

Really good questions, and probably very common. I don't do a whole lot of
freelance work, but here's what I consider when I do:
-First, if I'm giving up a scheduled shift I have to make sure I'll be making
more at the private party, so that's my benchmark. So, if I'd expect to walk
with $200 from the scheduled shift, I'd ask for $200 as a baseline for the
party. This may sound like it makes your rate a moving target, but it
probably should be: it's common to charge more for a Saturday night party than
a Tuesday afternoon gig. Again, a scheduled shift can be a good guide.
-Second, what do I have to supply? If I'm bringing tools, spouts, or any
other setup stuff, I charge more (or I usually just give them a list of what
I'll need and have them provide it at their expense). It's a good idea to
offer some basic "consulting" services beforehand if you have time -- go over
the liquor list, stock amounts, mixers, service style, bar setup, and anything
else you can think of. It will make your life tons easier, and the customer
will really appreciate it and be more likely to use you again.
-Third, I make sure I know the going rate for the area. A wedding reception
in NYC should pay way more than a graduation party in Topeka (no offense to
either city).
-Fourth, I'm very up-front about asking how the host expects the guests will
tip. Rule of thumb is that if it's an open bar (host pays) they usually don't
want the guests to be out-of-pocket for anything, so tipping is minimal. For
a cash bar, tipping is more likely to follow common practice at public bars in
the area (which will also vary from region to region). The host should have a
pretty good idea about how the guests will tip, and once that's out in the
open you can figure it into your negotiations. Don't be embarassed talking in
a professional manner about tips -- it's important, expected, and will help
avoid problems down the line.
-A quick word on hourly versus flat rates -- I only ask for hourly rates if
the host isn't sure when the event will end. Otherwise, I set a flat rate for
a certain number of hours with a pre-agreed extension rate if it goes longer
(which often happens with private parties). I find that the same person who's
OK with paying $200 for a good bartender for a 4-hour event ("Yeah, that seems
about right") will look at a $50/hour rate and balk ("What?! I don't make
$50/hour!").
I guess in summary it's hard to establish a standard rate for private gigs,
and I'm not sure you want to. I think what you do want is to be consistent in
your rates for similar gigs, and if you follow the above that should work out.
Hope this helps, and I'm curious to see what other peoples' experience
suggests.
BTW, be sure to find a short contract on the web somewhere and get the main
parts of your agreement in writing. Good luck!
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