If you’re planning an event or looking to start a mobile bar business, one of the essential questions you’ll face is, “How much does a mobile bar cost?” Mobile bars offer great flexibility and are ideal for various occasions, but their prices vary significantly.
So, what do you need for a mobile bar? In this blog, we will explore the costs of buying mobile bars and the benefits of having a portable bar.
Expenses to Consider
To set up a mobile bar service, you have to consider various expenses such as:
Equipment
You’ll need the necessary tools, such as:
- Transport truck
- Glasses
- Bottle openers
- Cocktail napkins
- Cocktail straws
- Paper towels
- Corkscrews
- Liquor pour spoons.
Dump sinks, hand sinks, blender stations, and speed rails are other items you may need to include in your budget.
The entire expense of bringing everything together might be intimidating to the typical individual. However, you must plan ahead of time to obtain all the essential equipment. You should also do your homework before purchasing the most effective equipment.
Remember that the equipment should make a positive first impression on potential consumers. Depending on the organisation’s size, the cost should typically range between $5,000 and $25,000.
Payroll Expenses
Generally, you must pay your staff even if they make little or no money during the initial phase. High expenditures, such as acquiring equipment and goods, might use up practically all the capital, leaving you with little money to run the operation. Before this happens, ensure you have already allocated part of your staff budget.
Inventory
When it comes to mobile sales, inventory is the most crucial issue. Because you cannot predict your target audience’s consumption patterns, determining how much inventory to carry for your first sale may be difficult.
Fortunately, most beverages do not go bad rapidly, so you may carry as much stock as your budget allows. Inventory should account for around 20% of your budget.
Benefits of Portable Bars
While mobile bars do come with a price tag, they offer a range of benefits that make them a worthwhile investment:
Flexibility
Mobile bars are incredibly versatile. You can set them up virtually anywhere, indoors or outdoors, at a wedding, corporate event, or a backyard party. This adaptability allows you to take your bar service to different locations and cater to a broader clientele.
Professional Appearance
A well-designed mobile bar can instantly elevate the presentation of your event. It provides a clean and professional setup for serving drinks, creating a positive impression on your guests or customers.
Efficiency
Mobile bars are designed with the needs of bartenders in mind. They typically come equipped with convenient features like work surfaces, storage, and easy access to essentials. This efficiency can streamline the drink-making process, leading to faster service and happier guests.
Branding Opportunities
For businesses, mobile bars offer a unique branding opportunity. You can customize the bar’s appearance with your logo and branding elements, helping to increase brand visibility and recognition.
SmartBar 5L Features
- Unbreakable translucent high-impact panels that are easy to remove.
- Choose black or white countertops.
- Lightweight with sturdy metal in black or white.
- Integrated wheel covers give the bar an elegant look.
- Adjustable rubber nibs support top counter height.
- Full shelf folds provide storage space.
- Two professional integrated removable cutting boards.
- Two large, removable ice bins
- Panels remove quickly from the inside, giving a clean and elegant look.
- Convenient speed well holds 18 bottles.
- Heavy-duty stabilizer bars provide room for supplies.
- SmartBar folds to less than 12 inches and rolls easily for storage.
- The bar top is attached and folds with the bar.
- Front & rear casters for maximum stability & safety.
- Multi-color LED lighting & effects.
- An optional rechargeable battery eliminates the need for wires.
Start Your Mobile Bartending Services
The cost of a mobile bar can vary depending on factors like type, materials, size, and additional features. While there are affordable options for personal use, investing in a high-quality, custom-built bar may be necessary for businesses or more significant events.
SmartBar Products offers you and your customers a new experience in portable bars for hotels, bartending businesses, restaurants, cruise lines, country clubs, arenas, expo centers, trade shows, and conference facilities.
Our portable bars offer well-designed functionality and a truly positive experience for you, your employees, and your valued customers. Contact us and step into the world of mobile bartending.