The tradition of offering a hand to a lady when exiting and entering a vehicle dates back to the days of knights and damsels in distress. It was a matter of treating a lady (often of noble blood) with the care and respect owing her, and of course, ensuring her lavish and lengthy gowns didn’t cause a swift and unfortunate fall to the ground. In those days,a hand was often offered not just as a sign of courtesy, but to ensure a safe and graceful passage. Due to its origins, offering a hand to a lady has become synonymous with chivalry and etiquette. Now lady’s attire may have changed, but the respect and care shown to a lady has not…at least not at Gatsby Valet.

So gentlemen, please take note and ladies rest easy.  This is how you offer a hand to a lady – according to the pros – your ever attentive valets.

How to offer a hand when exiting the vehicle:

The door:

This may sound like a no brainer, but you would be surprised to see how many men open a door and then stand directly in front of the passenger, baring all exits. As simple as it may sound, do the following. Open the door as wide as possible. Let your right hand remain on the upper edge of the car door. Extend your opposite arm and hand down towards the lady. It will look as if you are bowing, ever so slightly, in anticipation of her arrival.

The hand:

Be sure your hand is turned so that your palm is up, outstretched and ready to receive her hand. Let the amount of pressure she places in your hand be your guide, as you steady her steps out of the car.

The follow through:

Remain with her hand in yours as she takes her first two or three steps,  just to ensure she has her footing. Venues go to great lengths to ensure red carpets and a smooth entrance, but one can never be too sure. A little pebble, snag on a dress or a twist of the heel could prove disastrous.

How to offer a hand when entering the vehicle:

The door:

Open the door as wide as possible and stand parallel to the outside of the car door, once again with your right hand resting on the top edge of the car door.

The hand:

Offer an outstretched palm to the lady and allow her to walk with her hand atop yours until she reaches the door entrance. Stand steady now facing the entrance to the passenger side and allow her to leverage her weight as she lowers herself on to her seat.

The follow through:

Before closing the door and wishing the lady a lovely evening, ensure that all feet, fingers, hems, purses, etc are well within the vehicle. You may even want to ask her if she is ready to go, or look for eye contact to ensure that she is aware that you are closing the door before closing the door, gingerly.

Interested in having our trained valet parking staff wow each and every guest at your next event? Contact us today for a no obligation quotation. 

Have you ever wondered how the valet Industry started? Though it may be difficult to say when the first stable boy parked his first carriage, there is certainly a man who made valet service what it is today.  The smiles, the fashion, the manners – we owe it all to the Father of Valet Parking, Mr. Herb Citrin.

Starting in Los Angeles California in 1946, Citrin has made countless contributions to the valet industry. Here are the top 3 Citrin standards that valets still hold near and dear today.

The fashion of a valet:

Valet was not a new idea when Citrin hit the scene in 1946. In fact, Citrin’s father was also in the parking business and parked his first car when he was 16. That being said, it was Citrin’s respect for the profession, and especially for the clients, that caused him to clean up the fashion (which consisted of dirty white shirts and a lack of manners to boot) and set valet uniform standards in place.  Citrin introduced the “military uniform style”, complete with white shirts, ties, and gloves.

The “military uniform style” has become an industry standard, and one that the gentlemen at Gatsby Valet have wholeheartedly embraced.

The touch of a valet:

As stated in The Lexus ES Insider’s Guide to Parking, when asked “What makes a great valet?”Citrin stated, “Enthusiasm, grace under pressure and attention to detail.” At Gatsby Valet, we hold strong to Citrin’s principles, and only hire the most enthusiastic valets who have a desire to serve, are always perfect gentlemen(no matter the situation) and strive to seek out every detail necessary to ensure our clients are completely catered to.

The pledge of a valet: 

Citrin started his first valet operation in 1946 outside of Lawry’s The Prime Rib on La Cienga Boulevard, Los Angeles California with only 3 employees and this simple idea: “You give us your car. We get it back to you safely.”  Sounds simple enough, but Citrin’s vision for his company, Parking Valet Service, would not only see the birth of an American valet empire, but set the standard for all valets for years to come. Sure, Gatsby has added their own personal touch of chivalry to Citrin’s motto, but the fact remains the same: we are pleased to serve you, and we will not let you down.

To check out Lexus’ interview with Herb Citrin, check out http://www.lexus.com/valet/ES_Valet_Guide.pdf

Maybe you’re a first time valet service user, or maybe it’s your first time owning your own shiny new vehicle, whatever the reason may be, using a valet service sometimes stirs up the most irrational fears in clients.  We are here to debunk and lay to rest some of the most common anxieties when it comes to leaving your vehicle in the hands of a valet attendant.

