Bottle service is awesome ... as long as someone else is paying for it. It's a pretty expensive way to get self-esteem. But if you have a couple of friends who drink and run up bar tabs then maybe the premium of bottle service isn't that bad as long as you keep it to one bottle. But once that runs out, so will any chicks at your table. Bottle service is awesome ... as long as someone else is paying for it. It's a pretty expensive way to get self-esteem. But if you have a couple of friends who drink and run up bar tabs then maybe the premium of bottle service isn't that bad as long as you keep it to one bottle. But once that runs out, so will any chicks at your table.

Let me say first say that I don't have a problem with anyone. Every ethnicity is welcome at my house. Clubs, however, are more racist than old Southerners.

In the words of Chris Rock, "If it's all white, it's alright." Clubs would prefer to not have too much of any ethnicity other than white, lest their club become known as "the Asian club, etc" The sterotype for Persians, and again I am pointing out the sterotype not my personal opinion, is that they are rude and obnoxious and scare off the women by being too aggressive and reacting angrily when rejected. Perhaps it's endemic to LA but that's what it is. Clubs with heavily Hispanic or African- American clientle are thought to be prone to violence. Let me say first say that I don't have a problem with anyone. Every ethnicity is welcome at my house. Clubs, however, are more racist than old Southerners. In the words of Chris Rock, "If it's all white, it's alright." Clubs would prefer to not have too much of any ethnicity other than white, lest their club become known as "the Asian club, etc" The sterotype for Persians, and again I am pointing out the sterotype not my personal opinion, is that they are rude and obnoxious and scare off the women by being too aggressive and reacting angrily when rejected. Perhaps it's endemic to LA but that's what it is. Clubs with heavily Hispanic or African- American clientle are thought to be prone to violence.

I've personally never seen it because I worked mostly classy places. But there have definitely been incidents particularly as the clubs start attracting the less-optimal crowd. I can remember specifically a bouncer being shot and killed at a club called Vanguard a couple years ago I've personally never seen it because I worked mostly classy places. But there have definitely been incidents particularly as the clubs start attracting the less-optimal crowd. I can remember specifically a bouncer being shot and killed at a club called Vanguard a couple years ago

If there's one thing people standing on the other side of the velvet rope aren't, it's original. The same things are said:
"But my friends are in there" (and they ditched you? Shitty friends)
"But I'm on the list" (weird, I don't see Dickhead listed here)
"It's my friend's birthday" (there's always Facebook)
"I know the owner" (not well enough, apparently)

The best story is my own. Before promoting I once hired a high-end escort to walk me in. I didn't go online and call her up. She just happened to be at the hotel bar we were pre-partying in. I paid her $50 to walk in with me to the nearby club. I'm sure it was the easiest money she made that night. If there's one thing people standing on the other side of the velvet rope aren't, it's original. The same things are said: "But my friends are in there" (and they ditched you? Shitty friends) "But I'm on the list" (weird, I don't see Dickhead listed here) "It's my friend's birthday" (there's always Facebook) "I know the owner" (not well enough, apparently) The best story is my own. Before promoting I once hired a high-end escort to walk me in. I didn't go online and call her up. She just happened to be at the hotel bar we were pre-partying in. I paid her $50 to walk in with me to the nearby club. I'm sure it was the easiest money she made that night.

None of this will come as a surprise to anyone who has gone out in Hollywood more than once.

Whatever you think of it as an outsider, it's much worse as an insider. The club's General Manager will explicitly tell promoters that there were too many Mexicans or Persians or fat chicks. Most places in LA don't even bother with the illusion of a line anymore. It's just a mass of people at the front and the door girl/guy or bouncer hand picks who comes in. Hot girls have first priority obviously. There is a preference for white and especially blonde. I've seen them wave a group of girls in and then when they get to the fat one in the group, pull the rope in front of her. Being dressed well helps for both guys and girls. They’re loathe to let guys in because they know the frustration of not getting ...Morein leads to guys springing for bottle service and that's how the club makes its money. Really good-looking guys who dress like Hollywood hipsters can get in without girls but everyone else better grease, buy bottles, or know a promoter really well (like you saved his life in 'Nam). Age is a much bigger impediment for women than it is for men.

Oh and one last thing.... there is no such thing as a list. The promoter didn't type up 4,000 names to hand to the door girl. It's just an excuse to not let you in (ditto for "private party" or "we're at capacity.") None of this will come as a surprise to anyone who has gone out in Hollywood more than once. Whatever you think of it as an outsider, it's much worse as an insider. The club's General Manager will explicitly tell promoters that there were too many Mexicans or Persians or fat chicks. Most places in LA don't even bother with the illusion of a line anymore. It's just a mass of people at the front and the door girl/guy or bouncer hand picks who comes in. Hot girls have first priority obviously. There is a preference for white and especially blonde. I've seen them wave a group of girls in and then when they get to the fat one in the group, pull the rope in front of her. Being dressed well helps for both guys and girls. They’re loathe to let guys in because they know the frustration of not getting in leads to guys springing for bottle service and that's how the club makes its money. Really good-looking guys who dress like Hollywood hipsters can get in without girls but everyone else better grease, buy bottles, or know a promoter really well (like you saved his life in 'Nam). Age is a much bigger impediment for women than it is for men. Oh and one last thing.... there is no such thing as a list. The promoter didn't type up 4,000 names to hand to the door girl. It's just an excuse to not let you in (ditto for "private party" or "we're at capacity.")

