Bottle Service

I get a lot of questions about Bottle Service at the club. Primarily, people really don't understand it. And they're not sure whether it's worth it or not. Compounding the confusion, there's a big misconception that VIP and Bottle Service is only affordable for high rollers, big ballers and shot callers, and the elite. However, that's not necessarily so. From what I've witnessed in the clubs, more and more everyday people are spoiling themselves with this type of experience. In my opinion, the answer is "it depends."

What Is Bottle Service?

But first. Let me explain what Bottle Service is SUPPOSED to be. Because in far too many clubs that I've seen, Bottle Service isn't actually a "bottle service" at all. The key thing to remember is that the focus should be on the service, NOT the bottle. In true Bottle Service, you get a table or private area, your bottle, mixers, chasers, garnishes, and a mixologist who is 1) knowledgeable about different drinks that can be made with your liquor, AND he/she mixes it at the table and serves it in the appropriate glassware.

Additionally, the cost of Bottle Service is more (normally a LOT more) than just being charged for the booze. You will have to pay for any specialty mixers, i.e. Red Bull. And of course, there are numerous people to tip: The hostess who brought you to the table, the waitress bringing you fresh glasses, garnishes and ice, and that big guy watching out for it. PLUS...there are taxes, services, fees, and gratuity. These "fees" can add up to an additional 41% on top of the table minimum spend. But before you start shaking your head no again, also remember that the table is for what? 8 of you? All of those costs should be divvied up among your whole party.

So at the end of the night, how much extra did you really pay? If you take the time to do the math - and I encourage you to do so - you'll find that it probably isn't that much extra. And even if it is a few extra dollars, is it worth the cost of no lines, no covers, and VIP prestige? This is a point that you have to consider.

The VIP naysayers believe that there is a hefty mark-up on liquor when you buy it by the bottle. But think about it in terms of bulk shopping at Sam's Club or Costco. The larger the quantity you buy each time, the less you are going to pay per volume. With most clubs, the bottle price is going to be about the same as the glass by glass price, but that bulk shopping mentality is going to win you some very important nightclub perks that I'll discuss later.

benefits of bottle service

Okay, not let me tell you the ugly truth. And again, this is my opinion based on what I see in the clubs. Bottle Service works better for guys than it does for the ladies. As most guys know, it's considerably easier for women to get into a club than it is for guys, especially if you're trying to get into the uber hot trendy club. Plenty of clubs have ladies nights where ladies get in free and sometimes even drink free. A group of guys trying to get into that same club will need to get bottle service or wait in line for hours because most clubs want at least a 1:1 girl/guy ratio. If you are happy to go to any club, then I would say "no", bottle service is not required.

As a result, I say bottle service is more for a mixed group of guys and girls, or just a group of guys on their own. Since cover charge is always higher for guys, it makes sense to get the bottle service which includes free drinks.

But despite all of that, there are benefits to Bottle Service for both the club and the patron.

Benefits for the Person

Bottle service is ideal for line skipping, avoiding cover, and having a seating section for the whole night. It is a luxury that could be worth it if you get a good price for 6 or 7 people. Here are the benefits for the patron:

You won’t get stuck waiting in line hoping to get in. When you book VIP Bottle Service in advance it’s to the front of line you go, and then straight to the table.
There won’t be any cover charge either. That fifty bucks being charged at the door is to cover all the chumps who won’t be spending any money at the bar. You have bottle service. So for the nightclub, making money off of you is a sure thing.
You get your own table. Half your party companions are going to be spending all night on their feet, but you have your own place to park.
There is waitress service. Did you see the crowd of people waiting at the bar? Yeah, you can forget that, your own waitress has your drinks covered.
And there is security. No need to worry about your stuff getting snatched when THAT guy has his eyes on your table all night.

Most of all, VIP Bottle Service pays for prestige. See those hotties scanning your booth? That’s ‘cause they want to know what very important person (VIP) is sitting in it.

Benefits for the Club

While it can be costly, there are also benefits of offering bottle service at your bar or nightclub.

Guaranteed sales: The minimum spend cost guarantees a set minimum profit amount per table each night. If the club has a staff that can create a fun atmosphere for their guests and can upsell with ease, their tables will be booked week after week.
Increased profits: Because it’s billed as a premium service, the club can afford to set their bottle prices high. This will protect their bottom line, even when a table only spends the minimum.
Show off their service: Bottle service lets patrons skip the lines and avoid the frenzy at the bar. By placing a dedicated server at each table, they can spend a little extra time creating a fun and inviting atmosphere for their guests, talk up different products, and increase sales past the minimum.

Now that you've gotten all of that. Let me add this. As the DJ, I'm shouting you out on the mic while the Bottle Girls are delivering your bottles. "LOOK OUT, Y'ALL!!! - Insert your name here - IS IN THE HOUSE WITH - Insert the name of your crew - AND THEY'RE BIG BALLIN' AND SHOT CALLIN' IN THE VIP!!! If you tryna get put on, check out - insert your web URL or IG, Snap, or Twitter handle - !!!!"

So picture yourself in the club with your stunnah shades on, you order your bottle, the girls come out, I hype you up, and then drop this track on the one...