How to Start a Bartending Service Business

Co-authored by Mimi Perryman

Last Updated: February 28, 2024 Approved

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.

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Learn as much as you can. There are several ways in which you can educate yourself in preparation for a successful bartending business venture. ^{[1]
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- 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.
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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.

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Bartending licenses are not required but are available through most bartending schools. ^{[3]
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6
Invest in bartending business supplies. You do not have to get anything fancy, but you will need the following basics for starters: ^{[4]
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- 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.
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Business cards, flyers and postcards are good start-up basics.
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8
Market your traveling bartender service. Be creative, and implement each and every avenue of marketing you possibly can. ^{[5]
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- 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.

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How do I charge customers?

Community Answer

You can charge customers based on how many people are expected at an event, and what you are expected to bring. You can accept cash or you can accept credit cards with a mobile payment processing device.

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Do l need a bartender license for serving parties?

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There is no such thing as a "bartender license," though many people think there is. Some restaurants/companies may require you to become TIPS or BASSET certified or take a food handler's course, but for private parties, this is not typically required.

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Do I need a liquor license to start a bartending service business?

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Not necessarily. A "dry" bartending service will allow you to show up to a location and serve existing alcohol, thus relieving you of any monetary transactions dealing with alcohol.

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Keep a running list of every professional you have spoken with in the hopes of getting referrals so that you can follow-up with them every couple of weeks and leave more business cards, if necessary.

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If buying or transporting a portable bar is not an option in the beginning, look into renting one, or ask clients if they have a table you could set up.

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Make sure that your customer service skills are perfected—people are inviting you into their personal spaces and special events, so you want to be very professional.

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