It varies quite a bit but I'd say a decent mid-level promoter makes about $25K per year. Most of them have other things they do on the side - usually acting or personal training. Sometimes dealing drugs. Many of the lower level promoters are involved in scam or almost scam industries like payday loans, pre-paid legal services, mortgage loan modifications, multi-level marketing, etc because they aren't real 9-5 jobs and allow the flexibility to go out during the week. Sketched out yet?

Mid to high level promoters can make from 60-100k. The top of the food chain can make 150k-200k+ believe it or not. All for pouring liquor down chicks throats. It varies quite a bit but I'd say a decent mid-level promoter makes about $25K per year. Most of them have other things they do on the side - usually acting or personal training. Sometimes dealing drugs. Many of the lower level promoters are involved in scam or almost scam industries like payday loans, pre-paid legal services, mortgage loan modifications, multi-level marketing, etc because they aren't real 9-5 jobs and allow the flexibility to go out during the week. Sketched out yet? Mid to high level promoters can make from 60-100k. The top of the food chain can make 150k-200k+ believe it or not. All for pouring liquor down chicks throats.

Plan ahead. Know how hot (or not) the venue is. Get there early, brings girls if you can. Dress appropriately. Be nice to the bouncer but not too nice. Don't throw a tantrum; it looks retarded. Be ready to grease. Sneak in a flask so your money is spent getting in and not on overpriced drinks. Plan ahead. Know how hot (or not) the venue is. Get there early, brings girls if you can. Dress appropriately. Be nice to the bouncer but not too nice. Don't throw a tantrum; it looks retarded. Be ready to grease. Sneak in a flask so your money is spent getting in and not on overpriced drinks.

Ha! This made me laugh. Um, yes this one time, every weekend, at every club, ever.

I've rarely heard of quid pro quo situations. Girls are getting into the club anyway if they are cute and not if they aren't. They certainly don't need to do anything "compromising" but do they anyway. Frequently. Short of being famous or paying for it, being a promoter is the easiest way to get laid ever. It's obscenely easy, like you'd have to actively try not to have sex like some sort of monk. I've never been a bouncer but I've seen women throwing themselves at them so i know it's same story. Lots of General Manager's offices (in the club) have a mattress or a couch and you can imagine what those are for.
My promoting partner would hook up with 2-4 new girls a month without ever going on what normal ...Morepeople would classify as a date. Seriously, fish in a barrel. Ha! This made me laugh. Um, yes this one time, every weekend, at every club, ever. I've rarely heard of quid pro quo situations. Girls are getting into the club anyway if they are cute and not if they aren't. They certainly don't need to do anything "compromising" but do they anyway. Frequently. Short of being famous or paying for it, being a promoter is the easiest way to get laid ever. It's obscenely easy, like you'd have to actively try not to have sex like some sort of monk. I've never been a bouncer but I've seen women throwing themselves at them so i know it's same story. Lots of General Manager's offices (in the club) have a mattress or a couch and you can imagine what those are for. My promoting partner would hook up with 2-4 new girls a month without ever going on what normal people would classify as a date. Seriously, fish in a barrel.

The vibes differ a little but it's all pretty much the same. Bottle service is a relatively new phenomenon and unfortunately looks to be here to stay. The smaller, speakeasy type of place has grown in popularity but without significant bottle service money it's a tough business model. Douchebags and dumb girls aren't going anywhere as far as I can tell.

And most of all, reading these answers back to myself makes me kind of ashamed how much I know about it. Pour me a drink. The vibes differ a little but it's all pretty much the same. Bottle service is a relatively new phenomenon and unfortunately looks to be here to stay. The smaller, speakeasy type of place has grown in popularity but without significant bottle service money it's a tough business model. Douchebags and dumb girls aren't going anywhere as far as I can tell. And most of all, reading these answers back to myself makes me kind of ashamed how much I know about it. Pour me a drink.

I went out a lot and wanted to be on the other side of the rope. I was unemployed at the time so it seemed like a natural fit. And yes, also I wanted to have sex with hot club girls. I went out a lot and wanted to be on the other side of the rope. I was unemployed at the time so it seemed like a natural fit. And yes, also I wanted to have sex with hot club girls.

There is definitely a hierarchy. At the top are the promoters that deal directly with club. They are a known brand and bring the "right" people (read: white people, hot girls, Hollywood hipsters, low-level celebs). The promoting team will be small and often consist of trust-fund kids. At the bottom are ethnic promoters with ethnic crowds. They are like cattle herders, just trying to bring the most people through the door who are willing to pay cover. Being a promoter is very much a chicken-and-egg type of thing because to get hired by good venues you need a good crowd and to get a good crowd you need to be already promoting good venues.

There are really two ways a promoter can move up the hierarchy. One is to start at the bottom working for a club that is looking for more business. They'll ...Morebe actively looking for more promoters and might give you chance. Slowly you build your crowd by promoting crappy places well until you have a good enough following to get a slightly less crappy place and that will attract slightly less crappy people to your "list" (which is really just numbers in your phone that you text). This positive feedback loop continues until hopefully you cease to have crappy people and actually have a good crowd.

