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 Message 19742 of 22774 in Behind the Bar
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Subject: Re: Bartending myth/reality check
From: JustDeb
Posted: Mon Sep 24. 2007, 20:39 UTC
Followup to: "Bartending myth/reality check"  by winterlight  (Tue Sep 18. 2007, 19:42 UTC)
Hey Winter!  Hope I can help. 

1 - Yes, it can be lucrative.  The stats are based on REPORTED tips.  Here in 
the US, usually we are required to report 8-10% of the ring on our drawer in 
tips for tax reasons, but most good bartenders will make around 30-40% of 
their ring.  If you are just starting out, understand that your tips will 
probably be lower because of lack of experience but they will grow. STAY AWAY 
FROM BARTENDING SCHOOLS!  Batending is a job that you learn by doing.  The 
schools are a waste of money and pretty much a joke in the industry.

2 - If you are just starting out, it helps if you have some kind of service 
industry experience on your resume (waiting tables, barback, etc.)It also 
helps if you know someone.  An experienced bartender should easily be able to 
find a job almonst anywhere, but it takes work.  This means foregoing the want 
ads and actually going out and handing your resume to many different places 
where you think you would do well.  You will be dealing with people and bar 
owners want to see you and your personality not a generic e-mail resume.  This 
brings me to your resume - Make it fun!  This is a VERY different kind of job. 
It is all about personality.  Mine has a martini glass in the background for 
instance. Be precise, highlight service experience and keep it to one page.

3 - As far as what you can earn based on where you work relies on a couple of 
things.  While it is true that you will make more in a busy nightclub or large 
music venue, you also are working in tandem with other bartenders (with whom 
you generally will split all the tips), you will have barbacks (you need to 
tip them out)and it can be stressful.  It also depends on the crowd.  Some 
groups don't get the whole tip thing and you can run your ass off for very 
little money.  Don't discount the neighborhood tavern!  While it may not be 
swanky, if it is generally fairly busy, you can make really good money after 
the regulars get to know you.  You also have the luxury of talking to people 
and you are working alone.  No one to split your tips with or tip out.  These 
are also the places bartenders themselves like to go, and bartenders are some 
of your best tippers!  More hibrow bars are kinds of places that can be hit 
and miss.  Just because someone has money, doesn't mean they are good tippers. 
 Many of these places will attract high maintenance people with high 
maintenance attitudes.  It's up to you to decide what you want to put up with. 
 
The bottom line, try a bunch of different places and decide what situation 
will suit you best.  You are hosting the party - If you don't like it it will 
show.

Good luck and happy mixing!


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