If you are looking to start a mobile bartending business, note that you can start the business with very minimal startup capital.
But if you are looking to start a standard mobile bartending business that can cater to top-level events, especially for corporate organizations and even government parastatals, then you must be ready to spend over $150,000.
A mobile bartending business is a business that provides professional bartenders and bar setups for events and parties at various locations.
Instead of operating from a fixed physical location like a traditional bar or restaurant, mobile bartending businesses bring the bar experience to the client’s desired venue, whether it is a private home, office space, outdoor event, or any other location.
Factors That Influence the Cost of Opening a Mobile Bartending Business
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The Cost of Equipment and Supplies
No matter the size of the mobile bartending business you want to start, you must make provisions for some essential equipment and supplies albeit in different proportions.
For example, you must have a budget for bar tools and utensils such as cocktail shakers, mixing spoons, jiggers, strainers, muddlers, bar spoons with a twisted handle, citrus zesters or peelers, bottle openers, wine openers, ice tongs, garnish picks and skewers, and cutting board and knife set, etc.
You will also need to make provisions for ingredients and beverages. Note that the amount you are expected to spend in this regard will depend on the scale of operations or the size of your mobile bartending business.
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Business Licenses and Permits
Without the requisite business licenses and permits, you may not be allowed to legally operate a mobile bartending business in some jurisdictions in the United States.
In case you are not sure of what obtains in your city as it relates to licensing and permits, you may want to consult with the local authority in your state.
But generally, you should make provisions for a General Business License, Seller’s Permit, Food service permit, Vending license, Liquor license, Zonal Permit, and Signage Permit.
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Insurance Costs
The types of insurance and the coverage limit you should subscribe to as a mobile bartending business will usually be based on the risk the business is exposed to.
But generally, you should make plans to purchase general liability insurance, worker’s compensation insurance, commercial auto insurance, and business interruption insurance.
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Marketing and Advertising Expenses
You must not fail to create a marketing and advertising budget for your new mobile bartending business. Interestingly, there is no limit to how far you can go to market your mobile bartending business.
You can start with door-to-door marketing. Reach out to residents, facility managers, and businesses in and around your community to market your services.
You can also post adverts on billboards, newspapers, coffee shops, train stations, social media platforms, local television and radio stations et al.
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Training and Certification Fees
There are different types of training and certifications you can subscribe to as a mobile bartending business. Depending on your budget, you may want to consider options like:
Bartending School for comprehensive skills, Online Mixology Courses for flexibility, Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Certification to comply with local laws,
TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures) for alcohol service safety, and First Aid and CPR Training to handle emergencies. Trust me, these certifications enhance professionalism and ensure compliance with regulations.
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Vehicle Costs (If Using Company Vehicles)
When we talk about vehicle costs, we are talking about the costs that are associated with keeping the vehicle in shape. Your vehicle costs can include expenditures such as fueling, servicing and maintenance, tool fees, renewal of vehicle licenses, and any other costs that come as a result of using the vehicle for business.
You might not be able to have a concrete budget for this initially until you have successfully run the business for a while and notice the patterns in which you spend on the vehicle.
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Labor Costs (if Hiring Employees)
Usually, if you are looking to start a standard mobile bartending business, you are required to hire some employees to work with you.
The only reason why you may not want to hire any employee is if you choose to go solo and operate in a very small capacity. However, for a standard mobile bartending business, you are expected to hire employees.
You should create a budget to hire experienced bartenders, event coordinators, marketing specialists, drivers, and support staff for setup, cleanup, and customer service.
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Initial Operating Expenses (such as Office Rent, Utilities, etc.)
These expenses may cover office and storage rents, your utilities (software, phone, internet), and your launch party expenses. Interestingly, there is no fixed amount to set aside for this cost.