Valet service for restaurants and hotels
Run regular evening valet for restaurants, hotels and venues on a contract, with a team of attendants on set shifts.
- C$3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
An ongoing valet operation at one or more venues, covering busy evenings and weekends. You manage the stand, the staff schedule, key control and where cars are parked.
Your first three steps
- Scout busy restaurants and hotels in your area that lack parking and note how guests currently arrive
- Get quotes for garage liability insurance and ask what the insurer needs for contract work
- Prepare a one-page proposal with pricing, insurance details and a trial period, and pitch it to venue managers
Who pays
Restaurants, hotels, condo buildings, medical or office buildings and event venues that want to offer easy parking to customers.
How it makes money
A mix of a per-car fee paid by guests, an hourly fee paid by the venue, or a revenue share, depending on the contract. Tips may be part of staff pay.
Skills that help
- Managing and scheduling staff
- Negotiating contracts with venue owners
- Calm customer service at busy times
- Careful, safe driving
Watch out for
- Insurance that covers customers' cars in your care, and whether the venue requires you to name them on your policy
- Municipal permits for curbside stands, signage and use of street or lot space, which vary by city
- Employment rules for hiring drivers, including WCB or WSIB coverage and minimum wage, which differ by province
- Check whether tips are shared and how this affects pay and payroll rules
- Losing a contract can quickly cut revenue, so avoid relying on a single venue
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: valet service for restaurants and hotels
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a valet business in Canada?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the number of venues, equipment, signage and insurance you need. Treat this as a rough estimate and get quotes before committing.
How much can a valet business make?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on how many venues you hold contracts with and how many shifts you staff. Losing a contract can quickly cut revenue, so avoid relying on one venue.
What insurance and permits do I need for valet parking in Canada?
Check that your insurance covers customers' cars in your care and whether venues require you to be named on your policy. Also check municipal permits for curbside stands and signage, plus WCB or WSIB and minimum wage rules in your province.
Other ways to run this business
Similar transport ideas
Pre-booked airport transfers in your own car
Drive travellers between the airport and their home or hotel in a clean car or SUV, booked ahead at a fixed fare.
- C$3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Scooter rentals delivered to hotels and cottages
Run a small scooter fleet and drop it off at hotels, campgrounds and holiday rentals through local partnerships.
- C$4k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Upright piano moving with a small crew
Move upright and spinet pianos between homes, schools and churches using a van or rented truck, a piano dolly and a helper.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Light hauling and small moves with a van
Move furniture, appliances and bulky items for households and small businesses with a pickup or cargo van.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Coach ticket agent with a small counter
Sell intercity bus tickets from a small shop or kiosk and earn commission from the operators.
- C$3k-15k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Truck road test and refresher coaching
Coach new and returning truck drivers one-to-one for road tests, refreshers and air brake practice, using a rented or partner truck.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about