Independent VIP Host Las Vegas
VIP is an acronym that gets thrown around quite often in Las Vegas, but what does it mean? By definition, a VIP is a "very important person," but to Hosts in Las Vegas, a VIP means a customer. As with any business, without customers, you don't have a business; therefore, customers are very important people.
We often get asked, "What is the advantage of working with an Independent Host?" In my Ultimate Guide to VIP Hosts in Las Vegas, I will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Independent Hosts vs. Internal Club Hosts for bottle service.
Who is Brian Pfeiffer and Surreal?
So that you know I'm credible, please check out my "About Section" on Brian Pfeiffer and Surreal Nightlife. I've been in the club business for over 25 years. I started as a door host in Chicago, throwing one party a month, then one party a week, then almost every night for many years. In 2011, I was voted "Promoter of the Year" by Chicago Scene Magazine.
My run in Chicago was amazing from 2002 until 2013. In 2013, the Hakkasan Group moved me to Vegas as their Promotions Manager for the opening of Hakkasan Nightclub and Wet Republic Ultra Pool. I was the only person in the company who received compensation for the guest list and commission on bottle service tables. As a unicorn in Vegas, I was an internal VIP Host and an internal promotions manager for the largest nightclub operator in town, where I learned all the operating systems inside and out in a very short time. After working for the HK Group for a little over a year, I decided to give it a go on my own, and it has been the best decision I ever made. I structured my business in Vegas similar to my business in Chicago, and every year my company has realized tremendous growth, and it continues to impress.
What is an Internal VIP Host?
Let's set the record straight on the difference between an independent host and an internal club host. An internal club host works directly for one management group and generally focuses on one venue. They may work for a management group that operates a couple of venues, but for the most part, they have one primary place to focus. Since I worked as a VIP Host for over a year, I know how they think and what is important to them. Their primary focus is hitting their revenue goals and not having a crappy performance in front of their co-workers. Nothing is worse than being in a room full of co-worker hosts and getting called out by the manager for having a miserable performance weekend. Hitting numbers and reaching and exceeding revenue goals are what drive their income.
The environment is numbers driven. The club operators will generally post the numbers to the internal team, and just like any competitive commission-type structure, you don't want to have a bad showing. The way it works in Vegas is when you have a customer at your venue who wants to go to another pool or club, as an internal host, you can only trade with other internal hosts.
Bottle Service customers are currency in Las Vegas, and if you send another internal host a customer, then reciprocation should be a customer for them at some point. It's an unwritten rule in Vegas that an internal host should not send any customer of theirs to independent hosts, even though this line is crossed often these days.
What is an Independent Host?
An Independent Host is an individual or company that works independently from the Las Vegas nightclubs and Vegas pool parties as a separate business. In 2016, the Nevada Gaming Commission stepped in and tried to clean up the nightclub and party scene in Las Vegas. Their mission was to ensure the customers weren't getting ripped off and to clean up the drugs and prostitution. Did it work? It's easy to find out if a hosting company is legit, but let's be honest about the drugs and prostitution; both are still around.
The Nevada Gaming Commission, or NGB, has a website where you can see all the companies licensed to do business with the nightclubs in Las Vegas. You will notice Brian Pfeiffer and Surreal LLC is on there, and this listing is the parent company of this website.
The license was not easy to get. I had to submit to a hair and drug test; a thorough FBI background check to qualify and pay a hefty $2,000 fee, which is good for five years, which was recently renewed. Independent hosts or independent host companies typically have a website, employees, and a legit business operation. Some of us have been around for over 20 years!
What are The Advantages of Working with One or the Other?
One might think I'm a little biased regarding independent hosts compared to the internal host, but I've worked on both sides of the fence, so I know the business very well. If I felt being an internal host was the best solution for my customers, I would still work at a club. We've heard the argument many times that if you work as an indy host, you will pay more money, but that's not the case 99 percent of the time. A lot of the nightclubs, pools, and Las Vegas Strip Clubs list their pricing on their websites. If you book online, you will be assigned an internal host and pay full retail prices. Check with us before you do that; we might have an opportunity for a better package deal.
For some high-demand pools and big DJ nightclubs, the price is the price for the independent hosts and the internal hosts. If you want a particular table, you pay the full retail price. As a licensed indy host, just like an internal host, we make a commission based on the minimum spend. Examples of this would be Encore Beach Club on just about any weekend and XS nightclub and Drai's on big nights with DJs like The Chainsmokers and Meek Mill. Because of our relationships and buying power, we pool our buying resources with other large indy companies to drive a large amount of revenue and get the same pricing or better prices as the internal hosts. Some smaller indy hosts will not get the same prices as we do. We talk more about the differences between Indy Hosts below.
A big advantage for internal hosts is that they have access to the internal booking system, so they can see what's going on with the reservations. Fortunately for large indys like us, we mostly deal with the managers, who tell us what's happening. On mega nights like fight and holiday weekends, this can be an advantage at one or two of the big EDM Clubs. But let's set the record straight; this is one or two weekends out of the year and only at one or two clubs and pools, so I don't consider it that big of an advantage. Since we spread our business over 25+ nightclubs, 15+ pools, and 20+ gentlemen's clubs, these one or two clubs on one or two weekends are insignificant.