By far the easier way to do it is to find a promoter who is already doing good venues and become his sub-promoter. You'll be listed on the clipboard as one of the promoter's "subs" and he will get credited for the people you bring (but you'll have your own tally to delineate between your people and his). Usually you'll have some minimum number of skanks - I mean people - that you'll have to bring each night to keep being his sub. Eventually if you bring enough people you might become his promoter partner. Ideally the promoter you work for is a friend so he knows and trusts that you'll bring good people (i.e. hot girls) and doesn't do things like steal your people or not pay you for people you bring in. If he doesn't know you then you'll have to convince him that you have hot girls you can bring out. There is definitely a hierarchy. At the top are the promoters that deal directly with club. They are a known brand and bring the "right" people (read: white people, hot girls, Hollywood hipsters, low-level celebs). The promoting team will be small and often consist of trust-fund kids. At the bottom are ethnic promoters with ethnic crowds. They are like cattle herders, just trying to bring the most people through the door who are willing to pay cover. Being a promoter is very much a chicken-and-egg type of thing because to get hired by good venues you need a good crowd and to get a good crowd you need to be already promoting good venues. There are really two ways a promoter can move up the hierarchy. One is to start at the bottom working for a club that is looking for more business. They'll be actively looking for more promoters and might give you chance. Slowly you build your crowd by promoting crappy places well until you have a good enough following to get a slightly less crappy place and that will attract slightly less crappy people to your "list" (which is really just numbers in your phone that you text). This positive feedback loop continues until hopefully you cease to have crappy people and actually have a good crowd. By far the easier way to do it is to find a promoter who is already doing good venues and become his sub-promoter. You'll be listed on the clipboard as one of the promoter's "subs" and he will get credited for the people you bring (but you'll have your own tally to delineate between your people and his). Usually you'll have some minimum number of skanks - I mean people - that you'll have to bring each night to keep being his sub. Eventually if you bring enough people you might become his promoter partner. Ideally the promoter you work for is a friend so he knows and trusts that you'll bring good people (i.e. hot girls) and doesn't do things like steal your people or not pay you for people you bring in. If he doesn't know you then you'll have to convince him that you have hot girls you can bring out.

It ranges from less than a year to as much as four years, typically. The average is probably two. Les Deux in Hollywood lasted five years which is the longest I've ever heard of. Much depends on the size of the place. The bigger the place, the more people they have to fill it with and the less discerning they can be. This accelerates a club's demise. It's not a coincidence that the places that had staying power, like Hyde, were small. It ranges from less than a year to as much as four years, typically. The average is probably two. Les Deux in Hollywood lasted five years which is the longest I've ever heard of. Much depends on the size of the place. The bigger the place, the more people they have to fill it with and the less discerning they can be. This accelerates a club's demise. It's not a coincidence that the places that had staying power, like Hyde, were small.

Everyone and their mother tells me about how great Austin, TX is. It's like The Wire of cities. I've never been so I can't say. Ditto for Reykjavik, Iceland.

I've been to some great clubs overseas in places like Mykonos, Paris, and Rio. I think Toronto is pretty good too. As far as U.S. cities, I think the LA/NY/Miami/Vegas quartet has the well deserved reputation of the good megaclubs. But it depends on what you're looking for. I have a friend who swears that Latvia is the place to be. And I just returned from Thailand which was a little disappointing nightlife-wise. Everyone and their mother tells me about how great Austin, TX is. It's like The Wire of cities. I've never been so I can't say. Ditto for Reykjavik, Iceland. I've been to some great clubs overseas in places like Mykonos, Paris, and Rio. I think Toronto is pretty good too. As far as U.S. cities, I think the LA/NY/Miami/Vegas quartet has the well deserved reputation of the good megaclubs. But it depends on what you're looking for. I have a friend who swears that Latvia is the place to be. And I just returned from Thailand which was a little disappointing nightlife-wise.

Take a giant sherpard's crook and go to the nearest fashion school. Round 'em up and hand them bottles.

No actually mass texting is the promoters tool. You collect phone numbers by any means necessary, group them by how attractive they are (seriously) and text blast away. Facebook and email is also used although the former has a tendancy to get lost in the mix and the latter is primarily effective for holidays (e.g. Halloween, New Year's Eve). Take a giant sherpard's crook and go to the nearest fashion school. Round 'em up and hand them bottles. No actually mass texting is the promoters tool. You collect phone numbers by any means necessary, group them by how attractive they are (seriously) and text blast away. Facebook and email is also used although the former has a tendancy to get lost in the mix and the latter is primarily effective for holidays (e.g. Halloween, New Year's Eve).

This might come as a surprise to you but club people aren't big on history, myself included. Although I like the idea of a club promoter Hall of Fame. Like it would have framed Ed Hardy shirts from 2008 and a hall of coke vials used by the rich and almost famous. Maybe an artist's rendition of the first bathroom stall sex circa 1961. I'm going to look into this.

