Did you know you can start a successful business with a mobile bar trailer? More and more people are taking their passion for cocktails and customer service on the road. With a mobile bar business, you’re sure to be the life of the party and earn a lot of money while you’re at it.
We break down everything you need to start and grow a business with a mobile bar trailer.
Where do I get a mobile bar trailer to start my business?
Are you ready to put the mobile in your mobile bar? Well, first, you have to find the right vehicle (a mobile trailer) and equipment to serve your clients best. Mobile bars are a bit different from other mobile businesses. Instead of a serving cocktail out the back of a utility van, these businesses use a trailer attachment that can be pulled from event to event with a van or truck.
So, the question is, where do you get a mobile bar trailer? And how much does a mobile bar trailer cost?
Luckily there are businesses dedicated to creating trailers for mobile bar businesses. They sell mobile bar trailers that are fully equipped and customized. So, you get everything you need to run your business.
A mobile bar trailer can cost you anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000.
That’s a pretty hefty start-up cost. Of course, you’ll want to find deals wherever you can. So, do your research and make sure to choose your mobile bar trailer wisely!
Also, remember to factor in the cost of modifications. For example, you may want to customize the outside of the mobile bar with your branding or leave it simple to appeal to a broader range of events. Or, you may have to spruce up the interior, i.e., bar taps, glassware, and signs, to make your mobile bar trailer functional and comfortable. It’s up to you!
How do I get more bookings for my mobile bar business?
Once you have the perfect mobile bar trailer, it’s time to hit the road. Here are five tips to grow a mobile bar business.
#1 Optimize your Google Business Profile
To get booked solid, you need to put your mobile bar on the map … literally! Your Google business page is key to booking events for your mobile bar trailer business.
Clients want a mobile bar they can trust at their events. So, the first top will be your Google business page to check out reviews and services. You can optimize your Google business to get discovered and land more bookings:
Use the following tips to make sure your Google business profile shows up in search results when clients search “mobile bar near me”:
- Update your business info. Make sure your service hours, description, and contact information are accurate.
- Add a “book now” button to your Google Business profile. It will link directly to your appointment booking site so you get more leads.
- Upload engaging photos. High-quality images of your mobile bar, cocktails, and past events can help build trust with clients.
- Ask clients for reviews. High-quality reviews increase your search rankings. More good reviews mean more bookings. Also, respond to bad reviews to quell worries from potential clients.
#2 Use Social Media to build a brand for your mobile bar business
Before you take your mobile bar trailer on the road, you have to go get discovered. A solid online presence is key to growing your mobile bar business. Social media is the best place to start.
Social media channels make it easy for clients to find and connect with your business. Plus, they can act as social proof and a portfolio of your past work. Clients want to know you’re credible and real. You don’t have to tackle every social media page. But create a Facebook page and Instagram account to get started.
The best part is that you have good content built into your business model. Everyone loves a party! You can post pictures and videos of your working events. Or even teach people to mix drinks. People love a niche profession. Just make sure to get your client’s
Remember to add a link to your custom booking site on all your social media pages.
#3 Ask for Referrals
To get your mobile bar trailer booked solid, you’ll need referrals. Referrals are clients that have been recommended to you by another source, usually another client or business. With quality work and excellent customer service, referrals will come to you naturally.
To speed things up, you can offer clients incentives to recommend your services, like cash or discounts. Typically a referrer is rewarded for every new client they send your way!
It’s a win-win!
Referrals can also come from professionals in your industry. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship. So, you should send clients their way as well. Network with other event business owners, like photographers, planners, or even wedding content creators, who can vouch for your expertise.
#4 Try out paid advertising
Paid marketing opportunities can also boost your mobile bar trailer business. The online landscape is competitive. Paid advertising bumps you to the top. The most popular social media platforms offer some form of paid advertisements to businesses.
If you’re just starting out with paid ads, a good rule of thumb is to stay practical about your budget. You’re a small business, so be cautious. Take time to learn what kind of ads perform best with which audiences. Plus, you can retarget the audience that interacted well with your ads.
Important: As a local business, you will also want to make sure you limit your advertising campaign to the zip codes in which you do business.
#5 Use a booking app to improve your clients’ experience
To prep for that influx of clients, you need a reliable booking app. A booking app makes it easier to attract and manage clients for mobile bar trailers. It gives clients a seamless onboarding experience so they don’t have to think twice about booking again.
Ideally, your booking app should give you the ability to:
- Book clients and schedule appointments
- Accept multiple payment types and receive quick payouts
- Send contracts, forms, and personalized communications to your clients
- Create bundles and subscriptions to help you earn more money upfront
- Solicit reviews and bring in leads
Business software makes it easy to manage clients so that you can focus on your craft.
The Bottom Line
With time, effort, and the right tools, a mobile bar trailer can become a successful business. Use our tips to land more bookings for your mobile bar. PocketSuite is an all-in-one app to manage clients and run your mobile bar business.
