How to Start a Bartending Service Business

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posted on 13 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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Bartending can be a very good career, with reported average earnings statistically greater than a majority of college level graduates. Because alcohol sales remain stable even in a tough economy, bartending is often referred to as a recession-proof career. For these reasons, the bartending business is competitive. Some bartenders opt to improve their marketability and increase their incomes by starting a bartending service business. You don't have to have a college degree in business to get started in your own mobile bartending venture, but you do need to be prepared to invest your skills, your time and some money into making your business successful. Start by reading these steps for how to start a bartending service business.

Steps

Learn as much as you can. There are several ways in which you can educate yourself in preparation for a successful bartending business venture. Schooling. Enroll in a bartending school, if you haven't already. You don't need to go to bartending school to become a bartender, but it can help you learn the basics much faster. On the job training. Get a bartending job. Additionally, any hand-on experience you can accrue in the fields of customer service or hospitality is helpful. Business. You will need to understand the basics of running a small business, including accounting, bookkeeping, marketing and customer service. Take a couple of business classes at the local community college or business resource center, or check out some library books on the subject. Others' experiences. You can learn a lot by speaking with other people who operate similar traveling bartender businesses. Use a phone book and make some calls. Double-check your local, county, city, and state laws regarding alcohol before you get started.

Formulate a business plan. Put it down on paper. It should cover everything about your business, including start-up capital, business expenses and projected income, personnel needs and marketing plan.

Decide on a business name.

Obtain a business license, also through your government's business regulatory agency. Bartending licenses are not required but are available through most bartending schools.

Invest in bartending business supplies. You do not have to get anything fancy, but you will need the following basics for starters: Portable bar. These come in a variety of sizes and styles, and at a wide range of price points. Business cards. You can purchase expensive cards from a print shop or make your own. The point is to get your name out there. Bartending tools. Speed pours, bottle openers, wine keys, coolers and garnish trays. A uniform. This is not a necessity, but is a good way to present a professional appearance to customers.

Create marketing materials. Business cards, flyers and postcards are good start-up basics.

Market your traveling bartender service. Be creative, and implement each and every avenue of marketing you possibly can. Place free ads on online classifieds sites. Purchase advertising blocks in local newspapers. Approach the people in charge of booking events at local venues and leave business cards with them. Call party planners, disc jockeys, caterers and other event professionals. Explain your bartending service business and ask for referrals. Search classifieds for people seeking a traveling bartender for their parties. Sign up on websites like Thumbtack, where people can search for gig-based vendors. Some of these sites have membership fees, but they're a great way to get your name out there.