Freelancing bartenders vs Company bartenders: How much does it cost to hire an event bartender?

An event bartender is a person who travels to a location to bartend private events. Freelancing bartenders or company bartenders usually provide their own bar equipment/tools. They also usually provide their own bar table or portable bar. Private events can take place at the host’s house, a venue, a corporate location, etc.

The overall cost to hire an event bartender ranges from $40 to $80 per hour. If they have a set price, it can range from $160 to $320 for an average of 4 hours of service. 

When you search for a bartender to hire, you may find many options through companies or several individuals who freelance on the side. 

Where to hire them?

Usually, freelancers are hired through a third-party site like Thumbtack or on social media like Instagram. They will display their prices and a description of what they will provide in their services when hired. Since they are freelancers, all communication will be directed to the bartender.

When it comes to bartenders through a company, they are usually hired through the company’s website. On the website, they usually have a description of the service expectation of their bartenders and everything that will include in the price. All communication is usually through the company’s representative.

There are many differences between hiring bartenders through a company vs. a freelancer. We’ll talk about the many differences so you can decide who is the best type of bartender for your event needs.

 

The most common questions that occur between these two types of bartending services are:

• What is the price difference between hiring a freelance bartender and a company bartender?
• What is the difference in service between a freelancer and a company bartender?
• What are the pros and cons of a freelance bartender?
• What are the pros and cons of a company bartender?

What is the price difference between hiring a freelance bartender and a company bartender?

 Freelance bartender’s average price:

• Hourly example – Ranges from $40 to $80 per hour.
• Set price example – Ranges from $150 to 350 (for an average of 4 hours of service)

A freelance bartender sets their own hourly wage since they work for themselves. Their hourly wage usually depends on their skill set, the event guest count, and the event location. Also, what is expected of them as a bartender to hire? 

Since the host can directly contact the bartender, their prices can be negotiable and/or flexible depending on what is being requested by the host.   

Company Bartender average price:

• Hourly example – Ranges from $50 to $100 per hour. 
• Set price example –  Ranges from $200 to $400 (for an average of 4 hours of service)

When you hire bartenders through a company, usually a deposit and contract are arranged. That requires before the event in order to reserve any bartender. The bartenders are paid through the company. 

So, any requests or arrangements must be made through the representative of the company. In most cases, you will be able to see or speak to the bartenders reserved on the day of the event.

Bartenders through a company are usually licensed, insured, trained, and experienced.

What is the difference in service between a freelancer and a company bartender?

The difference between hiring a bartender through a company vs. hiring a freelance bartender can vary in ways of setup, service, and reliability.

Set up

A freelancer bartender  

 A freelance bartender generally will show up from an hour to half an hour in order to begin preparing the bar for service. Then, they will service the bar for the agreed time. 

In most cases, they will bring their own table set up. However, there are some freelance bartenders who will provide a portable bar set up for a classic bar look.

Portable bar, or table, they will always provide their own bar tools/equipment in their set up.

As for the ingredients (such as mixers and liquors), a freelance bartender normally only provides that in their setup. Especially any alcoholic ingredients for liability purposes.

For some circumstances where they do provide, it is commonly a few mixers or syrups. However, generally, the ingredients provided by the bartender for their setup are nonalcoholic. 

Suppose you would like a freelance bartender to bring alcoholic mixers or hard liquors. They can offer to do the shopping for you and bring the receipt for reimbursement.

A company bartender

Bartenders through a company are expected to arrive between 3 to 1 hour prior to the event to prepare the bar for service. 

Since companies usually provide services for larger events, they commonly work in schedules. That way, they keep every event organized and ensure timely service.

The company has expectations that have to be met by their team, such as setting up within the scheduled time.

When it comes to bar rental, companies might have a variety of portable bar setups to choose from. 

As for every bartender, bar tools are an essential part of setting up. To further ensure the bartenders have all the bar tools needed, the company may even provide the right tools for them. 

Companies also regularly supply the bar. For example, they can supply cups, straws, garnishes, liquors, mixers, juices, etc. Companies are commonly known for knowing how much supply. Enough supplies to provide for a certain amount of guests and the amount of service time. 

Service 

A freelancer bartender

A freelance bartender can be a really great bartender. However, since they work for themselves, they set their own rules and guidelines. 

With that said, if you are looking for multiple bartenders, a freelance bartender will only be able to supply a few bartenders.

So, you’ll have to look for multiple freelancers to take care of your event. You have to keep in mind that freelancers work for themselves. For that reason, they might not work as a team with other bartenders.

