Starting Valet co at our new nightclub, need advice please

**patrickgarrity1** · 06-30-2009 10:12 AM

Hi everyone,

I am the general manager at a new nightclub that is opening up in August. We are making all cars valet and are doing it for free. The reason is because the parking situation requires a small walk, under a bridge, and it can be a little shady and there is potential for parking lot fights, ect. So to simplify and make everything safe. We are doing mandatory valet, but it will be free.

I was thinking of getting the necessary equipment and hiring valet attendents. I was thinking to have each valet pay the club a small house fee for working the shift and then they obviously keep 100% of their tips. Since the valet is free, they will most likely be tipped well. this club is a monopoly in my area and will be a busy place.

Do you think this will work and how much would I make the valet attendents pay? any advice is appreciated!!!!

**Ergo1** · 06-30-2009 12:06 PM

I personally think that is a great idea, especially for a night club. Unfortunately you are going to need to do a little research in your own specific situation to understand how much money the valets can make on average during a night. My guess is that certain nights, specifically the weekends, will be much more lucrative for the valets and thus it would make sense for them to pay a larger fee for those shifts.

You have to also ensure that people know to tip even though you are advertising free valet service. That may be a conflicting idea for some people. Anyway, good luck with the club!

**2gould** · 07-01-2009 12:35 PM

I don't know where you are located, but you need to make sure you are in compliance with Federal and State wage laws. While your idea for payment may seem reasonable to you, you must make sure its legal. Just my two cents and best of luck.

**PsiPro** · 07-01-2009 04:00 PM

Originally Posted by 2gould

I don't know where you are located, but you need to make sure you are in compliance with Federal and State wage laws. While your idea for payment may seem reasonable to you, you must make sure its legal. Just my two cents and best of luck.

That would be my primary concern. Also remember a unpaid valet will be more likely to slip a quarter or two out of cars, and that will reflect on your business.

It would probably be worth it to make the stink about it at the chamber of commerce and get some political sway behind making the walk safer.

**cdezzz** · 07-02-2009 02:24 PM

another concern to check into the is insurance aspect of it. they will have certain requirements for the drivers and it also wouldn't hurt to do a full background check on all of the prospective employees.