Making Money From Bartending Services
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Most of us have at some time or another thought about the glamour and "cool" factor associated with bartending services. What most people don't realize is that bartending is hard work. The bartender needs to master the art of smiling under pressure, flipping bottles while handling tipsy guests, and making sure that people do not have a drink too many before driving off. It is to the bartender's credit that you did not realize there was so much slogging involved. Now for the good news. Bartenders who have their own businesses set their own time. They charge by the hour, with some of earning up to $500 an hour. If you are a party animal, being a bartender makes sense. You get to meet lovely, hip people at parties and events, get to party with the who's who, and get treats such as dinner on the house, parking for your van, and sometimes even a room for the night. TrainingWatching bartenders at parties may not be enough though if you are serious about offering bartending services to boost your income. You need to have practical bartending experience as well. If you have contacts with bartenders, restaurants or bars, start by getting a job there. As a bar helper, you will get on the job training. If you have the money to spare and are not quite sure if being a helper or waiter is the right option for you, enroll in a school for training bartenders. Bartending schools mushroomed all over the US after the Second World War. A school will teach you the bartending basics, and you will also learn the different styles of bartending rather than just going by what is popular at a particular club or bar. Setting Up Bartending ServicesIf you are planning to be a mobile bartender, you will need to invest in bartending supplies. These include soda guns, glassware, and even beverages if you are going to be entertaining at a private residence or an unusual venue that traditionally does not stock bartending equipment. You also need to invest in a vehicle that's roomy enough to carry these supplies.
Always sign a contract for the parties, as this helps you to define your role in advance - meaning you will not be made to do something outside of what was agreed on. Payment varies according to the number of people served. If there are extra guests, you can earn a fixed amount per extra person. Contract bartending services can be demanding, so never agree to less than the market rate as payment. If they cannot pay in cash, ask for payment in kind - a free meal, overnight accommodation, mementos etc. All these can make bartending an exciting job. The possibilities in this work are immense. You can work for as long as you like, be your own master, and have fun at parties. You get to meet new people, learn how to create new cocktails, impress people with your mixing skills, and earn a good income which is boosted by additional perks. Deciding to start a bartending services business could be the best career you will ever make. |