The Truth About Independent Hosts

[Wynning]

This is my first post in the forums, so hello.

I am 23 years old. I grew up in Vegas, since moved, and have been contemplating a move back. I have become a seasoned "clubgoer" in my hometown. I usually bring a decent crowd with me when I go out and I have relationships with hosts at most of my local clubs (I typically get a comp'd table whenever I go out).

Anyhow, one day I was talking to a friend about future plans, and he commented on how much I go out, and with the amount of pull I have at the local clubs that I should go be a host in Vegas. He then called up one of his buddies in Vegas and recommended he hire me as a host. However, this friend doesn't work for a club directly. He runs an independent hosting company.

I figure with the large pool of knowledgable partiers and hosts alike I'd simply ask for opinions on taking the job, especially when this forum has such disdain for independent hosts. I am not looking to be a slimeball and overcharge people for tables at the back of the club, nor am I looking to screw anyone over to make a buck. It sounds to me like hosting could be a legitimate gig to meet some great people, expand my social network, and make some decent money out of what I already am good at.

A penny for your thoughts...

Also...Any ideas on 1st year income as an independent host? (assuming I could be half way decent)

Would I be better off trying to secure a hosting job for a nightclub directly?

Thank you.

[KristinK]

I would start out working for a club directly, then once you get your feet wet, meet people, and make connections, then you can move into the independent world.

I don't know the salary for independent hosts, but the hosts that work directly for a club, typically have a low base salary (~$22,000) and then the rest comes from tips and commissions. This varies from company to company but is basically commissioned based sales.

Also, I don’t think that just because you are a great partier in your home town you’d be a great host. It’s about being prompt, competent, reliable, hardworking, friendly, and charming.

[ashroid]

I would start out working for a club directly, then once you get your feet wet, meet people, and make connections, then you can move into the independent world.

I don't know the salary for independent hosts, but the hosts that work directly for a club, typically have a low base salary (~$22,000) and then the rest comes from tips and commissions. This varies from company to company but is basically commissioned based sales.

Also, I don’t think that just because you are a great partier in your home town you’d be a great host. It’s about being prompt, competent, reliable, hardworking, friendly, and charming.

I definitely can agree on what I put in bold. Several years ago, I met a guy who was working at Tao Beach. He was from Los Angeles and ended up moving to Las Vegas. He then got a job working in one of the nightclubs as a host, then managing the hosts. I sort of knew from the get go he was definitely into partying. His problem was that he wasn't reliable nor prompt. His friends who also got jobs as hosts were mostly scam artists and cokeheads. I stopped talking to the guy. I think he went back to L.A.

[DeX]

I would start out working for a club directly, then once you get your feet wet, meet people, and make connections, then you can move into the independent world.

this x100

[redbullvodka]

my friend is a host at one of the tier one clubs and he's a serious baller. Skys the limit. You either got it or you don't..

[Drew]

Ideally yes would be better to work directly for the club, but I don't think it's that easy. Most likely have to start off as a busser or street level promoter and work your way up.

Don't know how much indy hosts make, I'm sure a very wide range. I'm sure there's demand (business), but lots of indy hosts out there (just do a search). To be a good one, you've gotta have the contacts/network. If I were to use one, I'd prefer it to be a direct host I've used before that went independent and still knows everyone.

[Wynning]

Thanks for the input people. Definitely some good points.

my friend is a host at one of the tier one clubs and he's a serious baller. Skys the limit. You either got it or you don't..

I like your outlook. I know I have what it takes. For me its not just about the partying, but more so a great way to meet cool people and something that I think I will enjoy. Although it would probably be better to work initially for a club directly I love the leeway that independents have - namely being able to promote a lifestyle rather than just one venue. There are obvious pros and cons to each one.

I think I can be a bit more innovative than your average host, thus, more effective as an independent. That being said, I probably shouldn't count on being too popular with this message board.

Thanks again for the help guys. I'll be sure to keep you posted on my decision.

[daisy24]

Remember being a host isn't just showing up at the club and letting people in. They work all day, all night. You constantly have to be on top of your texts/calls/emails. You're also working pretty much every weekend... your own social life may take a dive.