> Scenario: tending bar at a small office cocktail party in San
> Francisco. 3 hrs plus some light set-up and clean up. Serving
> martinis only. How much should I expect to be paid?
Alonzo,
I usually charge twenty an hour with a five hour minimum but sometimes I can
get away with twenty-five an hour and I'll make it a four hour min. Same
difference unless it goes over the minimum. And if it's an office thing you
may or may not get tipped extra...Usually people in their homes will tip extra
and companies are a little tighter with the purse strings, but there's no
guarantee either way. That's if you're doing this on your own. If you're
contracting with a catering company sometimes they pay less but I wouldn't
work for less than fifteen an hour. Make sure it's agreed upon before you
even show up so there aren't any surprises or hassles the night of the party.
I assume that they are providing all the spirits, but if you're dealing with
that then you should charge for your time or work it into the bill somehow.
If they are providing then you might want to make some suggestions to whoever
is organizing the party for some specialty drinks and give them the info on
what they need to get. Don't go overboard...just a couple extras...cosmos or
apple or whatever you like and make well...but they usually appreciate the
input and if they're not interested, no harm done. At least they know that
they are dealing with a professional.
As far as the money...I live in Los Angeles so going rates up there should be
comparable. Anyway...have fun and let me know how it goes.
Archie