“How should I be pricing my mobile bar? What should my pricing be for my mobile bartending service?
Around seven or eight times a week, I’m asked about pricing from mobile bartenders. Whether it’s an early stage mobile bartending business trying to gain traction or one in the business planning stages, there’a plenty of insecurity with your positioning. Believe me, I’ve been here before as well, but it’s important to keep things simple.
UNDERSTAND YOUR COSTS
There’s a lot of noise with pricing coming from other mobile bartenders in the Facebook group. It can be overwhelming but, at the same time, it really doesn’t matter if you don’t have a handle on your own expenses. What good does it do following a blue print if your expenses eat up all your profits? Eyes on your own paper as they say. Before setting prices, it’s crucial to understand all your costs, including:
- Product Costs: Cost of alcohol, mixers, garnishes, and other supplies.
- Operational Costs: Insurance, licenses, permits, and transportation.
- Miscellaneous Costs: Marketing, uniforms, and equipment maintenance
- Sunk Costs: A 10% buffer on top of your projections
mARKET RESEARCH
Each region is different for mobile bartenders. A family in Beverly Hills most likely won’t balk at a $5000 price tag for a mobile bar at their pet’s 5th birthday party. A family in middle America may have reservations. Understand first and foremost how much open bars run at venues. Not every event is a wedding but this is the top of your market. You can work your way down from there, checking out other mobile bars, venues, caterers.
- Competitor Analysis: Check the rates of other mobile bars in your region.
- Target Audience: Identify your target clientele and their willingness to pay.
- Event Types: Consider the type of events you will be catering to, such as weddings, corporate events, or private parties.
pRICING MODELS
Let’s get down to it. Remember, the client only cares about the bottom line when you pitch them your mobile bartending services. You can split it up into hours, garnishes, smiles given or total cost and they always look at the bottom line. You ability to close events with your mobile bar is not based on your ability to structure a proposal but how you are representing your brand and the way you speak with your potential customers.
Hourly Rate
Charging an hourly rate is straightforward and commonly used. This model involves charging clients based on the number of hours your services are required.
Package Pricing
Offering packages can provide value and simplify the decision-making process for clients. Packages can include:
- Basic Package: Includes essential services like bartending and basic drink options.
- Premium Package: Adds premium liquor choices, custom cocktails, and additional bartenders.
- Luxury Package: Offers top-shelf liquor, personalized service, and exclusive extras.
Per-Head Pricing
This model charges clients based on the number of guests. It’s useful for larger events where the guest count is a critical factor.
Custom Quotes
For unique or large-scale events, providing custom quotes based on specific client requirements ensures flexibility and tailored service.
Value-Added Services
Enhancing your offerings with value-added services can justify higher prices and attract more clients. Consider:
- Signature Cocktails: Create unique drinks tailored to the event theme.
- Themed Bars: Offer themed bar setups that match the event decor.
- Interactive Experiences: Provide cocktail-making classes or live demonstrations.
Communication and Transparency
Clear communication and transparency in your pricing are essential. Ensure that clients understand what they are paying for, including:
- Detailed Proposals: Provide itemized proposals that break down costs.
- Contracts: Use clear and concise contracts to outline services, costs, and terms.
- Customer Support: Be available to answer any questions and address concerns promptly.
Conclusion
By understanding your costs, conducting market research, choosing the right pricing model, and offering value-added services, you can set competitive and profitable prices for your mobile bartending business. Clear communication and transparency will help build trust and ensure client satisfaction.
Just wanted to thank you for the free game!
The wedding industry is seeing a growing trend toward micro weddings, where couples choose intimacy over extravagance. With guest lists of around 50 or fewer, these smaller celebrations allow for a more personalized experience and can be far more budget-friendly which should be an easier ground to hit running with an up and coming mobile bartending service.
Bringing in a mobile bartender for a micro wedding is not only cost-efficient but adds a special touch to the event. Here’s how:
Lower Overhead Costs: With fewer guests, you can streamline the number of bartenders and the quantity of alcohol, meaning less waste and better control over your budget.
Tailored Service: Instead of managing a large crowd, mobile bartenders can focus on creating signature cocktails or customized drink experiences that reflect the couple’s tastes—turning each drink into a personalized, luxury moment without the high costs of a larger bar setup.
Flexible Pricing: Since micro weddings have fewer logistical demands, mobile bartenders can offer more competitive pricing, making their services accessible for intimate celebrations without sacrificing quality.
This shift toward smaller, more personal weddings opens the door for couples to invest in high-quality experiences like specialty cocktails and custom drink menus, all while keeping their budget in check. This may be a great place to start for new mobile bartending companies.