If you seek independence and have experience bartending, you may want to become a freelance bartender. Bartending is one of the best freelancing jobs that allows you to earn good money. And you can set your own schedule without the hassle of a day job.
You may be concerned that this venture may not be lucrative enough. All freelancers struggle with the unknown. After all, it takes time to build your skillset to achieve your desired income. You must learn various strategies to get the work you seek.
Below are some ways to increase your income as a bartender.
1. Work Nights and Weekends
If your schedule allows for it, try to work during the night and on weekends. Weekdays tend to be slow in terms of customer traffic as compared to weekends and nights.
Whereas on weekends, people drink more and spend more on their drinks. They celebrate the weekend and tend to stay out later. Usually, this equates to bigger tips because there are more people and drinks.
2. Mix Specialty Drinks
Bartenders who can mix any ordered drink get more credit and tips from customers. The key is learning new drink recipes and paying attention to ingredient proportions so all drinks turn out well.
3. Be Quick and Attentive
Even if you experience a busy night, do your best to give each customer your attention. It’s essential to provide thorough customer service. (We discuss this more in-depth next.) You must also fulfill their orders as quickly as possible.
Staying on top of everything at the bar generates more tips for you. Remember that the faster you finish the job, the quicker they leave your bar. New customers will arrive, and you will generate more tips.
4. Provide Exceptional Customer Service
It’s up to you to ensure your customers leave happy. Naturally, a customer wants to get the most for their money. So, you must ensure they enjoy their drinks and service during and after they leave. Always cater to their needs.
This essential factor increases your income as a bartender by ensuring customers leave happy. Customers want to get the most for their money. So, ensure they are satisfied with your drinks and service.
5. Be Efficient
You need to know how to work efficiently. There is a vast difference between busy bartending and terrible service.
The key to an efficient bartender is good time management. Communicate with customers and ensure they get the drinks they order promptly.
It’s also wise to know when and where to cross-train. Find out if your upcoming gig requires more than one person. If it does, and you’re in charge, find someone reliable. Back-up support allows you to tend to other responsibilities and care for customers without losing tips.
6. Search for Higher Paying Jobs
Once you become an experienced bartender, start applying for higher-paying jobs. For example, you can temporarily manage a bar.
A well-known company with special events may be looking for experienced bartenders. Corporate events and weddings are two types of events that need bartenders.
So, think outside the box and contact businesses that may seek highly trained bartenders. These jobs will pave the way for you to make more money.
7. Improve Your Skills
As a freelance bartender, it’s vital to improve your skillset. There are many ways to improve your skills. Taking courses about business online or in person allows you to gain more knowledge. In addition, you can read books and watch online videos. Focusing on bringing your skills to the next level enables you to find higher-paying gigs.
8. Network With Other Bartenders
Networking with other freelance bartenders can improve your career as well. There are likely many bartenders in your area with similar expertise. Connect with them to learn more about your industry and exchange knowledge. They can also offer tips on how to become a private bartender.
9. Establish a Social Media Presence
If you have yet to set up a business profile on Meta, Instagram, and LinkedIn, make a point to do it. Having a social media presence online helps get your name out there. Plus, you can stay in touch with other professionals you network with.
Use social media to your advantage when applying for new gigs. It can show the company you’re serious about being a bartender.
Conclusion
Being a freelance bartender can be fun and fulfilling. It is especially a good fit for those who love using their creativity to make new drinks. Furthermore, investing in this career is also an excellent way to be outgoing and get to know new people.
To increase your profits, be willing to improve your skillset and network with others. Consider gaining knowledge in business to accomplish your goals. Establishing yourself online can also help improve the amount of work you get.
Apply the above tips, and you’ll be on your way to turning bartending into a lucrative business.
