Want to Boost Your Valet Business? Head to the Mall.

It’s no secret that old-school malls have been losing sales to online stores. But the good news, according to a new report from AT Kearney, is that the modern mall’s future looks bright!

Younger consumers seek experiences over products

Ski While You Shop

Cleveland Mall Photo by Ron Dauphin on Unsplash

Forward-thinking shopping centers are viewing retail spaces in a new way. According to a recent Forbes article, that means becoming a “Main Street” that focuses less on selling people products and more on engaging them with experiences that create a sense of community. So in addition to retail stores, modern malls are adding restaurants, theaters, event spaces, museum exhibitions, plus attractions like theme parks, skating, ski slopes, and water parks. Some current examples of this trend include the Minneapolis Mall of America and the American Dream Centers in New Jersey and Miami.

Curbside Service

To tempt visitors to leave home, and truly enjoy the modern mall experience, shopping centers are also removing one of the biggest annoyances of yesterday’s malls—having to park. And then schlepping all your purchases back to that spot you circled for 30 minutes to find, at the far end of lot. The solution is valet parking and curbside pickup.

The president and managing partner of The Forbes Company, which runs luxury shopping centers, believes curbside pickup will compliment shopping. In a CNBC interview he says, “They’ll come to the mall. They’ll buy their stuff. We’ll have it picked up.” Then, “we’ll have it available for you at the valet outside the shopping center at the curb when you’re ready to leave the shopping center.”

The Modern Valet Station

So if you own a parking service or valet company you’ll want to make sure your valet stations are stylish, modern, and versatile enough for the malls of the future. But don’t worry, The Valet Spot has a wide selection of valet stations and valet podiums that will help you take advantage of this lucrative shopping center trend.

Shop Valet Stations & Podiums

Find the perfect valet station or podium for your parking business.

Classic Podium

Classic Valet Podium features

The Classic Podium is sleek, modern, and simple enough to match any exterior. 

  • Scratch-resistant white finish
  • Rounded aluminum corners
  • Curved side panels

Custom Deluxe Podium

Custom Deluxe Valet Podium

The versatile Custom Deluxe Podium has customizable panels. Change them out to display a schedule of mall events, featured mall attractions and shopping services.

  • Countertop with brushed stainless steel trim
  • Electronic compatible
  • Tip box installed
  • Locking security bar

Why healthcare needs valet services more than ever

Volume to Value Healthcare

The healthcare industry is rapidly transitioning into value-based care (VBC) models that focus on outcomes rather than volume. More attention and budget are being spent on balanced care that treats and helps prevent illness while providing excellent patient experiences. In fact, in a Forbes article titled Top 8 Healthcare Predictions for 2019 the #1 prediction is that global healthcare spending on value-based models will increase by 5% in 2019.

Hospital front entrance

Modern Hospital(ity)

Thanks to Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) scores, healthcare professionals know exactly how to provide the best patient experiences. The assessments evaluate hospitals based on standardized criterion that include service quality, environment, communication, discharge information, and food services. By these standards, quality means addressing patient wants and needs in a timely manner with respect and dignity.

What are healthcare support services?

Healthcare facilities outsource to specialty providers who design and implement best-in-class hospitality inspired services. These specialty services are collectively known as healthcare support services. The category includes clinical services such as nutrition, music therapy, occupational therapy and laboratories. It also includes non-clinical services like back office, housekeeping, culinary, systems maintenance and transportation. That’s where you come in.

Valet Services & Patient Experience

Often the parking lot gives patients and their families their first impression of a healthcare facility. Working with the right parking services company helps any facility put their best foot forward. For hospitals it can also help ease patient stress. If you’ve ever driven an expectant mother in labor or a badly injured friend to the hospital, you know stress. Additionally, knowledgeable valet staff may direct patients to appropriate starting points or information kiosks, improving patient flow.

Valet healthcare support services

Valet Stations

Whether you work directly with a healthcare support services department or indirectly through a provider network, healthcare facilities need your valet services.

The Valet Spot’s extensive line of podiums and kiosks come in a variety sizes with customization options and accessories that let you match the branding and décor of any client. Designed with versatility in mind, our valet stations are equipped for both low and high-volume areas. Kiosk key boxes that can hold anywhere from 24 up to 400 key hooks.

