Tipping can vary by region and by establishment, but generally, it is customary to tip a valet after they park your car.
You do not need to tip when you drop off your car with the valet attendant. Instead, you would tip the attendant when you pick up your car.
The amount you should tip can also vary, but it is generally recommended to tip at least $5 per vehicle. If the service was exceptional or if you requested any special services like a rush retrieval, you may want to consider tipping more.
Same goes for valet service at private events. If the event is being held at a venue that provides valet parking, the venue may include a mandatory gratuity or service charge in the cost of the valet parking and you may not need to tip the attendants directly.
If a mandatory gratuity is not included, it is customary to tip the valet attendants. If the event is particularly large or requires a lot of extra work on the part of the valet attendants (hilly area with limited parking, busy city street or harsh weather conditions), you may want to consider tipping more than $5.
Valet attendants often rely on tips as a significant portion of their income. In many establishments, the valet attendants may earn a low hourly wage and depend on tips to supplement their earnings. Tipping the valet attendant is a way to show appreciation for their services and to help them earn a fair wage.
It's important to note that tipping is a personal choice, and you should only tip what you feel comfortable with. If the establishment includes a service charge or gratuity in the cost of the valet parking, you may not need to tip the attendant.