Did you ever wonder about the history of Valet Parking?

By David McClelland

 

We are frequently in need of a parking space, but have neither the time nor the patience to look for one near our destination, especially if we are running late. Valet parking is the quick and easy solution when it is available. And, it is becoming increasingly available.

 

St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital (SJMO), where my wife and I volunteer, has a huge, six-level parking structure where the lower five levels are covered, and it is FREE. They also have Valet parking for $4. Valet is provided by Universal Parking, headquartered in Farmington Hills. Universal offers valet services across the country on a contract basis for organizations in need of such services as well as for special events. I work with Universal's Colin Ford, Account Manager, who works at and manages the valets at SJMO. Colin and I wondered about the history of valet parking.

 

In the middle ages, the valet de chamber to a ruler was a prestigious appointment for young men. In England, the valet, "as personal man servant" is recorded since 1567.

 

Valet parking is said to have begun in this country in the 1930's in big cities like New York, Chicago and San Francisco, where city parking spaces were scarce. Not only is it handy to be able to drop your vehicle at the curb upon entry, but it is also a convenience to have your vehicle delivered to you when you are ready to leave.

 TV loves to do stories on valet parking. They did one in Los Angeles on a TV actor, Anna Garcia, who put on a black vest & tie and set up a Valet desk near Beverly Center, (a large mall in Beverly Hills, California, owned by The Taubman Company of Bloomfield Hill) and the small print on her sign said she wasn't really a valet and that this was a stunt to point out that there are few rules governing valets and even fewer customer protections. Her warning that didn't stop dozens of people from throwing their car keys at her the first day.

 It is considered a measure of the quality of the valet company if it is a member of the National Valet Parking Association (NVPA). Those that are, display the NVPA sign. Having  NVPA membership increases the company's visibility and its reputation by showing that they meet the Association's high standards.

 It is axiomatic that, if all valets were trustworthy, there wouldn't be a need for the Valet Key provided by automobile manufacturers. The Valet Key denies access to the glove box and trunk of its vehicles. You should use the Valet Key when turning your vehicle over to any valet.

 If your organization is considering offering valet services, you should check to see if the applicants are NVPA members and if they are insured such that any damage to vehicles     parked by said valet will be covered. Then, require annual proof of insurance. These precautions will save you headaches in the future.