Two Great Ways to Start

  1. Use our Designer Series Podium builder to mock up a customized podium for a proposal
  2. Give us a call at [Number] and we’ll work with you to build a custom valet station that’s perfect for any modern healthcare facility.

Valet Systems in Airports are Successful!

These valet services are already successful for a number of airports and airlines across the world. Travelers at O’Hare International Airport can get valet for a fee of $61, while Virgin Airlines in Australia is doing it at $63.  In Philadelphia, Pacifico Car dealerships has Pacifico Airport Valet, aiding patrons with parking issues and cross selling their auto servicing and detailing services at the same time. These services cater even more to travelers’ needs; they valet your car, service it, pick you up when you return and drop you off all for a nominal fee.

What about Airline Valet Systems?

Airlines can benefit by offering passengers the value of a valet service in a different manner. They can offer it complementary to business clients and premium airline mile-point holders.

Valet is a unique area that airlines can utilize to their benefit. Most travelers are looking for services that make their journeys easier. A private valet service gives their clients a personalized experience and keeps fliers coming back.

Making Valet Your Next Business!

Valet can be offered almost anywhere that a business operation permit can be obtained. Find equipment that works for your new business from The Valet Spot. The Valet Spot offers portable valet podiums and kiosks to help you get your business model off the ground. Additionally, you can find all the accessories you need to make sure your valet service thrives.

Do you want to stand out in the crowd?

A great valet company invests in a professional podium.

Options at The Valet Spot

The Professional Kiosk

Integrated LED option w/ rechargeable sealed battery
The Professional Valet Kiosk with LEDs

One of our most popular choices is the Professional Kiosk. This podium is perfect for high traffic areas, such as airports. This sleek podium was designed with a stainless steel front panel and a modern, curvy appearance.

The optional integrated LED kit lights the front panel of the kiosk and the kiosk’s working surface and storage area below. This LED feature helps with visibility at night which is important in an airport setting where travelers are coming and going at all hours of the day and night.

The professional kiosk is a smart choice for your new business because it includes:

  • 400 key capacity
  • Modern curved appearance with stainless steel accents
  • LED options
  • The kick plate conceals the casters from view making it look more permanent
  • 2 locking casters to help the podium stay in place

The Key Box Stand

Keybox with keypad and stand
Keybox with keypad and stand

Often, the parking staff is set up with a reception kiosk or has a built-in reception counter already. To get a valet service set up, all they require is the valet equipment. The Key Box stand is perfect for established teams who just need mobility and the locking key box to secure patron’s keys. The stand can hold up to two key boxes on the frame, enabling you to grow your stand as your business grows!

The Key Box model is the perfect option for a new or an established airport valet business. The capabilities of the Key Box stand include:

  • Easy to move
  • 100 key capacity
  • can add an additional keybox, to make 200 keyhooks
  • It has wheels

The Stainless Steel Podium

All Stainless Steel Valet Podium
Stainless Steel Valet Podium

Standing out is easy to do with the Stainless Steel podium! This podium catches your eye, looks elegant, and will provide a lifetime of valet professionalism. The entire structure is composed of stainless steel. Due to this model being top-quality, this podium is ideal for airports with harsher weather conditions such as heat, humidity, and/or coastal air.

This podium has the look of a permanent fixture with the ability to be mobile all wrapped into one top-of-the-line podium. The Stainless Steel Podium is a great option for airports with features such as:

  • Locking Casters – Easy to move
  • 50-200 key capacity
  • Large commanding presence
  • Stainless steel trim covering wheels
  • 2 Slam-action locks with 2 keys

Benefits of a Valet Service at airports

A valet service at your local airport will reduce pedestrian traffic and aide passengers who need the extra care and assistance. For example, the Ontario Airport saw a necessity to add an additional valet after seeing a 10% increase in volume. With this growth, they are expecting more passengers who see value in the benefits of the service.

“We work every day to establish new services and expand existing services that are popular with our airport customers,” Wapner said in a statement in April. “Demand for air travel at Ontario is jumping and, as a result, our customers expect services and amenities that increase the convenience factor of traveling through our airport.” -Alan Wapner, the President of the Ontario International Airport Authority.

