Paying cash at clubs?

[Tfb5701]

I'm in charge of planning a bachelor party this weekend(9/19-9/21) in Vegas. We have a table reserved at ghost bar for Friday night and a daybed at marquee for the Saturday pool party. My question is about the policies of the clubs as far as payment. Because I'm with a group, everyone is paying me cash when we get there and I will be handling the tabs at the clubs. If you are paying cash, do they still require you to give them a credit/debit card and pre-authorize a certain amount? I would much prefer to do something like give them my ID and have them use that as collateral or something to that effect. That way I wouldn't have to deal with a ton of holds on my cards. This is my first time getting bottle service in Vegas so I don't know how it works there compared to other cities. Thanks for any help you can provide.

[iamkhai]

Nope just tell them you are paying cash and you are all good.

[ocam]

If you close out your tab in cash upfront there should be no need for a credit card.


You should maybe think about using your card (other than for tips) after collecting. A guy from our group did that to get some massive frequent flyer points. Only problem is you're then carrying a fat stack of notes. Alternatively if you're with a tight group that you know will pay, get them to net transfer $ before / after (preferably before)

[MikeK32]

If you close out your tab in cash upfront there should be no need for a credit card.


You should maybe think about using your card (other than for tips) after collecting. A guy from our group did that to get some massive frequent flyer points. Only problem is you're then carrying a fat stack of notes. Alternatively if you're with a tight group that you know will pay, get them to net transfer $ before / after (preferably before)

+1
I always collect the cash from my group at the hotel, leave the cash behind, and pay with credit card. Get more cash back/rewards that way! Just make sure to keep the cash secure with me on the trip/flight home.

[Tfb5701]

Thanks for the info!

[donniejay]

Yeah, since you already will have a ballpark range of how much everything will run, definitely collect the money before going to the club. The only issue is not spending that bottle money before leaving Vegas haha

[Kinar100]

I am always in charge of group coordination and have always paid in cash (although I have used a card after closing initial minimum requirement)

I collect around $400 per person - Standard bottles on a busy night run about $800 all-in pre handshake. Factor in tips and a buffer and the 3 person per bottle general rule and it ends up being around $1000 per bottle if you play it safe.

I always collect the money the first time I meet my group/individuals. This way I have everything good to go. I usually bring a bank envelope and write the names/totals on the back then cross them off when I receive the money. I keep the envelope on me at all times or in the room safe.

Prior to arriving at the club I have already factored out the exact amount we will need to pay. The formulas/math is everywhere on this forum and anyone can help you if you don't have it. I usually add an extra 5% on for a difference in bottles, more tips etc. I also usually have already decided what alcohol we will get to make life easier. Everyone pregames and booze at the club serve lots of purposes.

Once you arrive you can tell your waitress that you are paying in cash. They will bring out a menu and you can choose what you want. I usually ask for x mount of generic bottles to hit the minimum (I usually roll the cost effective route). They will say ok and bring out the check. You will pay in cash and they will start to bring out the bottles. I have had them bring out bottles before but not open it until I have paid the minimum. I always ask for one at a time to make it last till primetime (1 am).

You are home free at that point. Once your minimum is met (and you can meet it by paying in cash right away) you are set for the night. Just don't down the bottles within the first hour other wise you MIGHT be pressured to purchase more. I like the one at a time rule and make it last. I might also order a round of shots or beers and put it on a card. $100 charge on the card is nothing when you just spent 2-5k.

[KG25]

I am always in charge of group coordination and have always paid in cash (although I have used a card after closing initial minimum requirement)

I collect around $400 per person - Standard bottles on a busy night run about $800 all-in pre handshake. Factor in tips and a buffer and the 3 person per bottle general rule and it ends up being around $1000 per bottle if you play it safe.

I always collect the money the first time I meet my group/individuals. This way I have everything good to go. I usually bring a bank envelope and write the names/totals on the back then cross them off when I receive the money. I keep the envelope on me at all times or in the room safe.

Prior to arriving at the club I have already factored out the exact amount we will need to pay. The formulas/math is everywhere on this forum and anyone can help you if you don't have it. I usually add an extra 5% on for a difference in bottles, more tips etc. I also usually have already decided what alcohol we will get to make life easier. Everyone pregames and booze at the club serve lots of purposes.

Once you arrive you can tell your waitress that you are paying in cash. They will bring out a menu and you can choose what you want. I usually ask for x mount of generic bottles to hit the minimum (I usually roll the cost effective route). They will say ok and bring out the check. You will pay in cash and they will start to bring out the bottles. I have had them bring out bottles before but not open it until I have paid the minimum. I always ask for one at a time to make it last till primetime (1 am).

You are home free at that point. Once your minimum is met (and you can meet it by paying in cash right away) you are set for the night. Just don't down the bottles within the first hour other wise you MIGHT be pressured to purchase more. I like the one at a time rule and make it last. I might also order a round of shots or beers and put it on a card. $100 charge on the card is nothing when you just spent 2-5k.

Kinar, have you ever thought about writing a book or guide? I'll be the co-author, lol.

[headstrong]

Only if I can be the editor!

[Kinar100]

Kinar, have you ever thought about writing a book or guide? I'll be the co-author, lol.

I've honestly thought a lot about making a huge JC wiki that has as much info as possible about how to run through a vegas trip. I'm a big play by the rules guy since my wallet firepower is still handgun status so knowing all the in's and out's makes a huge difference in the quality of trip i can provide for my friends.

It's a double edged sword though. On one hand we could get incredibly detailed with every question/answer/scenario and leave nothing to chance for people wanting to know all there is.

On the other hand I feel it would take away from the community here. The opinions/methodology on how to do vegas nightlife is what gives this place such a unique vibe. Everyone has their own way of doing things. Some fly by the seat of their pants while others are as overly critical as I am.

I've created a website for my little parties I throw and I think I might add a "how I do it" section once it gets big enough.

I would love to make a phone APP for JC though and i've begun a few different ones dealing with kind of individual parts of the nightlife process.

TL-DR ->Yes but that's what this place is for and we are all co-authors!

[Stebok]

I always pay in cash. You can either:
- Pay upfront everything and forget about any money problems
- Let the club hold your credit card and you pay cash at the end of the night (only do this with people that you trust because they can order more alcohol!)

[dpolo50]

My group handles the money situation by collecting the money ahead of time.

Then, whoever the money point man is, they deposit the cash/paypals/quickpays into their account. That way the person can throw it all on their card and get some major credit card reward points! AND not have to worry about handling a ton of cash.

As someone mentioned earlier, give yourself a 5% cushion for tips/different bottle prices/etc.

[KG25]

I would definitely use a card if possible. You're leaving a lot of points on the table if you don't and it's a lot safer than carrying that much cash around.

I organized my last trip, and created an excel spreadsheet with formulas to project spend. It contained min, tax/grat/LET, and host tip for each venue, divided it by the numbers of guys going, and summed everything for the total trip spend. All the guys quick paid me electronically (via quickpay or pay pal) before the trip and the projected cost was actually to the penny. Three different guys put their cards down throughout the trip (3 pools, 3 clubs) and I just quick payed them once we got back...when I finally sobered up and was able to do basic math.