Restaurant and hotel valet parking contracts

Restaurant and hotel owners, property managers, medical offices and building owners who want to offer parking to their customers.

Either a management fee or hourly staffing fee paid by the venue, or a per-car fee charged to drivers, with the split agreed in your contract. Tips usually go to the attendants.

• Scheduling and managing staff
• Calm customer service at busy times
• Negotiating contracts with business owners

• Garage keepers legal liability insurance plus general liability, and workers' compensation once you hire
• Check with your city or county about valet permits, curb use and any required traffic plan
• Contracts that clearly say who pays for damage, lost keys and slow nights
• Employee rules for scheduling, overtime and tip handling, so check your state labor department
• Income depends on a few clients, so losing one contract can hurt

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on equipment, insurance and how many attendants you staff. These are estimates, so get quotes for insurance and supplies before you pitch your first restaurant or hotel.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many contracts you hold and the hours you cover. Income can rely on a few clients, so losing one contract could noticeably affect your earnings.

Check garage keepers legal liability insurance plus general liability, and workers' compensation once you hire. Ask your city or county about valet permits, curb use and any traffic plan, and check your state labor department on overtime and tip handling.