It's January, and time for our annual recap from the past year. These highlights are helpful for us internally, and we like to share them publicly with our friends, family, and customers.

Overall, 2022 was an excellent year for our business and customer booking volume. In fact, in just one week during December 2022, customer payments collected surpassed the $1,000,000 mark. We thank all of our customers for helping us reach this milestone. We also appreciate everyone who took the time to provide feedback and help improve Check Cherry. Big and small, they all make an impact.

Here's a rundown of the highlights from 2022:

Expense Tracking

One of the more popular additions to Check Cherry in 2022 was the ability to log and track business expenses. Customers can enter booking-specific fees, payments to staff members and even automate recurring expenses for subscription services such as website hosting. Customers who use cash-basis accounting can now generate Profit and Loss Statements and cancel a separate account software subscription such as QuickBooks.

Designs Feature Refreshed

Photobooth entrepreneurs often use our Designs feature to allow their clients to pick an image overlay from a predesigned collection of templates. In 2022, we took all the great customer feedback and improved our offering. The Designs feature is even more flexible, and Design Collections can now apply on a package-by-package basis. This allows new bookings to have the right design options for clients automatically.

We also added a bulk uploading feature for customers who curate their own collections of designs. For those who use third-party services, we added a pubic API and saw two companies in the photo booth template industry integrated with Check Cherry. We appreciate Bespoke Booth and Photo Booth Graphics for marking the integrations happen.

Calendar Improvements

A core feature of any great booking software is the calendar. Last year Check Cherry feature set was improved in several ways. We enhanced our Google Calendar integration, allowing bookings to be synced at the company or staff account level. Our universal calendar format (.ics file) integration was also improved. One can now sync Confirmed Bookings, Proposals, Leads, Blockout Dates, and Staff Time Off. Furthermore, one can even create separate subscriptions for each event type allowing for color coding in the calendar program of their choice.

Reporting Enhancements

We continued improving Check Cherry's reporting features in 2022. One such addition was the "Most Popular Package Report." It's a great way to find out what sells most for the year. There were several smaller enhancements to reporting.

Staff Assignment Features

In 2022, we added more options for assigning staff to bookings. Customers can now configure their account to allow their team members to claim a booking and automatically be assigned or allow team members to request a booking assignment. Such requests require approval by an admin before they are assigned to the booking.

Google Tag Manager

Savvy online marketers leverage advertising and Check Cherry's online booking engine to drive sales and quality leads. Our Google Tag Manager integration opens up the door for collecting data from any ad platform to track the effectiveness of online campaigns. 

Flex Pricing

We consistently received feedback from customers telling us they wanted the option to surcharge based on the booking's location. Common examples include adding surcharges for high-density areas such as downtown Chicago where traffic and parking are meaningful considerations to the profitability of a booking.

Calendar Widget Improved

We've updated the styling of the embeddable Calendar Widget. The new version is a bit more modern and matches the styling of the calendar picker used during online booking.

Tons of smaller stuff

As usual, there were a lot of small changes. From quick bug fixes to workflow improvements. While these more minor changes don't earn a spot on this list of highlights, it's essential to recognize the little stuff that adds up and makes Check Cherry easier and more enjoyable.

Looking at 2023

We're excited about 2023 and the opportunity to continue improving our service. Check Cherry is maturing, and there are still many great ways we plan to improve our service. Thanks again to our customers who continue to support us and provide quality feedback because it allows us to create a company and service we're proud to offer.

A mobile bar business can be a great way to earn extra money, meet people and turn your love for bartending into a successful entrepreneurial venture. 

Of course, for your business to succeed, you will need to be good at more than mixing drinks. Ultimately you'll be running a business and turning a profit with each booking. In this article, we'll give you some tips for crafting a mobile bar business plan to help increase your chances of running a successful mobile bar business. 

The Service

The mobile bartending business provides a mobile beverage service catering to events such as weddings, corporate functions, private parties, festivals, and other special occasions. The goal is to offer a diverse selection of high-quality drinks, professional bartenders, and a unique experience that exceeds customer expectations.

The Market

The mobile bar industry has experienced significant growth in recent years due to the rising demand for on-site beverage services. Key target markets for your business include event planners, wedding organizers, corporate clients, and individuals hosting private events. Customers appreciate the convenience and customization options offered by mobile bars.

The Business Model

Mobile bar businesses provide a comprehensive range of beverage services, including craft cocktails, wine, beer, non-alcoholic drinks, and custom drink menus. Services are sold with packages and add-ons, and prices can vary by guest count as more staff is needed to keep wait times low.

Additional revenue may be generated through per-drink sales if local liquor laws allow. Collaborations with event venues and potential brand sponsorships also represent revenue opportunities.

👉 Suggested Article: Mobile Bartending Packages and Pricing

Startup Costs

Startup costs will vary. Minimizing startup costs is recommended for those with less experience in sales and marketing event services.

Mobile Bar Setup

A simple portable bar setup can cost $1,000, while a luxury mobile bar trailer can exceed $100,000.