The Ontario Airport has seen a rise in traffic over the summer. Additionally, they recently added a JetBlue contract with regular non-stop flights to New York. This is sure to add traffic as this was once the airline’s 6th most popular destination. Ontario, while nowhere near the busiest airport to use as an example, only validates that larger airports could see a greater need for a valet service.

The need for simplicity and convenience are crucial to travelers. With valet equipment available from The Valet Spot, you can offer a one-of-a-kind experience. Contact The Valet Spot at 877-959-6452 and work with us to design your airport business the way it should be.

4 Ways the Parking and Valet business can reach their Target Market

In a relatively short amount of time, businesses like Uber, Lyft, Bird Scooter and Lime Bike were able to meet the needs of the traveler who refused paying for parking and travelers who loathed the dreaded “find-a-parking-space” problem that comes with traveling into urban areas. Recently LA Times and San Diego Union Tribune published an article about the impact of Uber and Lyft on the parking industry with Ace Parking claiming a 5-50% reduction in parking. Despite their ups and downs, these businesses have still managed to create a new industry standard. These ride share apps and scooter options create a “easy transportation” which is disrupting the market and reducing the need for a parking spaces. These companies have successfully done this for some years now and more threats to the market are sure to come.

Now its time for the parking and valet business to reinvigorate the “car-come-and-go” or parking service industry.

This blog will offer some suggestions for how the valet and parking businesses can add value to a quickly evolving market. We hope this opens your mind to new ideas and will help you to attract local nearby drivers looking to park.

Add Extra Car Services

The services you add to your menu should lead a customer to park with you over Uber-ing, Lyft-ing, or parking with a direct competitor. Any services you chose should add incremental value. This would essentially be adding a benefit that would help your customer enjoy their parking experience even more. Some examples are:

  • Front Door Drop Off
  • VIP Services
  • Highlight the security of your parking location
  • Details and washes
  • Fluid Topping
  • Vacuuming
  • Rewards memberships
  • Offer flowers or chocolates as a service

As long as you are concentrating on value from the customer’s point of view, any benefit you provide can have a fee when it is valued enough. In reflecting on adding value, your goal is to brainstorm to make sure your services are as attractive as possible. Try to find ways to provide more with optional services and of course service fees. When everyone wants the additional service, you can add it to your standard fees.

Listening to client feedback is another way to add value to your services or strengthen the value of your service packages.

Customer feedback is essential because customers know what they want and tend to be in tune with what your competitors are doing. Also, when clients do not seem to recognize a value you provide, feel free to add operational changes to your staff’s routine.

For example, valet staff could ask if customers would like to know about additional services on a routine basis with all new clients. This can also be occasionally added into the conversational mix with regular patrons. Another example, “Hey Bill, welcome back, the other day you said your wife’s birthday is quickly approaching. I understand you are busy, would you like us to help by having a dozen roses ready in your car when you leave today?” This could be a great value of service to a busy person who already made a statement the day prior they are in the market for a gift and time is their other pain point. Listening is key, and clients want a relationship with their service providers, paying close attention to client needs can unlock more avenues for revenue with clients who already trust your service.

Partner with Non-Competing Businesses

If you partner with the right business at the right locations, you can create an experience that will add value for your customers and help to generate more revenue for you.

For example, if you partner with a local business, you can offer a promotion that combines the two services together for added convenience to your customers. Another example, you can provide jazz festival attendees who bought their tickets via the ticket company you partner 10% off valet services. This promotion can go for a night or for the length of time the jazz festival takes place. A promotion or on-going partnership like this can add revenue and visibility for both businesses.

Find Customers with Mobile Advertising

You can use location-based advertising via Google Nearby and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to access locals who might be seeking parking. With Google Nearby, you can craft a message about your parking service that will appear on a potential customer’s mobile device via a Google Nearby alert. A message like this can easily target people who are looking for your service, and added value will keep them as a customer.
(Bluetooth Low Energy) BLE requires mobile users to have their GPS on, and their Bluetooth enabled. You can offer a “free valet” option to attract nearby customers looking for parking. This may help to attract a market share from Uber or Lyft, because the younger market are constantly looking at their phones, you may be able to get their attention.

