How can I start this GREAT business idea

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So I had this idea that hit me but I'm completely unaware if its possible or how to do it. I was hoping you talented people can shed light on it.

I live next to a Major City in the US. There's thousands of clubs and nightlife and all that. I thought what if I rented out the club or an area then charged for people to come at the door, in other words I'm hosting a private party. But the people that usually show up would be paying to get in. I can even hire a musical guest to play there.

1) Is this possible and how can I do it?
2) If not is there any variation of the idea that may work. Rent out a venue, charge people to come? Maybe like a speed dating thing or invite a speaker or something. I.e. Event planning.
  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    Laws may vary.

    In the US, you COULD do it, but a place of that nature, especially if it has a kitchen, can be very expensive. If you wanted to provide food, you may need licensing. For alcohol you likely will as well. I believe alcohol may be tied to the place, so you may want to get them together. There may be a limit on the cover charge also! In the US, laws vary. Some areas won't even allow alcohol.

    Speed dating and the like is cheaper and simpler since you can do all that in a banquet hall or room. Many convention centers, hotels, and even restaurants will let you do that. HECK, to a degree churches, libraries and schools will.

    Steve
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    • Profile picture of the author Pinkfloyd247
      Thanks. Or I guess I can even book a popular speaker at a hotel too.
      Or I could book the speed dating at a bar.

      As far as the club idea goes, I'd be renting out a club so they already allow alcohol and all that (no food) just music and etc. So I think the license is contingent upon the club not me, I'm just putting it together.

      How can I get started and would it work?
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  • Profile picture of the author Dan Riffle
    What differentiates your private party from what goes on at the club every other night? Why would a club rent to you when they could just do it themselves and keep the profit?

    Legit questions. I'm not bagging on your idea.
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  • Profile picture of the author Pinkfloyd247
    No, I actually thought about that as well!
    I could have a theme to the party (fire breathers, etc.) or invite a music guest. That's the best I could come up with. If you have any ideas I'd like to hear them.
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    • Profile picture of the author Dan Riffle
      Originally Posted by Pinkfloyd247 View Post

      No, I actually thought about that as well!
      I could have a theme to the party (fire breathers, etc.) or invite a music guest. That's the best I could come up with. If you have any ideas I'd like to hear them.

      I don't have any ideas, per se. I'm still trying to wrap my brain around your concept.

      Put yourself in the position of the venue owner. Imagine someone came to you with your offer. What's in it for them? You put on a party there, you pay them rent, make the profit, yet they assume all liability.

      I see your concept more likely to work with a promoter arrangement. You round up traffic and take a cut of the door.

      Now, I have seen reception halls do this. Somebody reserves the hall, puts on a private party, and sells tickets.

      Your concept might also work on off nights at clubs, either nights they're normally closed or slow nights.

      Of course, this isn't my area of specialty.
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      • Profile picture of the author Pinkfloyd247
        I like the way you think! I'd pm you to talk more but my inbox is full do you have Skype? If so add me immediately RickyGoon247

        Thanks!
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        • Profile picture of the author Dan Riffle
          Originally Posted by Pinkfloyd247 View Post

          I like the way you think! I'd pm you to talk more but my inbox is full do you have Skype? If so add me immediately RickyGoon247

          Thanks!

          I'm probably the only person in the world who doesn't Skype. Hit me with a PM when you get a chance.

          Google "night club promoter forums" or some string like that. I'm sure you'll find what you need.
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          Raising a child is akin to knowing you're getting fired in 18 years and having to train your replacement without actively sabotaging them.

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  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    Originally Posted by Pinkfloyd247 View Post

    So I had this idea that hit me but I'm completely unaware if its possible or how to do it. I was hoping you talented people can shed light on it.

    I live next to a Major City in the US. There's thousands of clubs and nightlife and all that. I thought what if I rented out the club or an area then charged for people to come at the door, in other words I'm hosting a private party. But the people that usually show up would be paying to get in. I can even hire a musical guest to play there.

    1) Is this possible and how can I do it?
    2) If not is there any variation of the idea that may work. Rent out a venue, charge people to come? Maybe like a speed dating thing or invite a speaker or something. I.e. Event planning.
    I think I misread this, and got another idea. Or maybe I did read it right.

    Anyway...

    Brand a club within the club.

    Your club moves locations, taking "the cool" with it. Think "NightPool, next week at The Spot; two weeks from now appearing at Club Red."

    You rent out space in customer clubs by either paying them a flat fee OR giving them a cut of your take. Or maybe nuthin'...after all, they're getting the drink orders.

    What you're doing is creating the flash that gets the attention...eventually I could see them paying you rather than the other way around. You're bringing in the people, at that point. You've developed the brand and they're following you around.

    The existing staff at your host location serving in your area would have to agree to wear branded t-shirts for the night. Maybe branded tablecloths? You have to make it stand out that THIS is the area...but not have it cost much at all.
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  • Profile picture of the author TopTier Profits
    So, you basically want to become a promoter?

    Generally what happens is you "rent" out a room in the club (..or the club itself if its small). You put on some sort of event (or hire a performer/band etc). You take the entrance fee (on the door or ticket sales before the event). The club keeps profits from the drinks etc.

    You can also negotiate profit shares on the beverages that have been sold. Basically, the club wants to know you can pack the place. Once you get a rep, it's a lot easier. You need to speak with the club owners as you can also do things like pre-buying the bar, then keeping all profits on drinks sold as well as profits from tickets/door sales etc.

    It's important you speak with the owners as I said above because some clubs have "bar guarantees" (minimum number of drinks sold in a night) and so on.

    It's hit or miss. You either make money or lose it (as with anything in business). Reputation is pretty much everything.
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