Your packages are the first thing potential clients evaluate. How you structure them, what you include, and how you present the options determines whether someone books or keeps shopping.
Start with Your Target Events
Before creating packages, think about the types of events you actually want to serve. Most mobile bar businesses fall into a few common segments, and your packages should reflect the ones you focus on.
- Weddings and formal events: longer service windows, premium spirits, signature cocktails, and higher guest counts. These tend to be your highest-revenue bookings.
- Corporate events: professional presentation, beer/wine/simple cocktails, predictable guest counts. Often booked by event planners who want a clean quote.
- Private parties: backyard gatherings, birthdays, holiday parties. Shorter duration, more casual drink menus, price-sensitive clients.
- Festivals and public events: high volume, limited menu, simple pricing per drink or per hour.
You do not need a separate package for every event type. Most mobile bar operators do well with two to four core packages that cover the range from casual to premium. Clients can then customize with add-ons.
Structure Packages in Tiers
Tiered pricing works well for mobile bar services because the core service (bartender + bar setup) stays the same, but the drink selection and extras scale up. A simple three-tier structure gives clients a clear choice without overwhelming them.
Example Tier Structure
| Standard | Premium | Signature | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Casual parties | Weddings, corporate | Upscale events |
| Bartender(s) | 1 | 1-2 | 2+ |
| Bar setup | Basic | Full with glassware | Custom themed setup |
| Spirits | House | Mid-shelf | Top-shelf + craft |
| Cocktail menu | Classic cocktails | Curated menu | Custom signature cocktails |
| Minimum hours | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Pricing model | Hourly | Hourly or flat | Flat rate |
Choose a Pricing Model
Mobile bar pricing varies widely by market, but there are a few common models. Pick the one that fits how you operate, or mix them across tiers.
- Hourly rate: charge per hour of service. Simple for clients to understand. Works well for casual events where the guest count is uncertain.
- Per-person rate: charge based on expected guest count. Common for weddings and corporate events where the host wants all-inclusive pricing.
- Flat rate: a fixed price for the package regardless of hours or guests. Best for premium packages where you want to anchor the price high.
- Consumption-based: charge per drink served. Less common for private events, but standard for festivals and some corporate setups.
Use Add-ons for Upsells
Add-ons let clients customize their package without you needing to create dozens of package variations. They also increase your average booking value because clients who have already committed to a package are more likely to add extras.
Common Mobile Bar Add-ons
- Additional bartender
- Signature cocktail development (custom recipes for the event)
- Premium spirit upgrade
- Non-alcoholic cocktail (mocktail) menu
- Garnish bar or cocktail station
- Glassware upgrade (from plastic to real glass)
- Ice delivery or specialty ice (large cubes, spheres)
- Bar decor or themed setup (neon sign, floral arrangements)
- Post-event cleanup
- Extended hours (per-hour add-on)
Write Clear Package Descriptions
Your package description is doing sales work for you. A vague description like "professional bartending service for your event" does not help clients understand what they are getting or why one tier costs more than another.
For each package, spell out what is included.
- Number of bartenders
- What spirits and mixers are provided (or if the client supplies alcohol)
- Type of bar setup (portable bar, table setup, custom build)
- Glassware and supplies included
- Service duration and any minimum booking requirements
- What is not included (helps prevent misunderstandings)
Set Up Your Packages in Check Cherry
Once you have your package tiers and pricing figured out, set them up in Check Cherry so clients can browse, compare, and book directly.
Add Your Extras
Set Up Flex Pricing (Optional)
If your pricing changes based on guest count, day of week, or season, Flex Pricing rules can handle the math automatically. For example, you could add a weekend surcharge or scale the price up by $5 per guest over 50.
Let Clients Book Online
One of the biggest advantages of structured packages is that clients can browse and book without needing to call or email you for a custom quote. The Check Cherry booking engine lets you embed a booking page on your website or share a direct link.
When your packages are set up with clear descriptions and pricing, the booking engine handles the rest: clients pick a package, select add-ons, choose a date, and submit their request. You get a notification and can send a proposal or confirm the booking.
Tips from Mobile Bar Operators
A few things that come up often when working with mobile bartending businesses on their package setup.
- Keep it simple. Two to four packages is the sweet spot. More than that and clients get decision fatigue.
- Anchor high. Put your premium package first in the list. Clients tend to compare everything against the first option they see.
- Bundle the popular stuff. If 80% of clients add a garnish bar, just include it in the mid-tier package and price accordingly.
- Separate bartender-only from full-service. If you offer both models (client provides alcohol vs. you provide everything), make these separate packages rather than trying to explain the difference in add-ons.
- Show pricing on your booking page. Mobile bar clients are often comparing multiple vendors. If your competitors show pricing and you do not, you may lose the inquiry entirely.
- Use seasonal packages. Holiday cocktail packages, summer patio menus, and wedding season specials can drive bookings during your busiest months.