Study The Competition

By studying other ideas that have suddenly gotten attention, you can learn about some ideas or processes that may work for your business. Let’s look at the startup company StearClear as an example.

SteerClear’s goal was to provide a ride home for you and your car when you are too intoxicated to drive home. However, this simple idea was not enough to sustain the life of the business. Although the business was featured in publications like Entrepreneur and Tech Crunch, it only reached 1.1 million dollars in investments (according to CrunchBase). Nowadays, the company’s website is defunct and going to Stearclear.com redirects to a case study about the former business.

While StearClear can be studied as a failed attempt within the startup community, it does reveal a possible pain point for a parking and valet company to take on as an opportunity. The SteerClear app page still gets comments that the service is not available in their area.

How will you deal with customers that parked with you but become too intoxicated to drive home?

Aiding the customer who is “prepared to drive, yet unfit or unable to drive home” can be a area of service only you can fill. After all, who wants to Uber away from their car just to come back and drive it home the next morning? Providing flexible options for your customer is ideal to adding value. Also, offering a service like this that looks out for a customer’s well being and keeping the roads safe is an ethical business move on your part.

Therefore, one may conclude that adding a “SteerClear” type service to your valet and parking business could be your parking business’s new revenue model, but hopefully we just have more responsible drivers.

We hope you have enjoyed reading about some ways the parking and valet business can add value and stand out among the competition. The key is to study the customers, listen to their needs. Try to view the service as a relationship and come up with creative ways to keep them coming back to your business while at the same time seeking ways to attract new business. Good luck with your marketing endeavors!

Why Valet Parking Increases Restaurant Revenue

Restaurant Valet Parking Increases Revenue

They have become a common sight in most large city’s, valets waiting outside restaurants ready to relieve you of your car, and that annoying problem of finding a parking space. There is a reason for this, not only does it attract more customers, valet parking increases restaurant revenue in several ways.

As more and more restaurants continue to open in busy city centers and downtown areas parking is getting harder and harder to come by in many metropolises and small towns alike. Many restaurant owners overlook figuring out a parking solution when providing sufficient parking, especially during the peak seasons may be their key to success. This is why a growing number of restaurants, bars and retail stores are now offering guests valet parking.

Keep Regulars Consistently Coming Back

Parking is sometimes a major issue depending on where you’re located. If your restaurant is snugly situated downtown customers have to drive specifically to your restaurant or bar to eat. Not knowing if they’ll be able to find a parking space will seriously deter many potential customers, especially regulars. It’s important to ensure that regulars and newcomers will all have a place to park even when it’s the busiest time of the year.

Why Its Time to Valet

When you’re applying for a permit with the city but can’t afford (or find) a nearby lot to purchase or rent, you may feel dead on arrival. Thriving cities are simply running out of parking spots and developments where parking is feasible. Even if you’re planning on providing parking spots the block surrounding your restaurant may already be full.

One way to circumvent this issue is to purchase a valet podium and start your own valet service or hire a valet company to handle it for you. It’s an investment, but the promise of carefree parking will bring in enough additional business to pay off the investment in full. In fact, if you add your own valet service it actually creates an additional source of revenue.

Demand-Based Parking Pricing is Increasing the Use of Valet Service

Demand Based Parking

Demand-based parking is a relatively new concept that is currently only being used in San Francisco but due to parking congestion, large cities nationwide will likely soon be creating their own versions of demand-based parking.

With this system, meter rates go up or down based on demand, which encourages faster turnover on overly crowded (more expensive) blocks and increased use of underutilized parking (where the fee is cheaper). According to the MTA, San Francisco is the first in the U.S. to implement such a program citywide but more are soon to follow.

Meter pricing is currently a minimum of 50 cents per hour and a maximum of $8 per hour. Rates are set block by block and rates change throughout the day to reflect peak hours and off hours. Beginning in January 2018, the city will start adjusting those rates every three months. If a block is consistently at 80 percent or more occupancy, the hourly rate will go up 25 cents. If it’s at 60 to 80 percent occupancy, the rate will stay the same. Below 60 percent, the price drops by 25 cents.

When the city implemented these new rates on the public parking lots and garages private parking lots throughout San Francisco also increased their rates. If you review rates on BestParking.com the average daily parking rate is now almost $30.

