Really free? (another tipping question)

[misskitty100]

DH and I joined a gym several months ago. The parking is clearly not adequate for the amount of members that attend the gym after work. The gym provides "free" valet parking. I have used the valet service once after I spent 15 minutes circling the parking lot and no spots opened up. That night I did not have any money with me so tipping wasn't an option. Just wondering, here on out, would you normally tip under these circumstances? After all, I wouldn't be using the valet if they had enough parking....

[aggie94]

I would, but that's just me. I always tip valets, even when the service itself is free. It might be the gym's fault that they haven't provided enough parking, but it is clearly a third-party valet service they're using, and their employees do rely (in part) on tips. Unless they're having to hustle blocks away to get your car, I think in this situation (where you're going several times a week), $1 is fine.

[MikeC]

I would tip.