The Joyride

In a recent poll done by Lexus, 64% of Americans fear that their high-end cars may fall victim to the dreaded valet Joyride. Now maybe that’s just an American fear that has yet to make its way across the border, or maybe it’s a result of watching Ferris Bueller’s Day Off one too many times, regardless of the reason, we are here to reassure you that there is no way a valet driver is going to risk taking any car out for a joyride – no matter how fine that vehicle may be.

Now, there are many legal reasons that keep valet attendants from making such a grave error, but at the end of the day it is a matter of honour, respect and integrity. It is their pleasure to serve you with honour, respect and integrity and to treat your vehicle accordingly. It is a thrill to park the most high-end vehicles, there’s no doubt about that, but when it comes to joyriding, although fun and the stuff that Hollywood scenes are made of, the notion negates those 3 simple principles – especially when it’s the client’s car.

Damage or Theft

Second to the fear of taking your beloved vehicle for a joyride, many people fear that their vehicles will come back damaged or fall victim to petty theft. First of all you should feel reassured by this one fact: the valet attendant drives vehicles for a living. Are you nervous that a chef will give you food poisoning? Are you worried that your dentist is going to crack a tooth while filling a cavity? Are you worried your doctor is going to remove a kidney when you go in for your yearly physical? No! Why? You trust the experts. Well you should trust your valet driver in a similar way. No driver wants to get in an accident, and absolutely no driver wants to be accused of petty theft. Take these two simple pieces of advice into consideration. 1. In the unfortunate and unlikely event of an accident, valet companies have insurance that covers any damage done to your vehicle while in the hands of a valet driver.  2. In the words of the Lexus ES Insider’s Guide to Valet Parking, “Stash your cash and other flash”. Your valet attendants are not a threat, but anything that is flashy or expensive could draw unwanted attention to your vehicle. Why risk unwanted attention? Just stash it.

Judging your jalopy

Although valet attendants do tend to appreciate the beauty of a fine vehicle, contrary to popular belief, we do not disrespect a vehicle that has a few miles on it. If you are feeling nervous about your vehicle’s appearance (both interior and exterior), don’t be. There are some quick and easy ways to spruce up your vehicle before it makes its debut in front of us, and more importantly, the guests at any event. Consider taking your vehicle to a car wash and give it the deluxe treatment. A Wash, a wax, and a vacuum are all great ways to rejuvenate your vehicle. And finally, nothing says I care about my vehicle more than that new car smell. Spray your car or heck, get a little old school and buy yourself one of those old hanging air fresheners (we weren’t kidding when we said Spruce…), just be sure to remove it before the event. Follow these simple rules and you and your vehicle will feel as good as new.

Have any other fears or anxieties around valet service? Contact us and let us talk you through the Gatsby Valet Service experience.

For more Valet Parking Insider Information from Lexus, check out their guide: http://www.lexus.com/valet/ES_Valet_Guide.pdf

At Gatsby Valet, we often talk about giving our clients the royal treatment, and on March 7^th we had the pleasure of serving, two Canadian stem cell celebrities, Dr. James Till and Dr. Ernest McCulloch, who discovered the stem cell!

We were thrilled to be part of the exclusive Renew the World Gala, that took place on March 7^th 2012 at Mid-Town Mercedes benz in Toronto, as they celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the discovery of stem cells by Canadian scientists, Dr. James Till and Dr. Ernest McCulloch. This gala is monumental, not only because it honours the gold anniversary of this life altering discovery and medical milestone, but the gala will also mark the official launch of the Canadian Stem Cell Foundation.  This new foundation will continue to breed the innovation and accomplishments that have been changing the way we use stem cells worldwide. It will also champion the current and future research, and speed along the use of valuable clinical trials and stem cell therapies.

Gatsby Valet was on on hand providing valet parking service to each of the 500 VIP guests including Canada’s most significant business leaders, humanitarians, members of government and an unparalleled array of leaders from the fields of science, arts, sport, entertainment, and media. “I can’t think of a more fitting Gala to kick off a season dedicated to rebirth and growth,” stated Daniel Grima, Vice President of Gatsby Valet. “Gatsby is honoured to be in the service of stem cell celebrities, as well as all of the stars and humanitarians who will be celebrating the innovation and talent that makes Canada such an outstanding country.”

Is Gatsby Valet the finishing touch for your high-end event? Contact us today to discuss your personalized quote.

Ever wonder why ties are such a staple in a gentleman’s wardrobe? Why a red tie means power, why a black tie can connote an event of the highest dress code, and why maybe a cartoon tie should never enter your wardrobe? Why does something we hang around our neck mean anything anyway?