If you are looking for club history, the movie 24 Hour Party People is a pretty good one. This might come as a surprise to you but club people aren't big on history, myself included. Although I like the idea of a club promoter Hall of Fame. Like it would have framed Ed Hardy shirts from 2008 and a hall of coke vials used by the rich and almost famous. Maybe an artist's rendition of the first bathroom stall sex circa 1961. I'm going to look into this. If you are looking for club history, the movie 24 Hour Party People is a pretty good one.

Definitely. Although it's usually the promoters that hire the girls, and the clubs just hire the promoters. I've seen clubs / parties do the hiring, usually for one-off parties or day time events. Definitely. Although it's usually the promoters that hire the girls, and the clubs just hire the promoters. I've seen clubs / parties do the hiring, usually for one-off parties or day time events.

It varies greatly by how tough the venue is and what you look like. I've greased as little as $10 and as much as $50 (that's per person). But I dress well when I go out and don't bring any Middle-Eastern friends. If you dress poorly or of an *ahem* undesirable ethnicity then it'll be more or less impossible. The bouncer is usually calculating how much crap he's going to get if he lets you in. Alternatively you can grease the promoter to walk you in with his group of girls. He'll be doing the same mental calculation as the bouncer. I've even grabbed girls as they were walking up to the venue and offered to buy them drinks once inside. They aren't as good because of their tendency to ditch guys once the bouncer looks at them sideways. It varies greatly by how tough the venue is and what you look like. I've greased as little as $10 and as much as $50 (that's per person). But I dress well when I go out and don't bring any Middle-Eastern friends. If you dress poorly or of an *ahem* undesirable ethnicity then it'll be more or less impossible. The bouncer is usually calculating how much crap he's going to get if he lets you in. Alternatively you can grease the promoter to walk you in with his group of girls. He'll be doing the same mental calculation as the bouncer. I've even grabbed girls as they were walking up to the venue and offered to buy them drinks once inside. They aren't as good because of their tendency to ditch guys once the bouncer looks at them sideways.

I wasn't in it long enough for a foursome. I've had some fun but not like a lot of longer-time promoters I knew who could really tell you some stories. I wasn't in it long enough for a foursome. I've had some fun but not like a lot of longer-time promoters I knew who could really tell you some stories.

Yes although never successfully. As you can imagine, it's a hard thing to prove.

More common is sexual discrimination, when men sue over getting charged when women aren't. This has mixed results. The practice of charging cover charge to men and not women has been successfully opposed and although the practice is still common, clubs have had to pony up and sue disgruntled guys. Courts however have upheld "Ladies Night" where girls get to take advantage of drink specials that the boys don't. Yes although never successfully. As you can imagine, it's a hard thing to prove. More common is sexual discrimination, when men sue over getting charged when women aren't. This has mixed results. The practice of charging cover charge to men and not women has been successfully opposed and although the practice is still common, clubs have had to pony up and sue disgruntled guys. Courts however have upheld "Ladies Night" where girls get to take advantage of drink specials that the boys don't.

A drink from a girl... in all my time as a promoter it was the first and last time a girl has ever paid for anything. A drink from a girl... in all my time as a promoter it was the first and last time a girl has ever paid for anything.

There's 2 ways to get a club to hire you. One is to find a club that is just looking to get bodies through the door, without regard for too much quality. They'll give you a shot for a week or 2 and if you perform, they'll keep you.

The 2nd, and by far easier way, is to find a promoter doing a good club and offer to "sub" for him (meaning become a sub-promoter). Now you work for him and the girls you bring count on his tally. Eventually he'll start paying you and if you do really well, you can go out on your own. It's kind of like being a drug dealer. You start out as Bodie and end up as Avon Barksdale (if you're really lucky / ruthless)

In either scenario, you better be bringing girls or your career will be short. How to get them? By hook or by crook. Facebook is the preferred method now ...Morea'days but college friends, girls and the mall, random party girls you meet elsewhere. It's all fair but remember that the inventory of attractive girls who club is finite so promoting is a zero sum game. You are taking girls from other promoters to bring to your clubs. So run those other promoters off the corner! There's 2 ways to get a club to hire you. One is to find a club that is just looking to get bodies through the door, without regard for too much quality. They'll give you a shot for a week or 2 and if you perform, they'll keep you. The 2nd, and by far easier way, is to find a promoter doing a good club and offer to "sub" for him (meaning become a sub-promoter). Now you work for him and the girls you bring count on his tally. Eventually he'll start paying you and if you do really well, you can go out on your own. It's kind of like being a drug dealer. You start out as Bodie and end up as Avon Barksdale (if you're really lucky / ruthless) In either scenario, you better be bringing girls or your career will be short. How to get them? By hook or by crook. Facebook is the preferred method now a'days but college friends, girls and the mall, random party girls you meet elsewhere. It's all fair but remember that the inventory of attractive girls who club is finite so promoting is a zero sum game. You are taking girls from other promoters to bring to your clubs. So run those other promoters off the corner!

All are true. The lower-tiered clubs that depend on everyone paying cover will usually pay their promoters based on heads coming thru the door. Most promoters get a share of the bottle sales they bring in (usually 20%). And percentage of bar sales is pretty common, much more so in smaller clubs. Like everything in life, just depends on how much leverage and bargaining power the promoter has.

