It’s Time to Raise your Rates:

I just got off the phone with a client who booked me for the 4th of July. In fact, this is the third event I have booked for this 2008 holiday. I figured I should send out a quick note letting everyone know that if you havn’t already increased your prices for the 4th of July…DO IT!

What I charge:

I hope you are taking notes, because this is extremely valuable information: I am now charging $250.00 for the 4th of July…and all three of my clients have accepted my increased rates…I even tell them that I upped my prices! This means, they are paying me $250.00 to get into the door for just 4 hours of work. That is $62.50 for per hour! What bartender job pays that well?

But wait! It get’s better:

Out of those three clients, I was able to “upsell” two of them on a portable bar rental for $39.95…and on one of those two clients, I was able to tack on an additional $125.00 for providing rented glassware for the event. YES! I am charging one client a total of $414.95 to bartend for 4 hours…that’s over $100 AN HOUR! This is assuming that they don’t ask me to stay an extra hour (they always do!) and I always charge MORE to keep me longer.

..and now for the Gratuity:

This is just to get into the door my friends! I will also have a tip jar on my bar with a party that has 60+ guests! Even if I only manage to squeeze a $1.00 from every guest, that is AT LEAST $60.00 in cash tips! But I am extremely confident that I will have some big-hitters throwing twenties in my jar. I also have several surefire techniques I use every night that GUARANTEE I will get more tips!

So instead of whining that I won’t be able to enjoy this 4th of July holiday…I am going to be making $500-600.00 at a great party!

Your Take-Away:

So…what? What can you learn from this? Let’s break it down:

• Charge More when you/your services are in MORE DEMAND
• Charge More on Holiday (or days that you are less inclined to work)
• Don’t be afraid to tell your clients that you are charging them more…and tell them why!
• MOST IMPORTANT: Don’t be discouraged by prospects who do not book you due to your high prices! The 4th of July is still weeks away!
• Up Sell all of your clients with additional products and services
• Don’t forget gratuity: Your performance dictates how much money you get in your jar

I hope this information was helpful. Don’t hesitate to post comments with your questions and I will answer them ASAP! Thanks everyone!

To your Bartending Success,

James Wedmore
The Bartend-4-Profit System
www.BartenderforProfit.com