The fact is consumers are now taking the cost of parking into account when deciding to go to a restaurant, a movie or pretty much any other activity that involves them having to drive somewhere and park their car.

Savvy business owners have realized this and are implementing ways to offer free parking to their customers. This is usually done in three ways.

  1. Create Your Own Valet Parking Service – ACTUALLY GENERATES ADDITIONAL REVENUE
  2. Hire a Valet Parking Service – Not as much of an initial cost but still an ongoing expense
  3. Validating Parking – this is usually the most costly option

If you are looking to start your own valet service we recommend taking a look at our full line of valet podiums and other parking equipment.

Increase Car Wash Revenue with Valet Service

 

Car Wash Valet

Have you ever thought about offering valet service at your car wash or auto spa? Customers have less and less patience these days and they also expect a level of service that not only meets but exceeds their highest expectations. The fact is every car wash and auto spa no matter the location can benefit from offering valet service, here are a few reasons why.

1. Attract More Customers with Convenience

Every car wash wants to increase their daily revenue any way possible. Sometimes this is easier said than done, especially when you are an established car wash that already has the majority of the local business. Rather than offering sales and running costly promotions, focus on making it more convenient for people visiting businesses around you to drop off their car at your car washed valet service to get it washed while running their errands rather than paying for parking. This will not only attract new business but increase the frequency of regular customers coming in.

2. Decrease Wait Times

As stated previously many customers simply will leave and go to another car wash if there is a long wait time. Having valet attendants greeting customers as soon as they pull into your parking lot prevents this from happening. It also provides a level of service that most car washes and auto spas do not offer which will keep your customers coming back.

3. Upsell Additional Services

At a traditional car wash, most customers will choose the standard wash if they are driving up to a machine and making the selection on their own. Most auto spas have an attendant that asks what service you would like and explains the benefits of each. Customers will almost always choose additional services like waxing, leather conditioning and tire dressing if they are offered the service when it’s needed and have the benefits of that service explained to them. Having valet service at your car wash created the opportunity to upsell customers as soon as they pull into the drive.

A Guide to Selecting the Proper Valet Equipment for Your Business

All of us in the valet parking industry know that selecting the right valet equipment and parking accessories for an event isn’t the easiest task. Every event has different variables to consider. How many vehicles will need to be parked? How many guests will be in each vehicle? What amount of parking space is available at the venue? Where will the valet podium be located? Will directional parking signs be necessary? These are just a few of the things that have to be considered for every single event. Fortunately, with proper planning, the valet parking operation should run as smooth as the exquisite machines it parks. Here are some tips on selecting the right equipment for the occasion from the leading supplier of valet equipment.

1. Select a Podium that Compliments the LocationPortable podium at Wedding

By saying “select a podium that compliments the location” we aren’t only referring to the look. Actually, we are primarily referring to the functionality.

For example, if you are hosting a wedding and the venue happens to be somewhere that has loose gravel or even grass for the parking area it would be wise to bring a collapsible podium that is easily transported without having to be rolled across rough terrain. Sometimes a rolling podium is not ideal for the situation. In this scenario, a valet parking stand with a key box might be a good option for smaller parties.

2. Be Prepared to Direct Traffic

Sometimes getting people to drop off their cars at the proper location is easier said than done. Keeping people that are not taking advantage of the valet service from using parking spaces that are reserved for the valet operation can be even harder. This is where having the proper type and quantity if valet parking signs come into play. One example that always comes too mind is casinos. Think about the last casino you went to, how easy was it to find the valet service? Almost every casino has tons of parking signs directing you straight to the casino valet stand.

3. Attract the Right Amount of AttentionProfessional Kiosk in front of hotel

Now we are referring to the looks of the podium. There’s nothing worse than seeing an old shabby valet parking podium in front of a classy establishment. It immediately makes you reconsider going inside, first impressions are everything. At the same time, you don’t want a parking stand or podium that resembles a flashing billboard with advertising all over the place or an extensive use of LEDs. The goal is to attract attention in an elegant way that compliments the businesses valet service. A restaurant might think about a portable Custom Deluxe Podium that can match almost any decor whereas a hotel usually is better off going with a hotel kiosk or hotel greeting station looking podium like the Professional Kiosk.