But let's be honest, the real promoter compensation is lips, hips and fingertips. All are true. The lower-tiered clubs that depend on everyone paying cover will usually pay their promoters based on heads coming thru the door. Most promoters get a share of the bottle sales they bring in (usually 20%). And percentage of bar sales is pretty common, much more so in smaller clubs. Like everything in life, just depends on how much leverage and bargaining power the promoter has. But let's be honest, the real promoter compensation is lips, hips and fingertips.

Believe or not, it is the money-in-handshake thing, usually combined with a half-bro hug. Other times it's literally just handing over discretely. Anything other than waving it hyperactively in front of his face works.

Discretion is not as important with promoters as it is with bouncers Believe or not, it is the money-in-handshake thing, usually combined with a half-bro hug. Other times it's literally just handing over discretely. Anything other than waving it hyperactively in front of his face works. Discretion is not as important with promoters as it is with bouncers

Edited the original to be coherent.

Discretion is important with bouncers but not as much as promoters for a couple of reasons. One is that bouncers are actually employees of the club whereas promoters are quasi-contractors, usually informal ones. So the bouncer has more of a duty to the club. Another is proximity; the bouncer is usually standing right next to his boss so taking a grease looks bad. A promoter can wander around the club, the line, the parking lot, wherever. So you can actually grease him 40 feet away from anyone's prying eyes. And lastly, the promoter is responsible for his crowd so if he decides it's important that a few dudes gets in whether because they are friends or they paid him, the club will usually give him a little bit a slack. Bouncers on the other hand ...Moreare paid almost exclusively to say no. Edited the original to be coherent. Discretion is important with bouncers but not as much as promoters for a couple of reasons. One is that bouncers are actually employees of the club whereas promoters are quasi-contractors, usually informal ones. So the bouncer has more of a duty to the club. Another is proximity; the bouncer is usually standing right next to his boss so taking a grease looks bad. A promoter can wander around the club, the line, the parking lot, wherever. So you can actually grease him 40 feet away from anyone's prying eyes. And lastly, the promoter is responsible for his crowd so if he decides it's important that a few dudes gets in whether because they are friends or they paid him, the club will usually give him a little bit a slack. Bouncers on the other hand are paid almost exclusively to say no.

Drugs. No I'm kidding. Kind of.

It's really like any personal/concierge service. You get people coming by investing in their experience and cultivating personal relationships. This might mean getting them hookups in different cities, discounts on restaurants around town, invites to cool private parties, or just free drinks at your table. Also can mean hanging out with these people (gasp!) during the day. Drugs. No I'm kidding. Kind of. It's really like any personal/concierge service. You get people coming by investing in their experience and cultivating personal relationships. This might mean getting them hookups in different cities, discounts on restaurants around town, invites to cool private parties, or just free drinks at your table. Also can mean hanging out with these people (gasp!) during the day.

Ladies nights are very effective.....for getting chubby chicks HAMMERED. In a town like LA that caters to high end clubs rather than your neighborhood wet t-shirt contest bar/pub, discounted or free drinks for women is pretty pointless - they aren't paying for drinks anyway. Ladies nights are very effective.....for getting chubby chicks HAMMERED. In a town like LA that caters to high end clubs rather than your neighborhood wet t-shirt contest bar/pub, discounted or free drinks for women is pretty pointless - they aren't paying for drinks anyway.

Au contraire, mon frère

If there's one thing 22-year old club going girls DON'T want it's female competition. They don't even like the "friends" they came with, much less some chick with a clipboard with more social status than them. No matter what they say, women go to clubs (at least in the US) not to hang out with their friends or even to meet a guy. They go to play a social status game. And female promoters throw a wrench in that.

And they certainly don't help bring guys in. The guys are dumb but the gel hasn't seeped deep enough into their cerebrums to make them think that their best shot is with a female promoter. That's what bottle girls are for.

And why would the girl want to do it? This isn't Michelle Obama deciding between the ...MorePeace Corps and slanging Greg Goose at 1500% markups. Girls in nightlife can barely make it through their 6 unit course load at the Fashion Institute. They sure as hell aren't signing up for crowd herding while angry dudes at the rope call them the C-word and their so-called friends text them dozens of times because the bouncer is being a dick just because her chubby friend is wearing jeggings.

Well even if the pay sucks and it's crazy stressful, at least she'll get laid a lot. No wait, she doesn't care about that. Au contraire, mon frère If there's one thing 22-year old club going girls DON'T want it's female competition. They don't even like the "friends" they came with, much less some chick with a clipboard with more social status than them. No matter what they say, women go to clubs (at least in the US) not to hang out with their friends or even to meet a guy. They go to play a social status game. And female promoters throw a wrench in that. And they certainly don't help bring guys in. The guys are dumb but the gel hasn't seeped deep enough into their cerebrums to make them think that their best shot is with a female promoter. That's what bottle girls are for. And why would the girl want to do it? This isn't Michelle Obama deciding between the Peace Corps and slanging Greg Goose at 1500% markups. Girls in nightlife can barely make it through their 6 unit course load at the Fashion Institute. They sure as hell aren't signing up for crowd herding while angry dudes at the rope call them the C-word and their so-called friends text them dozens of times because the bouncer is being a dick just because her chubby friend is wearing jeggings. Well even if the pay sucks and it's crazy stressful, at least she'll get laid a lot. No wait, she doesn't care about that.

