If your space offers or requires food or beverage for events, please use this step-by-step guide on how to optimize your event listing and drive more full service bookings.
Step 1 - Determine your booking minimum.
What is your minimum booking amount including venue, food, beverage, or services?
For example, your booking minimum can be $1,000. This means guests have to spend at least $1,000 in order to book your space for events. You could also have a booking minimum based on the day of the week such as $500 Monday through Wednesday and $1,500 Thursday through Sunday. You can also have a booking minimum based on the number of the attendees.
Step 2 - Set your hourly rate based on your booking minimum.
Your hourly rate should be the amount you typically charge guests upfront to secure the space. Typically, event venues require 25-50% of their booking minimum upfront and then discuss food, beverages, and services once the booking is secured.
For example, if you have a booking minimum of $3,000 and your hourly rate is $250 per hour with a 4-hour minimum, the guest pays $1,000 up front to secure the space and date. The remaining minimum can be discussed after the booking is secured and final payment will be collected by updating the booking closer to the event date.
Step 3 - Display the remaining minimum fees in your description and rules
Using the example in Step 2, the guest pays $1,000 upfront to secure the space, but the guest would still need to pay $2,000 in order to meet this minimum. In this case, we will display details and the rules of your listing in the description.
Example 1 (recommended): The hourly rate includes a full buyout of space with a private bartender. A food and beverage minimum of $2,000 is required. Please view add-ons for food and beverage options.
Example 2: Hourly rate goes towards $3,000 food and beverage minimum. A private bartender will be provided. Please view add-ons for food and beverage options.
Tip: Don’t forget to fill out your Event FAQ which will also display any food and beverage requirements on your listing. It will also help boost your listing in search!
Step 4 - Create add-ons with food, beverage, and service options
Add-ons can be priced per person, per item, per hour, or a flat rate fee. For each add-on, you can also include applicable taxes and gratuities. We strongly recommend including a photo and description that details what’s included.
Here is a list of add-ons we recommend creating based on your available offerings:
- Appetizers
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Cocktails
- Beer & wine
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Mocktails
- Dessert
- Private bartending Fee
- Outside catering fee
- Outside beverage fee
- Staff or security fee
- DJ services
- Photography services
Step 4 - Update booking to collect final payment from guest
After the guest pays a fee upfront to secure space and date, you and the guest can discuss event details, food, beverage, and service options. The guest will appreciate and be inspired by the displayed options in your add-ons. Once details are finalized, update the booking and include any add-ons and additional fees to secure the full payment from guests prior to the booking taking place.
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