To avoid any conflict, you should be able to communicate with your bartenders. When communicating, let them know they will be working with others. You will be able to communicate directly with your freelancers and accommodate any of your bar needs. 

To make it easier to find out about your freelancer’s services, you can check out their ratings. Usually, ratings come from past clients through third-party sites. Through third-party sites, they have ratings and direct contact with freelancers who are offering their services. 

There is also a huge selection of bartenders to compare services and prices. 

A company bartender 

The company takes full responsibility for the bartender’s performance. Therefore, they typically send their handpicked bartenders.

Their hand-picked bartenders are usually the most reliable and professional bartenders they have. 

Bartenders usually consist of some training and licensing to service in a specific way in order to meet the company’s requirements. 

The company bartenders’ training consists of crafting all kinds of cocktails. They know how to handle difficult situations and how to handle big crowds in order to ensure a smooth service.  

A company can also supply multiple bartenders at a time. This makes it easier for the host to just reserve in one place instead of reserving bartenders from multiple freelancers.

Since bartenders from a company commonly chosen for big events, they are typically familiar with working in teams with other bartenders. 

However, when it comes to communication, it all starts with the company’s representative. Then passed down to the bartenders who will be tending your event. 

Reliability

 A freelancer bartender

 Freelance bartenders set their own schedules and time. It is up to them on how they organize themselves. 

Freelance bartenders are way easier to book last minute, especially when you have so many to choose from on third-party sites.

You can easily find out how reliable they are as a bartender through their ratings. However, their ratings will show if hired through third-party sites where ratings from clients is allowed. 

Since a contract or deposit is not typically required, the service is just not 100% guaranteed.

There are possibilities the bartender might cancel last minute or even forget about your event. So communication is important. 

A company bartender 

Hiring a company bartender is usually done by reserving them ahead of time. Through the reservation process, a deposit and contract are usually required in order to guarantee them for your date. 

With that said, a cancelation is very unlikely with a company. 

A company requires to be very organized since they serve many different events at a time.

Since companies can easily receive good and bad reviews for their services, they are more cautious about who they are sending to tend events. 

However, since they reserved their bartenders ahead of time, it is more difficult to reserve a bartender last minute. 

There are possibilities of overbooking, or they can’t guarantee a reliable bartender last minute.

What are the pros and cons of a bartender through a company vs. a freelance bartender?

Now that we discussed their prices and differences let’s weigh the pros and cons. 

The most common pros and cons of event bartenders: are prices, hiring time frame, communication, service time, organization, and cancellation.

The pros of hiring a freelance bartender are:

1.  It might be more affordable to hire
2. Easier to hire last minute
3. They can negotiate the price since they set their own hourly wage
4. You can hire them for as little or as many hours. 

The cons of hiring a freelance bartender:

1. They may arrive late to set up
2. They  can cancel on you last minute
3. There is usually no written agreement/contract
4. Freelancers may only know about basic bartending skills 
5. Usually do not have insurance for their services
6. They may not be able to supply more bartenders for bigger events.
7. Freelance bartenders may not be organized with their schedules.

The pros of hiring a company bartender:

1. The company reserves bartenders for your event day.
2. Scheduled to arrive early for an on-time setup.
3. The company requires bartenders to be professional and reliable
4. The company will only cancel at the last minute with a valid reason. 
5. Companies can provide for as many bartenders as they like.
6. Companies can provide as many hours of service.
7. Bartenders from a company contain a license and have proper bartending training.
8. Companies are liable and usually have insured bartenders.
9. They can supply all ingredients for the bar.
10. Bartending companies can provide many options for bar rentals. 

What are the cons of hiring a company bartender?

1. Bartenders from a company may be more expensive to hire.
2. Companies require to hire ahead of time and leave a deposit.
3. Bartenders from a company may have some policies/guidelines that they must follow.
4. Companies may not take small gatherings.
5. Direct communication with the bartender may not be available.

Questions and answers

Conclusion:

Now that you know the difference between these two types of event bartenders. You’ll be able to decide what is the best choice for your event. Knowing these differences will help you make your decision easier. 

However, freelancers or through a company, could you know the following before hiring your bartenders?

• What will be provided in your services? 
• What time before the event will they arrive to prepare the bar for service?
• Can we have a written agreement for the service that will be provided? 

That way, you can guarantee a successful event without worrying if they will be late or forgetting your event. 

You can also hire bartenders through Party Shakers, where we can supply as many reliable, professional, hot bartenders as your need for your event. In addition, we provide a wide variety of bar rentals, and all included services. Where you don’t have to worry about anything. Our prices are the best among other bartending services. You can get your personalized quote today.