The necktie has quite the history. Did you know that a version of the standard necktie has been around since 221 BC? That’s right when they unearthed China’s first Emperor, Shih Huang Ti and his “terracotta warriors,” each replica was wearing an early form of a necktie. The neckerchief was also popular in the roman era, so that orators could protect their most precious gift, their voice.

Our North American necktie harkens back to the French word “La carvate”, a fashion that the French borrowed from Croatian soldiers in1650 and popularized as a fashionable accessory during the rule of King Louis XIV. The cravate’s popularity spread throughout the ages, inspiring duels (it was a disgrace to touch another man’s necktie), literature (the creation of book Neckclothitania which gave instructions for 14 different ways to tie a tie), and of course in 1936 The Duke of Windsor invented the Windsor knot.

From Chinese emperors to British royalty to the “Mad Men” generation, ties have always represented honour, duty and respect in one form or another. At Gatsby Valet we are proud to wear our black ties as a way to honour your high-end event and demonstrate our genuine desire to serve you. We are proud to continue to carry on the tradition of a gentleman that has been passed down since the beginning of time.

Want to know more about our Gatsby Valet services? Contact us today.

So you were thinking of hiring a valet company for your next event and when you finally received a quote you were astonished by the cost.  Why is the quote so expensive? Good question. In these tough economic times, when you really have to justify every expense, especially in a corporate environment, it is crucial to know what you are paying for and why. At Gatsby Valet, we promise to give you a fair and competitive quote, but there are certain costs that even we can’t avoid. To ensure you understand the base cost of your quote, we are here to give you the inside scoop on the common and unavoidable costs associated with a valet service – and why those costs occur.

The Cost of Liability

A reputable valet company should be insured for a minimum of $10 million dollars. This level of insurance is necessary to guarantee you the host/organizer will not get sued in the event of a serious accident with a valet company not adequately covered.  The valet company is liable for each vehicle that they park. If something were to happen to a vehicle under the valet company’s watch, the valet company’s deductible could range anywhere from $5k to $15K, depending on the companies size.  Therefore the valet company has to charge a premium for the amount of vehicles they are handling per event.  The more vehicles the valet has to manage during the event, the higher the risk.

The premium may also increase due to the risk associated with the location of the event. Downtown locations offer a series of challenges, including exposure to other drivers and a greater distance between the event and the parking area. The type of parking lot may also affect the premium, as underground parking offers a different set of challenges than outdoor parking.

Good People are Hard to Find

Unlike a product based business, where units can be mass produced, purchased at a fraction of the retail price and sold at a discounted rate, a valet business runs on the quality and retention of expertly trained staff.  Our staff truly is our prized commodity. At Gatsby Valet we have over 200 experienced employees. Each employee can be seen as an investment in quality service, as all of our employees undergo recruitment, screening, and training before they ever work their first function. Gatsby Valet must incur the training costs of all of the above, without guaranteeing that this employee will work an event. This management style is necessary to ensure that all of our staff are meeting our company standard before having the pleasure of meeting you or your clients. Once the employee has worked their first shift, we must retain their services and ensure they are receiving all of the benefits guaranteed to workers in Canada. It really is true that good people are hard to find, but at Gatsby we find the best and spend the time it takes to make them even better.   

Valet Service is a Luxury Good

Valet service is not for everyone. Having a valet service at your event is a sign of opulence, of class, and generosity. It is a luxury commodity that brings your event or corporate function from the status of a standard function to a high-end event. There is no doubt that it is a niche market, and as such the demand for valet service is only reflected in a minority of the population, which means a valet company must maintain a low volume high margin business model. This is a standard business model for the production and sale of luxury goods. You want the best, and the very best has a cost.

Want to know more about Gatsby Valet? Click the request a quote link to recieve a no obligation quote for valet parking service at your next event.

 Although Gatsby Valet has been hustling and bustling, bringing our unique service and style to holiday parties for corporate and private events alike, we also have our eyes firmly set on the New Year. Gatsby Valet is honoured to be amongst the outstanding exhibiters at The Wedding Co. Show’s annual event taking place January 13-15, 2012 at the Carlu in Toronto, Ontario. Each year, The Wedding Co. Show hand picks Toronto’s finest industry vendors to exhibit at this prestigious three day event. 2012 marks Gatsby Valet’s fourth year of involvement with The Wedding Co. Show and we couldn’t be more thrilled.

“We see our annual involvement with The Wedding Co. Show as a natural fit,” said Gatsby Valet’s Vice President, Daniel Grima. “No matter how unique the bride, one thing remains constant – the simple fact that each bride deserves to be treated like royalty on her special day. It seems fitting that a company like Gatsby Valet, that is dedicated to the tradition of chivalry and class, would be present at an event dedicated to showcasing the best and brightest innovations in this time honoured tradition.”

