Advice - should I become a valet?

paul34 · 06-05-07, 09:26

What do you all think? I have a clean driving record, am 20 now, and my car is already a manual so that's not a problem. Oh, and would have no problems with a drug test or background check.

Anything I should know? I realize it will involve quite a bit of running, and that rain or shine I'll still have to run out there.

I'll have to practice my parking skills... I can park ok, but the only thing it takes me a while if there are cars on either side of me (I've always parked in the empty parts of parking lots and garages so I actually haven't had much practice in "regular" parking).

I've been looking for a job for a while now, but it seems no one wants to hire me (I've applied to several on campus jobs, even gotten an interview for one, applied for some transcription work, circuit city, best buy, staples. No one has called back... and no one responds when I call/e-mail). I'm trying to stay out of food service.

I figure being a valet is ok work, especially since depending on where you work, you can make some decent extra money from tips - decent for a college kid like me, anyway. It would justify the physical labor heh

The only time I valeted my car (had no choice!) dude ground first gear, stalled the car, then did like this really painful 3000 RPM launch off a steep hill (used it stop the car from rolling backwards, too... slipped it for a really long time!)

.

So if I do it, at least you all can rest assured there's at least ONE valet who won't glaze your clutch, instill swirls and scratches, or destroy your car

mikebai1990 · 06-06-07, 01:15

Hehe, it sounds like a great job to me, but I'm too young to pass any judgement and give you advice. What is the general pay/tips that you can get in one night? Also, (for my own knowledge), are you held accountable if somebody's car was scratched or damaged in any way?

I'd certainly love to have a valet job if I was comparing it to something like being a cashier or a food server and pay was about the same.

yakky · 06-06-07, 02:43

Well, depends on what you want the job for, if its for cash and driving some cool cars ocassionally, go for it. When I was back in college I worked at a dealership and a big part of the job was parking cars on a very tight lot when they came in. You pick up fast. However, unless you are really good at networking, this field won't get your foot into the door for anything else.

Joshua312 · 06-06-07, 02:50

I would suggest trying Job Search | one search. all jobs. Indeed or your colleges Career Link type website if they have one and look for an internship or part-time job in the field you are studying.

toyotaguy · 06-06-07, 05:10

here is what I would do with a valet job and knowing i do detailing....

get some business cards made up
park the car
upon returning the car to the owner, HAND him or her your card and just mention you do the detailing and would love to detail their car if they are interested

you will meet a lot of people who seem interested only to throw your car away, but every once in a while you will get one that will call you and take you up on the offer

Joshua312 · 06-06-07, 06:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by toyotaguy

get some business cards made up
park the car
upon returning the car to the owner, HAND him or her your card and just mention you do the detailing and would love to detail their car if they are interested

He may lose his job as well....I would definitely get permission before doing something like this