Mobile Bartending Business: Start Up Costs!
So…How Much?
Almost everyday I get asked this question. I open the door, pull back the curtain and expose a bit of my exciting world as a Private Party Bartender, and people say “AWESOME! Great! …How much?”
It is a great question! If you are going to take the leap (I call it a small step) from employee to entrepreneur, you are going to want to minimize as many risks as possible, and when you hear about all of the details of having a Bartending Business, most are left wondering “what’s the catch?”
Why Bartending Rocks:
Becoming a mobile bartender has more perks than I can think of, and frankly need to save for future posts. But the NUMERO UNO reason why becoming a Mobile Bartender kicks some serious butt is:
ALMOST ZERO START-UP COSTS!
I’m serious! It really does not cost you much to get you started and on your feet! Even better, you will make so much money so quickly that you can reinvest a portion of your profit into your business so that it will continue to grow.
So what are we looking at here?
What does low start-up costs mean? Well, in The Bartend-4-Profit System’s Home Study Course, I include a detailed list of everything you need and how to get it at the best price. In this post, I have given you a brief list of your most important items and their costs. Remember, in the service industry, people are paying for you…not a physical product!
(In order of importance-in my opinion)
- Business Cards ($100-150)
- A Uniform (all black, or tuxedo shirt, vest, etc…you should already have something)
- Bartending Tools (shaker, wine key, bottle opener, speed pourers, coolers, garnish tray,etc) (less than $100)
- A Portable Bar (you can do events with out one, but you can charge more if you have one…and you can get one anywhere from $50-$1500, I give you a list of all of the different bar options in the home study course of Bartend-4-Profit)
- A Website (your best marketing tool…and you can get it for under $300…don’t worry, I show you exactly how to have one made asap in the Bartend-4-Profit System)
I hope this helps give you an idea of just how EASY it is to get started! PLEASE use the comment form below to address any aditional questions you may have! THANKS GUYS!
James Wedmore
www.Bartend4Profit.com
Ok..this all sounds great but do we need liquor permits or any other kind of license? Or is that only if we decide to provide the liquor?
Hey Grace! Yep that is correct!
Can you elaborate on your response? Which part is correct? does your system (bartend for profit) explain all of this as well?
What kind of licensing do you need? Can you elaborate on your response to Grace? I am in California….
You only need a liquor permit or any type of liquor license if you plan on SELLING or PROVIDING the liquor, beer or wine.
What I teach (and practice myself) is just providing the service of Bartending. So, I help my clients with a shopping list, and then THEY purchase the liquor so it is just sitting their for me ready to go when I arrive.
Once you get started and making some good cash, I recommend getting a Business License of some sort, but other than that, you are good to go, no liquor license required!
Keep the questions coming guys!
Cheers,
James Wedmore
Thanks James..but you are the Rockstar!…..Yeah, I called ABC the other day and the lady was rude and not much help at all. I will probably purchase your system soon. Thanks again!
hey james! im curious about the licencing, are there fees involved when applying for them?
Hey Adam,
Yes, there are fees for a business license, but mine city business license was only $50.00. And I also got a DBA (do business as) for $100. You do not NEED this stuff when starting out. Do a few gigs first, and put some of your profits back into the company
When it comes to the startup of your own business…how do you pay taxes? Do you have to pay taxes a the end of the year with a 1099? Do you have to be considered a business? Please inform me of how that works…I am very interested. Thanks a bunch!
so i’m at the stage where I have worked for a mobile bartending company and just bartending at lounges now for 4 years, I want to start my new business and have all the knowledge about drinks and what people want. But, what is my very first step? i live in Kelowna B.C., Canada, before i do any gigs do i need to apply for my business name first and than i can? or do i need more after getting my business name? as in registering my business?
When you said in your response “no liquor license required” I believe you are mistaken. The first thing a interested person should do is call the Alcohol and Gaming Division in their State. Each State varies in Alcohol serving laws. For instance, in the State of New Mexico, one may not sell, serve, or distribute any kind of alcohol with out a Alcohol Server’s Permit, which must be on their person at all times while serving or they could be charged a $200 fine. AZ, TX, CO, NY and many other States do not require a license. But the proper response is have them check with their local Alcohol Gaming Divison (better be safe then sorry), because in some States you could be fined upto $10,000 and 18 months of jail time.
No worth it, especially for a $500 evening of tips.
Your friendly Mobile Bartender
L.J.
When I got my Business license, I was given forms to fill out my taxes (quarterly or annually). I prefer filing quarterly because I found it actually helps, instead of waiting until tax season. It makes it a little easier to file at the end of the year (for me) when filing quarterly. Also when you file quarterly they (the State) will usually send out more tax forms (W-9) in a month or so for you next quarterly statement. They are required to have your business Tax ID number (found on your business license).
Your friendly Mobile Bartender
L.J.
What a great idea! This is one of those things that make you think that the economy is never that bad when you have opportunities like this!
This is one of those things that make you think that the economy is never that bad when you have opportunities like this!
When you do a party where you have an extra server, how do you divvy up the tips? Does the charge you have for the server is the one you keep and the server keeps her/his tips for payment?
Thanks!