Definitely not. Even riff raff is willing to pony up $20 to grind their boners on some drunk girls.

A club is an image business. That means pretty, well-dressed people. Definitely not. Even riff raff is willing to pony up $20 to grind their boners on some drunk girls. A club is an image business. That means pretty, well-dressed people.

Stay in school Stay in school

They don't hire promoters for that. Some of the biggest companies hire firms that specialize in social media to do that, but most aren't big on promoting that way. It takes away from the word-of-mouth coolness. They don't hire promoters for that. Some of the biggest companies hire firms that specialize in social media to do that, but most aren't big on promoting that way. It takes away from the word-of-mouth coolness.

Apply in person. Dress well and look the part when you go. They are hiring you based on your look above all else. It helps if you have service experience (even at Applebee's) but not essential. Apply in person. Dress well and look the part when you go. They are hiring you based on your look above all else. It helps if you have service experience (even at Applebee's) but not essential.

99% women, 1% high end bottle service (men) 99% women, 1% high end bottle service (men)

In club-life, like in real life, "the little guy" rarely wins In club-life, like in real life, "the little guy" rarely wins

10am - introduce myself to the girl sleeping next to me

Ha, I'm half joking

Keep in mind, I'm currently retired from the nightlife business. My button-up shirt is matted and hanging from the rafters and my scarfs and rings are gathering dust in my closet.

When you first start out you are just hustling. You spend all day on facebook trying to engage girls and get them out, you shop for clothes in your spare time so you can look cool and you think about your clever text that you are going to send.

As you build a client base and more of a reputation, you spend more time hanging out during the day with your girls to keep those relationships strong (and most of them don't work regular jobs either so they are free and bored during the week) and going to meetings with the club ...Moremanagement. Mostly though you have more free time... lots of promoters are actors or move into DJing eventually. Many are big video gamers.

Another thing that changes over time is how late you sleep. The weekends spent up until closing time morph into late night eating and the occasional afterparty. Before you know it you are regularly pounding Red Bulls, going to sleep at 5am and waking up a 1pm. It's now time to quit promoting. 10am - introduce myself to the girl sleeping next to me Ha, I'm half joking Keep in mind, I'm currently retired from the nightlife business. My button-up shirt is matted and hanging from the rafters and my scarfs and rings are gathering dust in my closet. When you first start out you are just hustling. You spend all day on facebook trying to engage girls and get them out, you shop for clothes in your spare time so you can look cool and you think about your clever text that you are going to send. As you build a client base and more of a reputation, you spend more time hanging out during the day with your girls to keep those relationships strong (and most of them don't work regular jobs either so they are free and bored during the week) and going to meetings with the club management. Mostly though you have more free time... lots of promoters are actors or move into DJing eventually. Many are big video gamers. Another thing that changes over time is how late you sleep. The weekends spent up until closing time morph into late night eating and the occasional afterparty. Before you know it you are regularly pounding Red Bulls, going to sleep at 5am and waking up a 1pm. It's now time to quit promoting.

I believe just for 18 and over clubs. Unclear how strict they will be about it.

I suggest doing something better with your life. I believe just for 18 and over clubs. Unclear how strict they will be about it. I suggest doing something better with your life.

You're only as old as the women you feel. You're only as old as the women you feel.

Get a job at a bar or club. You need to learn the business from the inside and make the relationships that will help you later. Nightclubs have huge startup costs so you better have rich parents.

Clothing line is a terrible business Get a job at a bar or club. You need to learn the business from the inside and make the relationships that will help you later. Nightclubs have huge startup costs so you better have rich parents. Clothing line is a terrible business

Maybe contests aren't your forte then. Cheap beer might be better alternative. Maybe contests aren't your forte then. Cheap beer might be better alternative.

By VIP host I assume you mean promoter and not bottle service. In LA, the girls of FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design and Merch) make up a good portion of the club going population. They're young, they're into dressing up and going out, and they essentially go to an all girls school. It's the perfect storm.
Other than that, I would utilize facebook. A lot of promoters organize sorority outings to clubs. Can be OK but they can sloppy off Popov pre-parties. By VIP host I assume you mean promoter and not bottle service. In LA, the girls of FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design and Merch) make up a good portion of the club going population. They're young, they're into dressing up and going out, and they essentially go to an all girls school. It's the perfect storm. Other than that, I would utilize facebook. A lot of promoters organize sorority outings to clubs. Can be OK but they can sloppy off Popov pre-parties.

Hold on the thought of having a daughter just scared me for a second......ok I'm back.

Luckily for my potential future daughter, I don't live in culture where she would need to have family's permission to do something. If she's an adult, she can make her own decision. I would tell her the same thing I would tell a son....do it for awhile but don't stay too long. Also stay away from promoters, those guys are the worst. Hold on the thought of having a daughter just scared me for a second......ok I'm back. Luckily for my potential future daughter, I don't live in culture where she would need to have family's permission to do something. If she's an adult, she can make her own decision. I would tell her the same thing I would tell a son....do it for awhile but don't stay too long. Also stay away from promoters, those guys are the worst.

