How to Start a Mobile Bartending Service

Part 1 - How to start a Mobile Bartending Service business - Background

Mobile bartenders travel to various event locations, setting up wherever the event coordinator or customer needs them. Some bartending services provide everything—including alcohol, signature drinks, glassware, and staff—while others require the client to provide the alcohol and wine.

Our guide is in 3 parts:

• Part 1 - How to start a Mobile Bartending business - Background
• Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
• Part 3 - Action plan to get started

What are the costs involved in opening a mobile bartending service?

Once you have acquired the knowledge necessary to start your mobile bartending business, you’ll need to start building your inventory. While an office space is not required for success, there will be a great deal of equipment to store. For this reason, many business owners lease a space large enough to organize and store all supplies.

Once you have acquired your space, you can begin stocking the shelves:

• Mobile bars and tables – for outdoor events, consider investing in a mobile gazebo for shelter. Mobile bars range in price from $200 to $3,500. Consider investing in gently used items to reduce these initial costs.
• Glassware – $46 to $97 per case
• Napkins and table covers – $11 to $19 a piece
• Cocktail making equipment—shakers, strainers, muddlers, and speed pourers. Prices can range from $3 to $68.
• Reliable transportation for transporting supplies to events – for mobile marketing, invest in signage for your vehicle
• Insurance—speak with a trusted insurance professional regarding the type of coverage your business requires. Whenever alcohol is consumed, there’s a liability exposure.
• Marketing and literature—business cards and pamphlets describing your services
• Website

What are the ongoing expenses for a mobile bartending service?

Before an event, you will need to purchase alcohol, wine, mixers, and garnishes. In addition, your business will incur the following ongoing expenses:

• Payroll taxes—bartenders earn a minimum of $150/event, plus tips.
• Rent—should you decide to lease a building
• Utility costs
• Insurance—for the company vehicle and liability
• Marketing

Who is the target market?

Preferred clients include anyone who wants to host a private or public event that will include alcoholic beverages. Fortunately, birthdays, graduations, weddings, and fundraising events happen year round, ensuring your services will always be needed.

How does a mobile bartending service make money?

Mobile bartending companies generate revenue from the services they provide. Some customers will only require bartenders, while others will need the full service—drinks, glassware, mixers, etc.  Be sure to offer a variety of options for prospective clients to choose from.

How much can you charge customers?

This depends upon how you decide to structure your business. Some companies offer a variety of packages, with a basic one starting at $250 for fifty guests, not including the cost of drinks. Some bartending services don’t supply the alcohol, while others will only supply beer and wine. Be sure you carefully map out your policies prior to meeting with your first potential customer so that all expectations are clearly defined in advance.

How much profit can a mobile bartending service make?

While this varies, depending upon the services required of your client, a majority of mobile bartending businesses start out with an annual profit of $24,000-$41,000. After the three year mark, many have reported an annual profit of $76,000 or more.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Consider some of the below strategies for maximizing your profits:

• As part of your marketing strategy, concentrate on landing large clients who regularly host large events.
• Share your mixology knowledge by hosting classes or a blog. This could be online and/or in-person.
• Include catering snacks or food as an additional service.

Day-to-Day and Growth

What happens during a typical day at a mobile bartending service?

If you have spent any time in the service industry, you know that it is unpredictable. For many, this adds another layer of excitement, guaranteeing that no two days are alike.

As the owner of a mobile bartending business, you’ll be tasked with the following activities:

• Field calls and questions from current and prospective clients.
• Speak with customers prior to the event to determine their vision and preferences, check out the venue, and note any guest allergies or sensitivities.
• Shop for any items needed for scheduled events.
• Schedule and/or hire bartenders for upcoming events.
• Plan drink “menu” and come up with ideas for specialty drinks based on your client’s preferences
• Arrive several hours early to set up the bar and get any special instructions.
• Bartend event.
• Clean up after event.
• Routine maintenance and clean up of vehicles used for transporting supplies.
• Marketing, networking, and administrative duties.
• Follow up with clients to receive feedback and ensure they received satisfactory service.

Many mobile bartending service owners opt to be the face of the business, leaving the actual bartending to their employees.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful mobile bartending service?

At first glance, building a profitable mobile bartending business sounds easy—you bring the requested items to the event and provide drinks to guests. No matter how large or small, however, events rarely go off without a hitch. Whether it’s a wedding or a fundraising event, your customer is looking to help turn their vision for this special day into a reality. Thus, it’s vital that you arrive on time and that every detail has been cared for. You will often be setting up in unfamiliar territory, or with a catering crew you haven’t met, so adaptability and organization are essential.

In this industry, you will also be required to socialize with guests throughout the event. Most bartenders possess strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with virtually anyone. It’s critical that you are professional at all times and help out whenever necessary, even if the task doesn’t fit into your job description.

If you’re knowledgeable in the art of mixology, but haven’t ever worked in this field, consider working as a bartender or bar manager for at least a year. You will learn tricks and shortcuts, basic knowledge of how to run a bar efficiently and quickly, and get accustomed to standing for 8-12 hours at a time. Additionally, The National Bartenders Association and International Bartenders Association both offer members advice and resources regarding the latest trends, marketing support to help build your business, and advice on how to dream up your next signature drink.

What is the growth potential for a mobile bartending service?

Mobile bartending has realized significant growth in the last five years. With the industry poised for additional growth in the next decade, entrepreneurs have a good opportunity to achieve their growth goals. Many have found success offering franchise opportunities, while others are able to offer their services to multiple clients on any given night.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a mobile bartending service?

Successful bartending business owners offer the following advice:

• Always follow up with your clients to ensure they had a positive experience.
• Make sure every client signs a contract that includes their payment obligations, your cancellation policy, and a statement of your obligation and right to deny service to intoxicated guests.
• Require a deposit before investing too much in an event.
• As part of your marketing strategy, consider donating your services to a local fundraiser or donating a gift certificate to a silent auction.
• Send a handwritten note and a small thank you gift after each event to ensure your company really stands out above the rest.

How and when to build a team

To ensure a positive experience for your customer and their guests, start out with a small staff. The general rule is that there should be one bartender for every seventy-five guests when only beer and wine is being served. For a full bar, it’s recommended that you have one bartender for every fifty guests. Check with your state regarding any age requirements for bartenders and make sure each new hire has experience mixing drinks.

Part 2 - Is a Mobile Bartending Service business the right fit for you?

Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Mobile Bartending Service business in 90 days