Costs Involved in Operating a Mobile Bartending Service, once you have the necessary knowledge to start your business, you will need to start gathering the equipment. Even though you do not need an office, you will need a large enough space to store all your supplies in.
When you have found a suitable space, it is time to stock the shelves:
- Mobile tables and bars – needed for outside events, a gazebo should also be on your shopping list. Bars can be costly, so try to find good second-hand ones to start with.
- Glassware – you will need a few cases of them.
- Table covers and napkins – shop around for a bargain.
- Equipment for making cocktails – muddlers, shakers, and speed pourers.
- Transport – you must have reliable transport for getting to and from events.
- Insurance and marketing are a must-have as well.
Ongoing expenses
Before any event, you will need to buy alcohol, mixes, wines, garnishes, etc. Added to this, you will have the following ongoing expenses:
- Payroll – what you must pay a bartender per event.
- Rent – if you need to lease a building for storage.
- Insurance – vehicle and company liability.
- Marketing – without it, you will not get business.
The target market
Anyone who wants to host a public or private event is your potential client. The fact that graduations, birthdays, weddings, and fundraising events happen all through the year, means that you will always have a business. It all depends on the amount of marketing that you do, how many clients you will have.
Making money with a mobile bartending service, you make your money from the services that you provide. Some clients will only need bartenders, while others will need pretty much everything that you have to offer, so be sure to have a variety of options for customers to choose from.
How much do you charge?
It depends on what services you offer but, it is important that you have a package that suits everyone’s budget. Some clients will want to supply their own drinks, where you will then only be able to charge for your time and supplies, while others will want drinks included. Be sure to make your policies very clear from the beginning as to avoid issues down the line.
How you can make your business more profitable
- Try to land large clients who host regular events.
- Include snacks and food services.
- Teach mixology classes online when you are not hosting events.