There are many. It can work under the right circumstances like if you cater to a specific audience, say Electronic Dance Music. Host a megaclub club, charge everyone a cover and spend for big name DJ's. 

Vegas is of course the ultimate all inclusive. There are many. It can work under the right circumstances like if you cater to a specific audience, say Electronic Dance Music. Host a megaclub club, charge everyone a cover and spend for big name DJ's. 

Vegas is of course the ultimate all inclusive.

Promoters will tell you if they can get you in up front and before any money is exchanged. If not, are you sure that's the promoter? Could be the valet. Promoters will tell you if they can get you in up front and before any money is exchanged. If not, are you sure that's the promoter? Could be the valet.

The club usually offers it and it's not like you have a lot of negotiating room. And yes, it's usually after a certain threshold is met. The club usually offers it and it's not like you have a lot of negotiating room. And yes, it's usually after a certain threshold is met.

Not in the US but I recently saw it in Australia. There were two lines to the place. The bouncer was shouting at the top of his lungs "Beautiful people only in the this line! Beautiful people only!" then he shined a flashlight in a girl's face and said "Are you beautiful?" and after assessing her, told her stand in the regular line. Her eyes started to well up and she left. 

Seperately at another place in the same city, I saw bouncer inform a guy that he wouldn't be getting in because he had a Brazilian ID and the club had had a "problem with Brazilians being too aggressive with the women". The guy had waited over an hour and the place was a gross mess of grinding and people who were way too drunk. 

Totally classless in both cases.  Not in the US but I recently saw it in Australia. There were two lines to the place. The bouncer was shouting at the top of his lungs "Beautiful people only in the this line! Beautiful people only!" then he shined a flashlight in a girl's face and said "Are you beautiful?" and after assessing her, told her stand in the regular line. Her eyes started to well up and she left. 

Seperately at another place in the same city, I saw bouncer inform a guy that he wouldn't be getting in because he had a Brazilian ID and the club had had a "problem with Brazilians being too aggressive with the women". The guy had waited over an hour and the place was a gross mess of grinding and people who were way too drunk. 

Totally classless in both cases. 

Ha, I've never seen it but the idea of a bouncer flashing a light in the face of a short-haired Vassar alum screaming about rape culture makes me laugh.  Ha, I've never seen it but the idea of a bouncer flashing a light in the face of a short-haired Vassar alum screaming about rape culture makes me laugh. 

See my answer above to the question that starts with "Starting From Stratch...." See my answer above to the question that starts with "Starting From Stratch...."

A weak opening A weak opening

Drugs. Lots of drugs. I'm half joking.

Vegas is it's own animal. They have less of need for promoters because everyone is from out of town so they don't care that much about repeat business. As a result curating the crowd takes a back seat to packing 'em in. And the start up / capital cost of a Vegas club is so great that they couldn't do that anyway. They've got to run people through and charge them all cover.

The promoters I know that have done Vegas do it for special events or have graduated to dealing primarily with ballers so they actually have something to offer a Vegas club that the club can't do on it's own, namely people to drop 20k in a night.

I would suggest reading a recent GQ article called "The Best Night $500,000 Can Buy" Drugs. Lots of drugs. I'm half joking. Vegas is it's own animal. They have less of need for promoters because everyone is from out of town so they don't care that much about repeat business. As a result curating the crowd takes a back seat to packing 'em in. And the start up / capital cost of a Vegas club is so great that they couldn't do that anyway. They've got to run people through and charge them all cover. The promoters I know that have done Vegas do it for special events or have graduated to dealing primarily with ballers so they actually have something to offer a Vegas club that the club can't do on it's own, namely people to drop 20k in a night. I would suggest reading a recent GQ article called "The Best Night $500,000 Can Buy"

Despite what looks to me a pretty crappy experience, people are still going clubbing. I personally prefer OKcupid or a night burning off my leg hairs with a lighter but that's just me. I'm old. There are always new faces fresh off the bus from Oklahoma ready to put on that black mini, drink free Grey Goose, and make out with the D-level reality TV "star" that got paid to show up. 

Also keep in mind promoters cast a wide net. There might be 5000-8000 numbers  in their phone. Someone is coming out. And when you get to that point, your list grows organically by reputation. Despite what looks to me a pretty crappy experience, people are still going clubbing. I personally prefer OKcupid or a night burning off my leg hairs with a lighter but that's just me. I'm old. There are always new faces fresh off the bus from Oklahoma ready to put on that black mini, drink free Grey Goose, and make out with the D-level reality TV "star" that got paid to show up. 

Also keep in mind promoters cast a wide net. There might be 5000-8000 numbers  in their phone. Someone is coming out. And when you get to that point, your list grows organically by reputation.

It happens. The ease depends on a lot of the things like how shady the owners are, how hot the girls are, and how believable her fake ID from Deleware is It happens. The ease depends on a lot of the things like how shady the owners are, how hot the girls are, and how believable her fake ID from Deleware is

Would you rather own the Lakers or be the 12th guy on the bench that gets the clap 3 times a year? Would you rather own the Lakers or be the 12th guy on the bench that gets the clap 3 times a year?

