24, 2014, 08:45:49 PM
I don't like hourly jobs. I tend to think of them as blue collar or entry level mostly. Most of my gigs have been salary with a yearly bonus if the business did well.

Yeah, it was salary. I just did the math based on a 40 (or 37.5) hour week. Was pulling in 60k, which roughly comes out to $30/hr.
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: ismoseppo on March 24, 2014, 08:47:11 PM
serious reply
keep this thread alive when you work, post cool cars that you park and if you can take pics
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Icelord on March 24, 2014, 08:47:49 PM
Yeah, it was salary. I just did the math based on a 40 (or 37.5) hour week. Was pulling in 60k, which roughly comes out to $30/hr.
Yep, that's about my salary right now, depending on the bonus.

But if I had to go back to driving a forklift or unloading trailers in a warehouse for half the price, I would. Just any work beats no work. And the more well-compensated the job, the more responsibilities you're loaded with. Sometimes it's nice not having to think.
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Danimal77 on March 24, 2014, 08:47:54 PM
serious reply
keep this thread alive when you work, post cool cars that you park and if you can take pics

Done and done  8)
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Danimal77 on March 24, 2014, 08:49:55 PM
14/hr is good by most unskilled worker standards. Doesn't Walmart start people at like $8? lol.

Actually, here in Canada, Walmart employees make minimum wage (about 10 bucks/hour).
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: ismoseppo on March 24, 2014, 08:51:06 PM
Actually, here in Canada, Walmart employees make minimum wage (about 10 bucks/hour).

what province you in

Sask here  :(
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Icelord on March 24, 2014, 08:52:01 PM
Actually, here in Canada, Walmart employees make minimum wage (about 10 bucks/hour).
Oh, in Canada. Yeah, wages are higher here for entry level and lower management compared to the U.S.

On the other hand, middle and top management positions pay more south of the border, with lower associated taxes.

It's a trade off that benefits the lower economic brackets (here).

Indeed Walmart pays about $10.15 or so. Starbucks too, all those places. So by that metric, a hotel is a good place.
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Danimal77 on March 24, 2014, 08:52:35 PM
serious reply
keep this thread alive when you work, post cool cars that you park and if you can take pics

Actually, I figured I'd start by posting my car  ;)

Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Danimal77 on March 24, 2014, 08:54:15 PM
what province you in

Sask here  :(

Unfortunately the French speaking one that wants to separate. Anglophone here, so I'm feeling the heat. Can't stand it here.
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Danimal77 on March 24, 2014, 08:55:29 PM
Oh, in Canada. Yeah, wages are higher here for entry level and lower management compared to the U.S.

On the other hand, middle and top management positions pay more south of the border, with lower associated taxes.

It's a trade off that benefits the lower economic brackets (here).

Indeed Walmart pays about $10.15 or so. Starbucks too, all those places. So by that metric, a hotel is a good place.

You're in Canada too? Which Province?
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Icelord on March 24, 2014, 08:56:26 PM
You're in Canada too? Which Province?
QC.
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Big Chiro Flex on March 24, 2014, 08:56:46 PM
What was your shift? Graveyard? Morning? Thing is, I interviewed at 2 high end hotels. 1 hired me after the first interview. The other gave me 3 interviews and I still didn't get the job (which is the one I really wanted). The staff there seemed way cooler.

When I started out as a bellman, I worked 2-10pm most days. After a year the bell captain got fired, so I stepped up to the plate and they offered me his position. Was sweet because I made my own schedule then, picked who i wanted to work with, got a decent salary plus I still made the tips.

I would always work the busiest shifts because this meant the most money.

Best days to work: Thursday-Monday.

Tues/wed we're always the slowest, consistently. So this would be my "weekend."

Best hours: 2-10pm shift.

Evening shift always cleaned up the best. There's a decent morning rush at a busy hotel, but nobody wants to tip well first thing in the am. Evening is also when more entertainment/fun type events are happening, which means people are more likely to tip. For the most part during the day, business people who are at a hotel for a work function are less likely to be big tippers.

Worst shift: graveyard

Don't count on doing much between 2-5am except napping in the Bell Closet.

I could never find decent employees to work the graveyard shift. It was always the fuckin weirdos who were available during those hours, and they usually only lasted a few months before I fired them for fucking something up.

Good luck!
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Danimal77 on March 24, 2014, 08:58:10 PM
QC.

