Tipping at Valet Parking at Cancer Centers

Would not have occurred to me to tip at a hospital (the one where I volunteer explicitly forbids it anywhere on the campus, but that seems a "given"). It's not like taking a date to dinner. Patients and visitors have enough issues.

I did a little research (should have done it before I posted) and I think I found my answer. 

The parking at the cancer center where I go is run by Healthcare Parking Systems.  In an interview with the president of the cancer center one of the valet supervisors for HealthCare Parking Systems was quoted as saying:

Healthcare Parking has two models for collecting revenue. The hospital can offer its patients and guests free valet parking, then pay the company on an hourly basis. If there is a charge for parking, Healthcare Parking pays the hospital back a percentage of the parking fee. Malatin said many hospitals have found parking can be a profit center for their operations.

My take is since the center offers "Free Valet Parking" they are paying Healthcare Parking Systems and the patient is not expected to tip.

Thoughts??

David

I generally follow the directions and don't tip if the sign says not to.
However, if the weather is nasty like heavy rain, snow, or extreme cold, I tip everyone. I'm sure it makes their day brighter. Usually $1.00. I also add in $1.00 for every inch of snow the person had to clean off my windshield and around the door. (That is my personal guideline.)

I am so glad you are willing to tip those folks working for minimum wage. I was a paper boy almost 50 years ago, I still remember getting a $5.00 tip from 1746 Duggan St. on a miserably cold, snowy, Sunday morning. That was a huge sum of money at the time - similar to $50 today - and it made a big impression on me.
Mrs McKeever* does not know it, but her single act of kindness changed me and my lifetime tipping habits. She helped more people than she ever imagined.

Jeff

*Name and address changed to protect privacy.

Ed,
Ha Ha. It used to be when you got prostate cancer, you were officially old but with the advent of PSA testing that is no longer true.

Thanks!!

David

I really am over the hill, then. I can now draw money from my 401K without a penalty. Ain't that great.

 

where i go at st francis in greenville, sc, tipping is prohibited, the valets have turned my tips down before.

I agree with Sonny.  Unless tipping is expressly forbidden then giving $2-$3 bucks seems like the reasonable thing to do.

Jim

Note from Mod: Member JNF posted this as a no-subject thread and probably intended to comment here. I can delete the stray thread if he wishes. He said...

I, too, was a paper boy and lived by the tips and Christmas money because I treated my customers like royality. Every paper was always in the door or a protected spot determined by the customer. I haven't taken a paper for nearly fifteen years because they just drop it at the curb.

I value great service and tip very well when the service merits...and I am calmly constructive with people when the service isn't what I expect. I rarely decline to tip regardless of the service, but always hand it to the person and point out the specific reasons for the small tip. I always try to hand all tips to the people and comment on the service.

For the valets try the tip if you think you should....worst that can happen is they give it back.
-----------------------------------------
PSA 59 on 8-26-2010 age 60. Biopsy 9-8-2010 12/12 positive, 20-80% involved, PNI in 3 cores, G 3+3,3+4,and 4+3=G7, T2b.
Eligard and Jalyn started on 10-7-2010. IMRT to prostate and lymph nodes started on 11-8-2010, HDR Brachytherapy December 6 and 13, 2010.
PSA < .1 and Testosterone less than 3 since February 2011

Sonny,
You and I think alike about this. (and many other subjects)
Seriously, how much difference is that $2 going to make to my life. Nothing. But it will make a difference to the hard working, minimum wage employee.
I also tip the housekeeping staff at hotels when the place is spotless. Sometimes I even write a thank you note!

Are you sitting down? 'Cause here's another secret confession. I like to shop at GoodWill (that's not the secret part). If I notice a family buying clothes for school and the kids are well behaved and they look like they're shopping there out of necessity rather than for sport, I..., I..., (please don't think less of me...) On the way out, I give the cashier some money anonymously to pay for their purchase. There! I said it! Charity without a receipt! What a concept!

Jeff

Thanks to old Mrs McKeever! (who was probably no more than 60.)

I always give $3 to the valet and $3 to the guy with the wheel chair, when necessary
to have one. Never been refused.

Bill

If they are not allowed to accept tips then I suggest you don't tip. They may get in trouble and you certainly would regret being a party to that.

But if they can accept tips, and many can, then it's in what your heart allows. Try to understand that they too have family and mouths to feed.

Funny question though. Living in Las Vegas, as service town, we are always tipping at valets, restaurants, hotels, shows, the airport, cabs, etc. I am so used to it that it just seems second nature to account for tipping. For official business, tipping is allowed and compensated back to me.

Tony

Haha.

Being in sales has it's advantages. I adhere to the 15-18% rule at the dinner table. If I valet it's a couple bucks. If I need to keep my truck "on the ready" I tip on the front end and they park it next to the Ferrari's and Lamborghini's up top in sight and ready for me to leave quickly. (That's just a "tip" for you Vegas visitors)...

Tony