Portable Bar & Beverage Equipment

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Startup Cost
$15,000-$75,000
Difficulty
Beginner
Time to Profit
8-15 months
Profit Potential
$60,000-$290,000/year

Overview

Portable bar rental companies provide bars, beverage dispensers, kegerators, and bar equipment for events.

With bars essential for receptions and bartending services, bar rentals generate revenue of $95,000-$340,000 with 70-85% margins.

The business requires bar inventory (portable bars, back bars), beverage equipment (kegerators, ice bins, drink dispensers), glassware, delivery, and storage.

Services include portable bar rentals, kegerator and tap systems, beverage dispensers (water, lemonade), ice bins and coolers, bar accessories and tools, and delivery and pickup.

Pricing typically $200-$800 per event depending on bar setup.

Success factors include stylish bar designs (rustic, modern, tiki), offering complete bar setups, kegerator and tap systems, coordinating with bartending services and caterers, and maintaining bar condition.

Marketing focuses on event planners, bartending services, and wedding coordinators.

With bar service essential at celebrations in 2025, portable bar rental offers libation opportunities providing bar infrastructure.

Required Skills

  • Bar design and styling
  • Beverage equipment knowledge
  • Kegerator setup and maintenance
  • Inventory management
  • Delivery logistics
  • Bar trends

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Good margins on equipment
  • Stylish bars in demand
  • Bartending service partnerships
  • Equipment reuse
  • Multiple bar styles

Cons

  • Bar inventory investment
  • Beverage equipment maintenance
  • Storage space needed
  • Alcohol liability concerns
  • Cleaning demands

How to Get Started

  1. Build portable bar inventory
  2. Acquire beverage equipment
  3. Develop bar styles (rustic, modern)
  4. Partner with bartending services
  5. Market to event planners
  6. Maintain equipment condition
  7. Offer complete setups

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