If it don’t make dollas, then it don’t make sense!”

Mobile Bartenders: How Much to CHARGE?

An e-mail from Sherron…

I am currently beginning my own private party bartending because this is something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve been researching your site for information, but I haven’t found any information on what should be charged as for parties or events. Can you give me some information on prices and what not as of charging for parties or events? I don’t know where to begin in that area of a price to charge or even what profit I could make.

I get this question all of the time! And it is a great one. In fact, I even devote an entire chapter (and quite a long one) to Mobile Bartending Rates and how you should find the rate that works best for you and your customers. I have soo much that I want to say on this topic that I felt that I had to turn Sherron’s email into a blog post. If there is ONE article that you should read on my blog…THIS IS IT! So, I hope you are ready to get your hands a little dirty, ready?

CHARGE WHAT YOU WANT:

As a business owner, you have the POWER to choose your rates! You do not have to have “competitive” prices, and you do not have to charge the same week after week! And frankly, you must ask yourself this question: “If I charge my client $XXX.xx, is that WORTH it to me?” If the answer is “no”…than you are NOT charging enough! I know that isn’t exactly the answer you wanted, but as long as you have the mindset that you can charge WHATEVER you want, you will be successful!

PREMIUM RATES=PREMIUM SERVICES

People really believe that they get what they pay for! You proudly show off those $200 jeans that are cost no more than the Target brand. Your clients will proudly flaunt their premium bartender that is always booked and in high demand, even if you charge WAY more than the competition.

YOUR RATES ARE NOT FIXED:

On my bartending website, I NEVER display my rates…why? Because they change depending on my mood! That’s right, when a client calls, I am actually interviewing them! If they live in a “bad neighborhood” or they sound cheap or rude, etc, I increase my rates! I am always booked every weekend, I do not care if I don’t book them! Someone else ALWAYS comes along!

WHEN DEMAND INCREASES, SO DOES YOUR RATE:

There are days, months, and seasons of the year where your services will be in higher demand than others. You can only be in one spot at a time, right? Well…increase your rates, when this happens. (BTW, for all you beginner mobile bartenders, we are turning the corner onto the BUSIEST time of year! The FALL is crazy and it ends with a bang with Christmas and New Year’s…so get ready! Oh and my product: Bartend-4-Profit identifies all fo the major holidays and seasons where you should be increasing your rates!)

DON’T CHARGE BY THE HOUR:

I hate this! (Actually I love it! When my competition does this it makes me look sooo much better) Listen up guys, this one is important! never charge based on the hour, because no one should ever hire you for just an hour! You are charging based on the “EXPERIENCE!” YES! Your bartending experience that you provide your clients, for an evening of your services! So, instead of “Our rates are just $25/hour” say: “An evening of our bartending services includes 5 hours of bartending complete with all professional bartending tools and equipment for just $155.” If you take away one thing it is this:

Increase your Perceived Value and you can charge what you want! When you sell your client on an “Experience,” your Perceived Value will skyrocket!

DON’T FORGET ABOUT GRATUITY

Remember folks, this is just to get in the door! I inform all of my clients of the required gratuity. Standard rate is anywhere from $1-3/per guest (if they do not let me put out a tip jar) This means your gratuity should match or exceed your initial rate!

THE UPSELL:

Now your client is ready to book you! Rent them a bar ($30-60.00), glassware (.$50/glass) and servers ($130) to make even MORE money! This is your upsell!

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER:

Ok, so if you are new into mobile bartending, charge less so you can break into more events and get the experience and confidence you need. Depending on your area and demand for mobile bartenders, something like $100-150 is a great starting out rate.

Once you have a Reputation, Experience, and Confidence, why not increase your rates to $175-$225 for just 4 hours and then an additional $35 for each additional hour they decide to keep you. And remember, you always have gratuity!! The Bartend-4-Profit System & Tip Attraction shows you how you can EASILY increase your tips and become an entertainer for your guests.

Well…does that help? It works for me and my staff, and it is helping tons of bartenders that I have helped and coached all over the country (and Canada!) Please POST your comments below and any additional questions that you may have.

For now, focus on getting ready for this Fall Season, Halloween parties are HUGE! So get out there, market your services and make some money!

To your Bartending Success,

James Wedmore
Bartend4Profit.com