Hotels, Resorts & Casinos are Adding or Hiring Valet Parking Operations Nationwide

Courtyard Marriott Hotel Parking Valet Service

Large hotel chains like Marriott, Hilton, and Wyndham as well as small hotel groups across the nation are either starting their own valet operations or hiring a parking management company to manage the valet service for them. The reason for this is simple, most hotels these days are dealing with a lack of parking space and are simply not staffed for parking large amounts of vehicles.

If you go any popular travel site that allows customers to rate the hotel they stayed at you will see hundreds of comments stating parking was an issue. Here are a few comments regarding hotel parking from TripAdvisor.com.

Saso G.

Simple, old, but clean

“The hotel is in nice location, owners are slowly investing in it, but the rooms are still in the 70s style. Rooms are clean and nice size. Staff is unfriendly. Problems with parking during the weekends when people are coming to the camp next to the hotel.”

Nancy C.

great hotel stay but has parking issues

“Stayed for a meeting overnight & enjoyed my stay. Food & facilities are excellent and commendable staff. Asked front desk staff about not being able to get parking again & was told that they had a big event. I have been to this hotel 3 times before & didn’t have any parking slot available. It was good that the assistant manager welcomed me for my stay & was able to solve this parking issue.”

London L.
Problems with car parking

“Have stayed at this hotel numerous times. Nice room generally although room 101 was both too warm and noisy if windows are open. Negatives this time:
It states that parking is available but we were driving around for 25 minutes trying to park at around 8.30pm, in the end squeezing into a tiny spot that wasn’t actually a parking place. When mentioned to reception the response was “well we host quite a few functions so sorry for that”. Ok you might think but after a long drive the last thing I expected was a stressful drive around looking for parking, along with another visitor. Also was given a bill £16 more than was quoted, this was refunded after showing documentation of the initial price.  Nice hotel overall but customer service possibly needs a more proactive approach.”

Marriott Hotel Parking Valet ServiceYou can see there is a clear correlation between hotel parking management and a positive hotel experience.  In fact, most of the comments you will find that mention parking being an issue at the hotel or resort they stayed at usually have nothing but nothing but positive things to say about the business other than the parking but that still doesn’t necessarily make them leave a good star rating. This is why every hotel, resort, and casino should take into account the effects a lack of parking has on their establishment.

The Valet Spot carries a full line of valet parking equipment designed to meet the needs of any business looking to add valet service. Shop our entire line of valet podiums, parking signs, and other valet parking equipment with the best warranty in the parking industry.

The Most Versatile Podium on the Market – The Custom Deluxe Valet Podium

We are excited to announce a product we’ve been designing over the past year has come to fruition. the brand new Custom Deluxe podium was designed for individuals looking for a truly one of a kind valet podium that matches a specific decor without having the cost of a custom built valet podium.

When we originally presented this idea to our design team they had some serious doubts. It’s not an easy task to create a custom podium to match any decor and keeping the price point down seemed nearly impossible. However, our design team came up with a solution after coming across a company by the name of Wilson Arts.

By offering hundreds of laminate options, adding the ability to brand the podium panels with custom artwork or graphics and making the panels interchangeable so they easily slip in and out (just like a picture into a picture frame) we achieved our goal.

Custom Deluxe Podium with Rediscovered Oak Laminate

This allows customers to achieve any look they might be going for, ranging from a rustic winery to a Hollywood red carpet event or a Las Vegas nightclub that wants to promote various shows. The possibilities are literally almost endless!

Custom Deluxe Podium with Black Acrylic Panels & LEDs

The Custom Deluxe podium is elegant enough to match the decor of any high-end establishment. It is the perfect valet podium for any business that is looking for a podium that stands out because of its craftsmanship.

There is also an optional LED kit on the Custom Deluxe podium which makes the panels glow if you choose colored acrylic or provides ambient backlighting if you choose to go with black acrylic or laminate panels. The LED kit also comes with a remote operated controller which has multiple speed, brightness, and color settings. The included 8 colors options are: cyan, purple, white, orange, yellow, green, blue, and red.

If you are looking for a custom podium without the price of one the Custom Deluxe podium is exactly what you’ve been looking for. Try building your own custom podium using our online builder today to get a better idea of how many options are available.