Me too bro.
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Danimal77 on March 24, 2014, 08:59:32 PM
When I started out as a bellman, I worked 2-10pm most days. After a year the bell captain got fired, so I stepped up to the plate and they offered me his position. Was sweet because I made my own schedule then, picked who i wanted to work with, got a decent salary plus I still made the tips.

I would always work the busiest shifts because this meant the most money.

Best days to work: Thursday-Monday.

Tues/wed we're always the slowest, consistently. So this would be my "weekend."

Best hours: 2-10pm shift.

Evening shift always cleaned up the best. There's a decent morning rush at a busy hotel, but nobody wants to tip well first thing in the am. Evening is also when more entertainment/fun type events are happening, which means people are more likely to tip. For the most part during the day, business people who are at a hotel for a work function are less likely to be big tippers.

Worst shift: graveyard

Don't count on doing much between 2-5am except napping in the Bell Closet.

I could never find decent employees to work the graveyard shift. It was always the fuckin weirdos who were available during those hours, and they usually only lasted a few months before I fired them for fucking something up.

Good luck!

Sweet! Yeah, I should be on the 2-10pm or the 3-11pm as of next week. My weekend (my 2 days off) will be Monday and Tuesday. Will take some getting used to. This week's brutal, because I'm doing all the shifts.
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: ismoseppo on March 24, 2014, 09:00:26 PM
Actually, I figured I'd start by posting my car  ;)



in all honesty, no ass kissing, the 300zx twin turbo is my all time favorite car
for me it always stood the test of time and i never get tired of looking at it
way nicer than the 350 and 370z
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Icelord on March 24, 2014, 09:00:58 PM
Me too bro.
I've lived in BC, Calgary, and Ontario as well. Didn't see any difference in terms of quality of life, wages were lower (as were taxes slightly, to be fair), and I had more job offers here in my field. So I'm sticking around until I find a way to move south. I also like my job so I wouldn't trade it for something else in another territory.
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Roger Bacon on March 24, 2014, 09:01:09 PM
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Big Chiro Flex on March 24, 2014, 09:03:07 PM
Sweet! Yeah, I should be on the 2-10pm or the 3-11pm as of next week. My weekend (my 2 days off) will be Monday and Tuesday. Will take some getting used to. This week's brutal, because I'm doing all the shifts.

Also, most of the middle/upper management is gone after 5pm, so for the majority of your evening shift, it kinda feels like there's less suits breathing down your neck and watching you. it's less stressful in that regard. Hotel has a totally different vibe in the evenings. Is more fun I think.

I'm getting all nostalgic of the great times I had back in the day man. If you're working with cool people, it's the most fun job for a young fella  8)
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Danimal77 on March 24, 2014, 09:03:41 PM
in all honesty, no ass kissing, the 300zx twin turbo is my all time favorite car
for me it always stood the test of time and i never get tired of looking at it
way nicer than the 350 and 370z

I completely agree with you. I'm looking for the 1996 Nisan 300zx tt convertible (special edition). The last year they made the car. Damn hard to find. I even like the Datsun 280zx. Old school all the way.
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Danimal77 on March 24, 2014, 09:06:43 PM
Also, most of the middle/upper management is gone after 5pm, so for the majority of your evening shift, it kinda feels like there's less suits breathing down your neck and watching you. it's less stressful in that regard. Hotel has a totally different vibe in the evenings. Is more fun I think.

I'm getting all nostalgic of the great times I had back in the day man. If you're working with cool people, it's the most fun job for a young fella  8)

The guys I've met so far seem pretty stiff. Not too friendly, but it's all good. I'm going to give it a chance and see how it goes. Thanks for all the advice bro. I'll be sure to update you, so that you can further relieve those nostalgic memories vicariously through me ;-).
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Danimal77 on March 24, 2014, 09:08:08 PM
I've lived in BC, Calgary, and Ontario as well. Didn't see any difference in terms of quality of life, wages were lower (as were taxes slightly, to be fair), and I had more job offers here in my field. So I'm sticking around until I find a way to move south. I also like my job so I wouldn't trade it for something else in another territory.

I'd love to go South. Many of my friends and even family already have. Way more opportunities there and it's even playing field (language wise) compared to our Province where French predominates.
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Big Chiro Flex on March 24, 2014, 09:08:25 PM
The guys I've met so far seem pretty stiff. Not too friendly, but it's all good. I'm going to give it a chance and see how it goes. Thanks for all the advice bro. I'll be sure to update you, so that you can further relieve those nostalgic memories vicariously through me ;-).

