Message 36227 of 39188 in General Discussion

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Hey there!  Great questions, and I don't want to write too much of a novel 
trying to answer them.  I run my own successful bartending business AND offer 
an online course to teach people how to become Mobile Bartenders.

For starters, your experience behind the bar FAR EXCEEDS the experience needed 
at ANY private party, and you know this.  No blenders, no POS machines, etc.  
Simply beer, wine, and simple mixed drinks.  

As far as proper preperation, make sure you have a bottle opener/wine key, a 
shaker or two, some bar rags, something to hold garnishes, knife and cutting 
board, and even coolers or keg tubs.  That is the bare minimum you would need, 
and even most of that your host may provide.

I hope she doesn't need a bar, but you can simply use a portable table for now.

As far as uniform goes, I would just wear what you do to your current job, 
unless she specifies otherwise.  

And now for the fun part...the price!  Most importantly, see how much money 
you will be missing out on by skipping work and bartending her party.  Most 
likely this is a Sat. night party and you could be without $2-300 from your 
normal job...don't worry it is easy to make MORE than that!!

I recommend charging anywhere from $175-225 for the night, DONT CHARGE BY THE 
HOUR...EVER!!  But, you can charge an "overtime" charge of like $25-35 an hour 
after your time is up.  

And then there is tip!  Most clients will not want a tip jar on the bar...just 
ask!  If she says yes...bring a fancy looking (clear) tip jar and bait it with 
a few bucks before hand

If she says no, charge her anywhere from $1-3 PER GUEST.  A 100 guest party 
could be an easy $200

OTHER TIPS:

See if you can't get a server or cocktail waitress to come along, charge her 
$125 and then take a $50 cut from the server's pay

If you have time, GET BIZ CARDS!  you will have tons of new leads coming your 
way and once you taste the mobile bartending "kool-aid" you can never go 
back!!  So be prepared.

Hey, I hope this helped, you can check out more content on my websites at:

www.BartenderConfessions.com
www.Bartend4Profit.com

If you have any more questions, JUST ASK or email me!

Thanks!

Cheers,

James Wedmore