Can someone explain the "handshake"?

[ratchelor]

I was in vegas two years ago, did bottle service at Hyde and Tryst on friday and saturday nights. We contacted the promoter to walk us to our table, tipped our security guy, and our waitress (obviously). We ended up with great tables both nights with reasonable minimums. I didn't really know about the "handshake" to the promoter, and I'm still not sure I understand. Is this something people just do as a "thank you"? Is it to hopefully get a better location? Does it guarantee anything? How do you know what amount to give? Is it something certain hosts / promoters tell you before hand that it will be "x" dollars to them in order to get you in? I'm just confused. I guess if it's a "thank you" type thing we could give $100 or so, but I see a lot of people saying "there's a minimum with a $500-$600 handshake". What does this mean / what is this for? Can someone please explain??

Thanks

[headstrong]

Here's a relatively simple answer - the "handshake" is an industry standard. I'm not arguing the validity or whether it's right or wrong, but a good handshake is required to either get a good location or decrease your minimum spend. These people have the power to set yoru table up nice or set it up in the boonies, the "handshake" is designed to say "hey - look out for my group"

Now as far as the amount of the handshake that is for you and the host to discuss/negotiate. To be able to get some of the better tables you are going to have to "handshake" better. Look at it this way - you have one group with a 4k min wanting a upper dance floor and another group wanting the same thing - one host tipping $100 and another $500 - who do you think is gonna get that table?

Many hosts, at least on here, are pretty up front on the type of handshake that will be needed to secure X table and X minimum spend.

[ratchelor]

Thanks, so this is something you kind of figure out and negotiate beforehand?

[sidewalk]

You do the handshake specifically to secure something you may not have secured without it. If you just called the club, booked bottle service, and got the standard options, the host really doesn't deserve to have a couple hundred dollars tipped to him/her. They should get something, but not a huge amount. But if you work with the host and say, I'll tip $xxx, and the host offers deals on bottles, better table location, etc. then the money is very well spent.

Always discuss handshake before hand! Just slipping the host a few bennys when you get to the club may not get you much, as tables locations may have already been established and you've already made yourself a paying customer, so the clubs incentive to give you deals is reduced somewhat.

[headstrong]

Thanks, so this is something you kind of figure out and negotiate beforehand?

Exactly.

[kazflair]

You do the handshake specifically to secure something you may not have secured without it. If you just called the club, booked bottle service, and got the standard options, the host really doesn't deserve to have a couple hundred dollars tipped to him/her. They should get something, but not a huge amount. But if you work with the host and say, I'll tip $xxx, and the host offers deals on bottles, better table location, etc. then the money is very well spent.

Always discuss handshake before hand! Just slipping the host a few bennys when you get to the club may not get you much, as tables locations may have already been established and you've already made yourself a paying customer, so the clubs incentive to give you deals is reduced somewhat.

Good points here. In speaking of your experience, it's hard to compare what you would have got with or without a shake. A lot of guys have come multiple times and at the same club on similar nights/times of year, etc.. so they can attest that the experience usually, is exponentially better with a shake. In addition to the points mentioned, for the groups that tip, the host will pay more attention to that table and insure you have a good time, introduce to girls, sneak a round of shots, etc.. etc.. . Another key point is transfers. At some point in the night there may be a better table that opens up. I will move the guys that tip before the ones that don't.

[ratchelor]

Good to know, I'll be sure to ask about a handshake when I book my tables in a couple months

[Augustine]

Good points by all...a summary:

VIP Host Handshake = Better deals (ie. B1G1) or Location or a bump when Mr. Trump vacates his table next to the dance floor leaving 3 unopened bottles at midnight. Maybe even the ever popular throw in a bottle of Champaign.

Wait Staff = Keep you set with ice and drinks throughout.

Security = Keep drunk wanderers out of your table area and filter lost yet beautiful young ladies into your table area (if you like).

Remember...how you treat the staff at the club (Host, server, security) is a reflection on JC.com. So plan it out, tip well, and heap praise on the good hosts that do right by you and your group in the forums. There are plenty of crappy hosts out there, when you find a good one, share the wealth. There are definite forum favorites and its for a reason. If you have questions about a specific situation, throw it out to the forums, the people on here will give good advice and steer you in the right direction.

One last thing, if anyone throws out the hey I'm from the JC.com forums or the AOD (or my favorite...I know Jack Colton)...don't be a douche!

This has been a public service announcement

[ccc]

+1 ^, also think about this you're in town solo, so tables are out. Last trip you set up a few tables and tipped well. The host may be more willing to walk you in on a busy night and wave the cover, or hell you may even get an invite to the comp table they have on Sunday where you only have to throw in on tips.

[msavard]

Good to know, I'll be sure to ask about a handshake when I book my tables in a couple months

Just FYI, some guys will refuse to talk numbers. I'm guessing it's against policy with some places.

In that case, post up here and explain what you're getting, what weekend/day, etc. and the folks here will offer good guidance. Understand that more is better to a point...but there is a diminishing returns that sets in. A host isn't going to get you a Sat Cabana at MDC with a $2k min spend because you gave him a $1000 handshake.

General rule of thumb is, it's a service industry. If you take care of them, they will do what they can to take your evening up a notch (or two).

There is a host on here (won't get into names) that I chat with outside of this forum who actually dropped me a text out of nowhere last october about a potential comped bottle/table at his venue one night. It was a Thurs and I was traveling with 3 attractive ladies...which obviously impacted the decision)... but it was an awesome offer that was appreciated and obviously would have warranted a generous tip out / shake had we been able to capitalize...Damn indecisive women.

If you plan on going to vegas even once a year, it's good to cultivate a relationship with guys by taking care of them.

[Kinar100]

I haven't been through the process a lot but the above points seem to make sense.

Tip well, host gets points
More points = better for host -> climbing up the ladder

Help your host out and hopefully he gives you a good minimum and decent location like all the above stated. He's working too and in an industry where the more money he/she gets people to spend the better.

[tony67]

Man this is some good info! Thanks guys!