Frequently Asked Questions.

We want every client — new or returning — to feel fully informed. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, contact us at 1-800-665-0804.

About Us
We've been in business for 26 years. Unlike many companies whose websites are built with AI-generated content or automated templates, ours was written by a real human content writer.

Services We Offer
Staffing: Bartenders, cocktail servers, wait staff, personal chefs, cooks, disc jockeys, valets, security/bouncers, event planners, and clean-up crew.

Event Services: Beverage service, catering, taco bars, coffee bars, host/no-host bars, disc jockeys, photo booths, valet, charter buses, limousines, town cars, sound equipment, and lighting.

Rentals: Bars, tables, chairs, linens, lighting, sound systems, chocolate fountains, and more.

We are fully insured, LEADS certified**, and RBS Training certified.

Rates & Pricing
Bartenders: $345 and up (first 4 hours); $60/hour after that.

Wait Staff: $280 and up (first 4 hours); $45/hour after that. Multi-bartender discounts: 5% off the second bartender, 10% off the third.

A 13.7% Administrative/Office Fee** (minimum $25) is added to all reservations. Rates shown apply to bookings made at least 14 days in advance on non-holiday days. Holiday and rush-hour rates vary.

All existing clients receive a 10% discount.

Do you offer discount rates?
Yes — for existing clients, fraternities, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and corporate clients. Call for details.

Is there a minimum booking time?
Yes, there is a 4-hour minimum for all services.

Are there late booking fees?
Bookings made less than four business days in advance incur a $30 late fee.

What are your holiday rate dates?
New Year's Eve (Dec. 31), Christmas Eve & Day (Dec. 24–25), Thanksgiving (Nov. 28), Independence Day (July 3–4), Memorial Day Weekend, and Halloween Weekend (Oct. 24–31).

Booking & Payment
How do I secure my reservation?
A non-refundable deposit of $150 per staff member or 50% of the invoiced amount is required to hold your date.

What payment methods do you accept?
MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express (deposit only), Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, or cash (final payment only). We maintain our own merchant account — your financial information is never shared with third-party processors.

What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations made more than 72 hours before the event incur a cancellation fee. Cancellations within 72 hours may result in full payment being due. No cash refunds — credit is applied to a future event.

Cancellation fees:
- Bartenders or servers: $100 per staff member
- DJ services: $150
- Catering: expenses incurred + $175 administrative fee
- Live entertainment: amount of deposit paid (typically 50%)
- Personal shopping/items purchased on your behalf: 100% of fee paid (items cannot be returned, but may be picked up at our storage facility)

What is the returned check or Charged Back fee?
$55, waived if the return was a bank error (documentation required). Checks are only accepted after a credit check is completed.

Is there a chargeback fee?
Yes — $75 per dispute, regardless of outcome.

Staff & Coverage
Do you have male bartenders and staff?
Yes. We have both male and female staff. While we make every effort to honor gender preferences, specific requests cannot be guaranteed.

How many bartenders will I need?
One bartender per 50 guests is the standard. For parties over 50, we recommend 2 bartenders or 1 bartender plus a bar-back. One wait staff member handles 1–2 tables (approximately 10 guests).

Can I find out who my staff will be before the event?
Yes — you can request that information a few days before your event.

What areas do you serve?
All of Southern California, including Los Angeles, Pasadena, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Burbank, Valencia, Ontario, Orange County, Palm Springs, Palm Desert, San Diego, San Clemente, Santa Clarita, the Inland Empire, San Diego and beach communities. Las Vegas and San Francisco service is available for existing clients only.

Do you provide bilingual staff?
Yes. Our founders and management speak English, Spanish, and Italian. Many of our bartenders are bilingual or trilingual (Spanish, French, and German).

Do staff bring their own equipment?
Yes. Each bartender brings a shaker and bottle opener. Optional add-ons include:
- 6-ft. portable bar rental: $85 (plus delivery)
- Blender rental: $25 (plus delivery)
- Spirits, mixers, ice, and garnish: $149+ (plus delivery)

Can staff wear costumes?
Yes. Costume service is available for $99 per staff member (non-refundable).

Liquor & Beverages
Do you provide the liquor?
No, but we offer a Personal Concierge/Shopping Service — we'll help you decide what to buy, purchase it for you, and deliver it on the day of your event (additional fees apply). If you need a cash bar, we can assist you in obtaining the proper licenses and permits.

How much liquor should I buy?
We offer a Drink Cost Calculator to help you estimate.

What drinks should I serve?
Download our drink menu to use at your event, or let us create a customized menu for you.

Certifications & Insurance
Are your bartenders certified?
Yes. All BartenderGirl bartenders hold the following
certifications:
- LEADS (Licensee Education on Alcohol and Drugs) — a California ABC program
- TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures by Servers of Alcohol)
- RBS (Responsible Beverage Service Training, per AB 1221, 2017)
- California ABC Liquor License Type 58 (Caterer's Permit)

All wait staff are certified food workers through San Bernardino and Los Angeles County Environmental Health Services. We are a COVID-compliant business.

Are you insured?
Yes. Our coverage includes:
- General Liability: $2 million
- Liquor Liability: $2 million
- Workers' Compensation: $1 million

We can provide a Certificate of Insurance and bind your venue to our policy upon request (additional fees apply). We can also arrange Special Event Coverage within 24 hours, which includes general liability, liquor liability, hired & non-owned automobile liability, rented equipment coverage, and third-party property damage for over 100 event types.

What Is LEADS?
LEADS (Licensee Education on Alcohol and Drugs) is a free California ABC prevention and training program for bartenders, servers, and retail licensees. Running since 1991, it has trained over 100,000 people. The 3.5-hour program covers recognizing and handling alcohol-related risks, reducing liability, and complying with state law.

What Is TIPS?
TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures) is a skills-based program that teaches servers how to prevent intoxication, drunk driving, and underage drinking. BartenderGirl requires all staff to complete TIPS training and offers free classes to our bartenders and serving professionals.

What Is RBS Training?
Assembly Bill 1221 (2017) created the Responsible Beverage Service Training Program Act, requiring the California ABC to train on-premises alcohol servers and managers on the dangers of serving minors and over-serving patrons.

Other Questions
Do you have job openings?
Yes. Visit our website to learn how to apply.

How much should I tip?
Gratuity is not included in our rates. A typical tip is $50 or more per staff member, at your discretion.

What is your refund policy?
No refunds on services. Any credit owed will be applied to a future event.

Do you offer price matching?
Yes. We will meet or beat any competitor's written, itemized price on bartending, wait staff, cocktail service, valet, security, rentals, food, and beverages. The competitor must be licensed and insured, and the quote must be on official letterhead.

READY TO BOOK?
Check our availability and lock in your date before our special rate expires soon.

📞 1-800-665-0804
🌐 www.BartenderGirl.com

Serving all Southern California Counties & the San Diego Area