Come down and see what Gatsby Valet and The Wedding Co. Show have to offer your wedding. Tickets are available online at http://www.theweddingco.com/2011/12/the-wedding-co-show-jan-13-15-2012/

Whether you experience a valet service at a restaurant, a hotel, or a private event there is a tip etiquette that is assumed.  Just as we all know that it is standard to tip a waiter/waitress no less than 15% at a restaurant, there are standards for tipping your valet attendant as well.  As valet service is a niche market, many people are not aware of the tipping standard; therefore, we have come up with a couple basic guidelines for tipping etiquette, so that you will know exactly how to show your gratitude after receiving the royal treatment.

How much to tip your valet attendant?

Just as there is a standard when it comes to tipping restaurant or a bar service staff, there is a similar standard when tipping a valet attendant. The standard is not well known. We have had some valet attendants who have received absolutely no tips within an evening, while others have been fortunate enough to receive $100 dollar tips. Though it is always good to tip anyone who is serving you, the standards are far less extreme or varied as you might think. It is best to follow these simple guidelines. If the service is free, the average tip is $5. The average tip drops to $2 if you have paid for your valet service. Of course, you are more than welcome to tip a particular valet attendant more than the standard, but it is certainly not expected.  

When to tip your valet attendant?

While tipping is certainly up to your discretion, it is best to tip your valet at the beginning of any given function. There are a couple reasons why we suggest this approach. First of all, it rewards the valet attendant and demonstrates your appreciation of their courteous manner and attentive nature.  It is also more likely that you will tip according to the standard and not over or under-appreciate the valet’s service. Secondly, you may in fact be served by more than one valet attendant throughout the course of the event. The attendant who parked your vehicle may not be the attendant who returns your vehicle to you. It would be a shame to not reward the manners and performance of the valet attendant who greeted you and parked your vehicle. In the case that you are served by two different attendants, it is common practice to tip both attendants.

I am the host, how do I set a tip free environment for my guests?

As an event organizer, you may set your own tipping policy upon hiring the valet company. If you establish this policy in advance, the attendants will not accept tips under any circumstances.  They will, however, kindly notify the guests that you, the host, have tipped them on the guests’ behalf.  Though this is not standard practice, it does allow your guests to feel less pressure during your event. That being said, it is assumed that as the host, you will tip each valet accordingly.

If you are interested in offering valet parking services at your wedding, corporate/charity event, or full time at your restaurant, condominium contact us today or request a quote online.

Haven’t heard of Bluwater condominiums yet? You will. With all of the allure, luxury and amenities of a 5-star resort, Bluwater condominiums are planning on turning Oakville into the most coveted high-end condominium in the GTA. Don’t believe me? Take a look at their websites. It’s steeped in the stunning images of a luxury vacation destination. With “a pristine lakeside location”, and an “innovative lifestyle infused with the philosophy of wellness and a commitment to beautiful, creative surroundings”, Bluwater promises its tenants “a whole new level of lifestyle amenities”.

Therefore, it should come as no surprise that Gatsby Valet was present at the ground breaking ceremony on November 26th, adding their signature touch of chivalry, opulence and class to the event. Gatsby had the pleasure of providing valet parking service for over 200 of Bluwater Condominiums’ VIP guests and spent the evening ensuring that all guests received the reception and care befitting a Bluwater tenant.

“Bluwater believes in the sort of lifestyle that promotes luxury and care,” said Daniel Grima, Vice President of Gatsby Valet. “At Gatsby, we also uphold a similar lifestyle and were honoured to cater to the needs of Bluwater’s guests. I personally can’t wait to see Bluwater’s finished product!”

This month, Gatsby Valet attendants are proudly donning their poppies in remembrance of all of the courageous actions and sacrifices made by our honourable veterans, as they fought for peace in the first and second world wars. Wearing a poppy is such a small way to honour such tremendous sacrifices and it is crucial that the younger generation continues this tradition.

It may be the least we can do, but purchasing a poppy in the month of November really does go a long way.  In 2008 the Salvation Army stated that the sale of poppies “raises $16.5 million annually”, which is “a testament to Canadians and their wide respect for our troops.” (Salvation Army, 2008). The Salvation Army went on to state that  “all poppy money collected by a Legion branch stays within that local community and pays for medical equipment, home services and long-term care facilities for ex-service people in need of financial assistance” (Salvation Army, 2008).  Not only are the stats astounding, but it is encouraging to hear how engaged the Canadian community is when it comes to supporting our veterans and troops.

As a proud supporter of the community and a young Canadian company based in honour and tradition, Gatsby Valet sends out a message of sincere gratitude and support to our veterans and troops this Remembrance Day.