Please do  8)
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: ismoseppo on March 24, 2014, 09:11:15 PM
I completely agree with you. I'm looking for the 1996 Nisan 300zx tt convertible (special edition). The last year they made the car. Damn hard to find. I even like the Datsun 280zx. Old school all the way.

I had a 1985 300zx turbo--nothing special but at the time i thought it was the tits lol
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Danimal77 on March 24, 2014, 09:12:36 PM
I had a 1985 300zx turbo--nothing special but at the time i thought it was the tits lol

HA. I've had a 1986 (Burgundy) and a 1988 turbo (Black). Fun little cars, eh?
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Icelord on March 24, 2014, 09:13:32 PM
I'd love to go South. Many of my friends and even family already have. Way more opportunities there and it's even playing field (language wise) compared to our Province where French predominates.
I went to New York state a couple of weeks ago. Night and day. Good roads, nice highway network, friendly people, big stores, no divisive bullshit cultural political movements. And that's a pretty rural area.
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Danimal77 on March 24, 2014, 09:13:45 PM
Please do  8)

That is if I survive this first week!
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: ismoseppo on March 24, 2014, 09:15:49 PM
HA. I've had a 1986 (Burgundy) and a 1988 turbo (Black). Fun little cars, eh?

the classic burgundy 1986---my roommate back then had the same car and his girlfriend had a 1988 burgundy---what a driveway that was
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Danimal77 on March 24, 2014, 09:16:13 PM
I went to New York state a couple of weeks ago. Night and day. Good roads, nice highway network, friendly people, big stores, no divisive bullshit cultural political movements. And that's a pretty rural area.

Same here bro. Went to Lake Placid, NY and it hits you as soon as you cross the border. No one honks at you when the light turns green. People are WAY MORE friendly. Just overall less stressful.

BTW, I'm freaking out a little bit about parking the cars in tight places in the garage and scratching the side/bumper when pulling in and out.
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Danimal77 on March 24, 2014, 09:17:09 PM
the classic burgundy 1986---my roommate back then had the same car and his girlfriend had a 1988 burgundy---what a driveway that was

Too funny. I even had a gold 1988 Honda Prelude. Those are just colors you no longer see on the road.
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Icelord on March 24, 2014, 09:17:14 PM
Same here bro. Went to Lake Placid, NY and it hits you as soon as you cross the border. No one honks at you when the light turns green. People are WAY MORE friendly. Just overall less stressful.

BTW, I'm freaking out a little bit about parking the cars in tight places in the garage and scratching the side/bumper when pulling in and out.
Just watch those spaces that are next to columns. Other than that, you'll be fine.

I was in Wilmington which is like 5-10 miles from Lake Placid. That town is like a little Olympic clockhouse village in Switzerland.
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Danimal77 on March 24, 2014, 09:19:01 PM
Just watch those spaces that are next to columns. Other than that, you'll be fine.

I was in Wilmington which is like 5-10 miles from Lake Placid. That town is like a little Olympic clockhouse village in Switzerland.

Indeed. Well, I'm off. Will keep you guys updated.
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: calfzilla on March 24, 2014, 10:07:47 PM
Doing a Master's degree in Psychology. Took a long layoff (was working as a financial adviser for a major bank). I left the bank to go back to school. The only kind of work in the field of psychology at my level is volunteer work, which won't pay my bills. Canadian loans aren't the greatest and my GPA wasn't worthy of a scholarship unfortunately (less than a 3.4).

Psychology, nuff said  :-X
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Novena on March 24, 2014, 10:21:56 PM
Anyone here ever work as a valet?
A late evening sir?...Very good sir.


I sometimes call on a contributor from Britain who has a man servant.  He only does the Jeeves thing when he is entertaining.  Otherwise, day to day,  he is doing things like minor carpentry work and the like. 
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: Danimal77 on March 25, 2014, 08:54:27 PM
Psychology, nuff said  :-X

You can be my 1st patient ;-)
Title: Re: Anyone here ever work as a valet?
Post by: calfzilla on March 25, 2014, 09:13:15 PM
You can be my 1st patient ;-)

Psychology is pointless as undergrad but ok for masters or phd as long as you plan on being a therapist doing private practice.