Hi Michelle, since you are a girl there is no chance the promoter expects you to pay anything. Assuming he has half a clue. Open bar tab is free drinks. Free drinks are in fact the chief benefit of being a girl so enjoy. I'll be over here paying for my drinks and enjoying my superior physical strength and earning power.  Hi Michelle, since you are a girl there is no chance the promoter expects you to pay anything. Assuming he has half a clue. Open bar tab is free drinks. Free drinks are in fact the chief benefit of being a girl so enjoy. I'll be over here paying for my drinks and enjoying my superior physical strength and earning power. 

I suggest facebook. Do searches for those places and look on their walls to see who is liking or commenting. Find attractive women and see who is commenting and liking on a lot of their pages (they will likely be promoters).

Then again, if you are hot enough, just show up.  I suggest facebook. Do searches for those places and look on their walls to see who is liking or commenting. Find attractive women and see who is commenting and liking on a lot of their pages (they will likely be promoters).

Then again, if you are hot enough, just show up. 

Ha! No. The club isn't even really liable for most things and they have insurance (which costs a fortune) for the things they are liable for. If a promoter was held liable for the actions of 2000 drunk and potentially drugged-up bozos, no one would ever do the job. Ha! No. The club isn't even really liable for most things and they have insurance (which costs a fortune) for the things they are liable for. If a promoter was held liable for the actions of 2000 drunk and potentially drugged-up bozos, no one would ever do the job.

Buy nice clothes, try to bring girls if you can, grease the bouncer. If all else fails, buy botttle service.  Buy nice clothes, try to bring girls if you can, grease the bouncer. If all else fails, buy botttle service. 

Clubs in LA were littered with PUA's for quite some time. Any girl who had been out more than a few times was familiar with the techniques (most notably, asking an opinion on something). 

I unfortunately met most of the instructors and most of them were frauds. Their best techinique was apparently having really low standards.  

That said, I've seen it work and in some rare cases work very well but I attribute it to a placebo effect (the guy thinks it's going to work so the confidence makes it so) and just plain volume. Clubs in LA were littered with PUA's for quite some time. Any girl who had been out more than a few times was familiar with the techniques (most notably, asking an opinion on something). 

I unfortunately met most of the instructors and most of them were frauds. Their best techinique was apparently having really low standards.  

That said, I've seen it work and in some rare cases work very well but I attribute it to a placebo effect (the guy thinks it's going to work so the confidence makes it so) and just plain volume.

I could write a book as an answer to this. 

Overall I think if you have certain advantages, looks chief among them, clubs can be pretty decent places. 

Best foot forward...put a lot of effort into your appearance. This means being in really good shape, lots of thought into your clothes and style, and a cool haircut. Getting to know people in nightlife (promoters, etc). And most of all build thick skin. Finding love in a club is a numbers game.  I could write a book as an answer to this. 

Overall I think if you have certain advantages, looks chief among them, clubs can be pretty decent places. 

Best foot forward...put a lot of effort into your appearance. This means being in really good shape, lots of thought into your clothes and style, and a cool haircut. Getting to know people in nightlife (promoters, etc). And most of all build thick skin. Finding love in a club is a numbers game. 

Strip clubs don't use promoters the way nightclubs do. Even the guy with the mullet and the Stone Cold Steve Austin tshirt gets in. I don't get it...if you want to be entertained by a naked lady, go on the internet. If you want to pay someone to pretend to like you, get married.  Strip clubs don't use promoters the way nightclubs do. Even the guy with the mullet and the Stone Cold Steve Austin tshirt gets in. I don't get it...if you want to be entertained by a naked lady, go on the internet. If you want to pay someone to pretend to like you, get married. 

Nope Nope

Varies widely depending on how much leverage you have. Like most things in life. Varies widely depending on how much leverage you have. Like most things in life.

I believe they call that "irony"

Thanks for the question BigDick. I believe they call that "irony"

Thanks for the question BigDick.

How many are overweight? How many are overweight?

6. They were Persian. 6. They were Persian.

You lied, which is a good start to work in an industry that is based on lies. Good job.

It's pretty simple. Fit in to a corsett, put on loads of makeup and flirt with skeezy guys. And occasionally pour drinks for them. Don't sweat it, it's not balancing the federal budget and they'll fill you in on exactly what they expect of you.  You lied, which is a good start to work in an industry that is based on lies. Good job.

It's pretty simple. Fit in to a corsett, put on loads of makeup and flirt with skeezy guys. And occasionally pour drinks for them. Don't sweat it, it's not balancing the federal budget and they'll fill you in on exactly what they expect of you. 

I'm not a well versed in the DJ scene. I do know most of the DJ's in LA clubs have DJ agents that get them gigs. Your best bet is to meet some LA based DJ's and ask. I don't think knowing promoters helps much. I'm not a well versed in the DJ scene. I do know most of the DJ's in LA clubs have DJ agents that get them gigs. Your best bet is to meet some LA based DJ's and ask. I don't think knowing promoters helps much.

For the most part you don't set the rates, the club does. You don't have much leverage as a promoter so at the beginning at least, you take what you can get. Good luck. For the most part you don't set the rates, the club does. You don't have much leverage as a promoter so at the beginning at least, you take what you can get. Good luck.