Inventory and Equipment

You're going to need professional equipment which is high quality and durable. Invest in quality bartending tools, coolers, etc. Estiamted at $500 - $1,500.

Vehicle Purchase

It's possible you will need to purchase a vehicle to transport your portable bar setup or mobile bar trailer. The cost of a used vehicle could range from $10,000 - $30,000, depending on your needs.

Licensing and Permits

It is estimated the fees for obtaining necessary licenses and permits for a mobile bar business are $2,000 - $5,000. Naturally, these costs will vary based on your region.

Marketing and Branding

A great logo, website, and marketing materials, such as high-quality photos, will impress potential customers, making closing sales easier. Estimated costs $2,500 - $10,000.

Insurance

General liability and commercial vehicle insurance costs of $1,000 - $4,000 per year.

Marketing and Promotion

To effectively market the mobile bar business, you will employ various strategies such as:

Online Sales

Develop a professional website highlighting services, packages, reviews, and the markets you serve. Utilize social media platforms and online directories to increase visibility and reach potential customers.

Partnerships

Focus on establishing mutually beneficial partnerships by contacting event planners, wedding venues, and corporate event organizers. Offer incentives to increase the chances of getting on a list of preferred vendors.

Networking

Attend industry events, trade shows, and local gatherings to connect with potential clients and industry professionals. Focus on making friends and attending regularly to increase your chances of making genuine connections.

Advertising

Utilize online advertising platforms to target specific demographics and geographical areas.

Referrals

Invest in positive customer outcomes by underpromising and over-delivering. Implement a referral program to incentivize existing clients and event planners to recommend your services.

Licensing and Legal Requirements

Business Registration

Register your mobile bar business as a legal entity (LLC, sole proprietorship, etc.) and obtain a tax identification number.

Alcohol Licensing

Apply for the alcohol licenses and permits the local and state authorities require.

Insurance

Acquire general liability insurance, liquor liability insurance, and commercial auto insurance.

Health and Safety Compliance

Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, including proper food handling practices and sanitation protocols.

Vehicle Regulations

Comply with local regulations regarding vehicle modification, safety inspections, and commercial vehicle permits.

Operations

Staffing

Hire professional bartenders and support staff to ensure efficient and high-quality service delivery.

Event Planning and Logistics

Develop streamlined event booking, scheduling, inventory management, and transportation logistics processes. 

💡 ProTip:: Use a quality booking system designed for mobile bartenders, such as Check Cherry.

Supplier Relationships

Establish relationships with beverage distributors and seek to align your brand with other well-known brands in the industry.

When fall approaches, there is always an influx of photographers scheduling mini sessions with Check Cherry. That's because the fall is an excellent time for families to capture a magical season which can also serve as the first chance to capture that perfect holiday card photo.

This article will give you inspiration for your upcoming fall mini sessions. Proper planning will help ensure that clients will love your work and book you for more sessions.

Go Outside

Fall mini sessions are best outdoors. Select a place to host your fall mini session that will allow for the full glory of the autumn season to be displayed. Often that means finding a great local park or nature preserve.

Embrace Leaves

Leaves turning new colors represent an iconic image for fall mini sessions. Furthermore, as they fall and settle on the ground, they turn brown, making for beautiful foliage with natural tones.

Tip: Not every city offers a fantastic fall display. Consider buying artificial fall foliage for your photo shoots and use it yearly.

Harvest Season

Providing a variety of fall vegetables will take your photo shoot setup to the next level. Orange pumpkins are great, but you can also include other pumpkin varieties. Squashes are also a great option and will help add more texture.

Bales of Hay

Using hay bales in your setup offers a classic look for fall mini sessions. Hay works great for seating and can also surround your subjects. Consider placing your fall vegetables on top of your hay bales next to your subjects.

Suggested Article: More Mini Session Ideas

Rustic Farm Feel

Fall minis and harvest season go hand and hand. Add a rustic barrel to your scene or perhaps some old wooden crates filled with vegetables. There are many options for creating that rustic harvest look and feel.

Vintage Tractors & Classic Pickup Trucks

We've seen impressive results when photographers incorporate an old tractor or classic pickup truck. Consider finding a photo shoot location that has old inactive already on display.

Location Partnerships

You can often partner with a photo shoot, such as a pumpkin patch. A pumpkin patch might already have many props you want to incorporate into your fall mini sessions. Reach out to them and let them know you want to use their location for a fall mini session. Be prepared to pay a fee for using the site and offer to promote their business to your audience.

Related Article: Mini Session Packages & Pricing

Invest More, Earn More

The more you invest in your fall mini session, the more you'll be able to charge clients. While a complete setup is not required, it can help take your fall mini sessions to the next level and differentiate you from the competition.



Make Scheduling Mini Sessions Easy

Make it easy for people to book mini sessions, and you'll get more business. Use a quality mini session scheduler, like Check Cherry, to allow people to pick a slot, pay a deposit and purchase add-ons online.