Whether it’s at an airport, hotel, event, or shopping centre, valet parking adds a touch of luxury and convenience. It’s often the first and last interaction a customer has with your business so the location of where you place your valet parking service is critical.

The two most essential locations to consider are where the valet parking service is located for your customers, and the other critical decision is where you choose to park the cars so you can offer your customers a seamless experience.

By carefully considering where to place your valet parking operation directly impacts success, and it’s something businesses can decide on – it is in your control!

In this article, we share the reasons why location decisions are so crucial:

Convenience for customers
One of the primary reasons people use valet services is convenience. If the valet station is placed too far from the main entrance or event venue, the benefit of having a valet service can quickly diminish. Customers expect to hand over their keys and step right into the establishment without much hassle. A well-placed valet station, close to the entrance and easily accessible, ensures customers can quickly and smoothly transition from their vehicle to their destination.

Location can dictate price and revenue
Like most things, customers won’t pay the price if the service is inferior. Valet parking in the exact right location provides a premium service and can charge a premium price. The right location immediately indicates to a customer whether they are willing to pay for this service.,

Enhancing the customer experience
Valet parking located in a visually appealing area, with clear signage and adequate lighting, immediately sets a positive tone. It’s often the first and last impression for a customer, so the best location that provides convenience is imperative for customer satisfaction. Some customers with high-end luxury cars even prefer to have their vehicles staged at the front of the venue for status and safety. They like to see their vehicle, knowing it is easy to view. This is another reason why location is important.

On the other hand, if the valet service is hidden or difficult to find, customers may feel confused or frustrated, which could negatively impact their overall experience with the business. They are unlikely to rate that service highly if they have to walk a distance.

Efficiency in car retrieval
Operationally, a well-positioned valet service allows for better coordination between the valet team and the venue and supports a seamless operation. If the valet service is too far from the entrance or parking area, it can lead to longer wait times for vehicle retrieval, especially during busy periods. The closer the valet desk is to both the parking lot and the main entrance, the faster and more efficiently the valet team can manage cars.

Is there a downside to this? Possibly. Sometimes customers can feel “ripped off” when their favourite parking spot is now taken by a valet operation that is now making money, and inconveniencing them! Or, worse still, if their usual spots are sitting empty and taken by the valet. Venues should acknowledge this and have a plan to ensure customers have favourable other options or are communicated to them. Some venues offer a complimentary valet to mature-aged customers or guests with disabilities.

When deciding on the location, a sensible transition is to initially take a small amount of car space with the ability to expand and contract quickly.

Maximising space
The valet parking location also directly affects how well a carpark is managed to maximise the space and revenue. The valet team can often park cars more efficiently than self-parking customers and use under-utilised parking areas. Ensure you start small with a plan to increase spaces easily and quickly. The last thing you want is for your customers to see empty spaces where they used to park. It will create animosity and deter them from using the valet service in the future.

Attracting more customers
Finally, the valet parking location can be a critical factor in attracting more customers. When people know they can arrive at a venue and have easy access to convenient parking, they’re more likely to choose that venue over competitors. Offering valet services in a prime location can be a huge advantage for businesses in busy urban areas or places with limited parking. The growing availability of valet parking in Australia is growing the demand for it. Don’t forget to invest in letting your customers and guests know about your service! Valet parking is becoming more common and expected of customers.

By carefully considering where to place a valet station, businesses can create a seamless experience for customers from when they arrive to when they leave. Ultimately, a strategic location enhances the overall customer experience and can set a business apart in a competitive market.

Contact us at First Class Valet to get started!