Ever wonder how some people just breeze past a long line, and everyone seems to know them? Here are 8 rules for being a VIP, and getting past the velvet rope, without blowing out your credit limit. Try out as many as possible, and and enjoy the service you will receive.
8 Tips for getting the VIP treatment
1.Be a Regular.
I worked in the service industry for nearly ten years, and saw there were a few classes of people that got taken care of, in varying levels. Celebs get the best treatment, bar none. The next step is the regulars, that tip solidly. Being a frequent guest will get you taken care of about as well as the person they don’t know, and is blowing money around for a 1 time event. The staff knows you, knows they will see you again, knows you’re a decent tipper, and won’t stiff them. Go straight to the head of the line!
2. Tip decently.
Tipping a ton, or nothing will get you remembered. Another way to get great service, is to tip BIG on the first drink of the night, or first visit, then tip normally after that. Aim for at least $10 on the first drink, or 30-35% of the check for dinner. Then at least $1 a drink, or 20-25% of the check after that. This will get you VIP service, without selling a kidney.
3. Offer value.
Are you just there to party, or do you have an angle? Do you run a business, are a member of the press, run a blog, or are a photographer? If so, you have an angle. One of the biggest rules I’ve learned is that more places want publicity than have it. Even the hottest places want more press.
I frequently take pictures, and have started doing videos, for clubs and local bands. Even going to new places where I know no one, the camera case or videocam, gets me past the line, usually with no questions asked. When taking photos or video, I often get asked where what I’m taking can be found, many times by the manager. That gets me VIP treatment at that venue, even on the nights I’m not working, and the same will work for you.
4. Be a Cool Customer.
Most employees and customers are longing for a real person on the other end. Authenticity often breeds loyalty. Anyone who has had frustration dealing with a “faceless corporation,” or working for an environment that resembles Office Space, knows this. Be yourself, and go out of your way to chat with, and get to know the staff of the places you frequent. People they can be friendly with, and not have to be in “work face” all the time with, WILL be appreciated.
5. Get to know the promoters and DJ’s.
The life of a promoter is pretty tough. There are very few promoters who do it long term. Find out who the main promoters are for places you like to frequent, and meet them. Getting people at a venue can be tough. If you always good for 5-10 people every time you show, you and your entourage will always be easier to get on their list. DJ’s are similar, in that there is a high burn rate, and many go unappreciated. Meet and chat with the DJ every time you go, and let them you know you like what they do. DJ’s have lists at most places also, and bringing some friends out to hear them spin, will put you in their good graces.
6. Be one of their first customers.
There is a high burn rate for restaurants, and clubs. This leads to new places opening pretty often. Most places will remember their first customers, and appreciate them. Building a great reputation is hard, and those who are there from the start often get treated like gold. In the first few weeks after opening, aim to make a couple of appearances each week. This will allow you to get to know many of the staff, often the manager, and occasionally the owner. This gives you a huge leg up on those who come after you.
7. Be forgiving.
Things do go wrong. Your drink gets made wrong, or you get over-charged. The new door guy won’t let you in. Maybe the pub makes your food wrong. Let’s face it, “Stuff” happens! You have a couple choices when it does: You can flip out and throw a fit, quietly seethe and never go back, or brush it off and let them make it right. Most places will bend over backwards if they truly stuff it up, and make it right to you. Be cool, but let them know something went wrong, and how they can reasonably fix it.
8. Do what you say.
Reservations, and being on lists can be tough at times. If you get one one, make sure you go. In many clubs, list are time sensitive, i.e. no cover charge before 11pm. Don’t be the yahoo, who walks up at 11:15, and expects the same treatment. You many be able to pull it off once or twice, but don’t push it. That kind of behavior gets remembered, and not in a positive way. The nightlife scene is full of pretenders, scammers, yahoos, and the like. Be where you say you will, when you say you will, and be a step above most of the people they deal with everyday. Having integrity: it’s not lost on anyone.
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