As we mentioned earlier, the customer is the focal point of our business. We're not saying the internal hosts don't care about the customers; they do, but they don't make a commission if they don't have customers. Also, the club host is working at the club and typically cannot hang out with their customers. I used to hate this as an internal host. Every once in a while, when they get off, you might see them with a customer or a group, but not that often. Guys like us go above and beyond and bring Vegas girls and walk-in customers and personally spend a little time making sure their evening is perfect. Again, our main focus is the customer, not the revenue. We even assist in booking atmosphere models for groups that want to guarantee some Vegas party girls.
Another huge advantage of the indys is we can book everywhere. Most groups that come to Vegas tend to book multiple events. Instead of having to deal with four or five people throughout a weekend, an indy host can book everything, making things a lot easier for your vacation. Dealing with one responsive person who makes an effort to ensure you arrive at all your events on time can be a huge plus. independent hosts will make sure you have a person at the VIP ropes who will get you in VIP entry style.
On one final note, we offer a lot of package deals since we work with clubs, pools, Las Vegas shows, activities, and gentlemen's clubs. Because we have a substantial number of customers coming to town every weekend, we negotiate incredible deals and pass that savings along to them. On top of that, we do a lot of volume, and we are not concerned about making a ton of money on one or two customers.
Of course, we must make some profit to stay in business, but on any given weekend, we might be working with 75 or 100 groups, so there's no need to price gouge. We would much rather hook a customer up and get an excellent review and referral, which we do, rather than push it for a few extra bucks.
Independent Hosts are not Created Equal
Las Vegas is full of independent hosts, but there's a big difference between the best and the rest. Take note of the big websites that pop up on every keyword related to Las Vegas, and you'll find the top independent hosts. These are real companies with employees, LLCs, and automated systems. Guys like me are passionate about this business, and we put a lot of time and effort into search engine optimization, pay-per-click advertising, and relationships with the venues.
One thing's for sure in this City, if you do a lot of volume, people respect you for your work ethic and your business, not to mention the clubs who want to do business with you because you bring them a bunch of revenue. A lot of volume means volume discounts and the pick of the prime inventory, a.k.a. the best tables. Nowadays, it's very easy to look at Yelp, Google, or Facebook and check reviews. If an "Independent Host" doesn't have legit reviews or a legit website, I strongly encourage you to walk away.
The Nevada Gaming Commission has made it so real independent host companies need a license to do business with the clubs. Legit companies also carry insurance and a Clark County Professional Promoter's License. So, please make sure you do your homework before you work with any old host or company. When you work with a real brand like Surreal, you get to leverage our relationships, our network of ladies and customers, and our buying power to make your Las Vegas vacation a better experience.
Las Vegas Bachelor Packages
Sin City is one of the top destinations for a stag party or a bachelor party. At Surreal Nightlife, we can help you create unforgettable memories by bundling a Las Vegas nightclub, pool party, or Las Vegas strip club with extreme adventures, Top Golf, bottle service, limos, and more.
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Las Vegas Bachelorette Packages
Calling all the hen parties and budget bachelorette parties, we specialize in Las Vegas Bachelorette parties. We can help you create memories of a lifetime by bundling a nightclub or pool party with a Drag brunch, spa, shopping, pool package, a male strip club, a Las Vegas male revue, all-you-can-drink and eat dinners, bottle service, a custom pink limo and more.
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Brian Pfeiffer's Final Word on Independent Host
I didn't write this article to convince you to work with me or to bag on internal hosts. I work with a lot of internal hosts, and many are personal friends. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being an internal host; it's just a different mindset. Their mindset is numbers-driven, based on performance and revenue; the environment is extremely competitive, and there's a great deal of pressure on them to hit numbers.
Think about the movie "Boiler Room." I know this with 100% certainty because I've been in those meetings. Once you get out of that environment and you own your own company, you start to realize that the customer is the most important thing, not your weekend revenue numbers. Without customers, we don't have a business. We are running a legit multiple 7-figure business.
As a business owner, you have a couple of main objectives: to deliver an exceptional service that warrants an excellent review and to build a business for an eventual exit to retirement. Small business owners must generate leads, build websites, media buy traffic, and define their unique selling proposition to succeed in an ultra-competitive environment.
I sometimes work twice as hard for half as much, but at the end of the day, I know the light at the end of the tunnel is a sellable asset. I pride myself on hundreds of 5-star reviews (see above or below), rock-solid websites, cutting-edge video, pay-per-click strategies, and the many amazing friends and customers I've acquired along the way that keeps me passionate about this business.
There is still no better feeling than seeing that smile on a friend's face when they've had an unparalleled experience working with me, the relationships I have built, some of which have turned into marriage with kids. People can't believe I've been in this industry for over 25 years, but it doesn't feel like work when you love what you do. I like to say I've been on spring break for the last 25+ years, so why stop now? If you'd like to work with me and my company, please fill out a form and let us know when you're coming to Las Vegas, and we will make your vacation amazing.
If you want an alternative to the Las Vegas pool party, while these are pricey activities, they are a lot of fun. We also have other extreme packages like skydiving, machine gun shooting, and supercar racing. We are experts at creating fun! Call us today and let us help you plan your entire Vegas visit. Consider hiring some Atmosphere models or Vegas girls to enhance your Vegas nightlife experience!
Some other options for entry to pools and clubs include the pool crawl, cheap bottle packages, the guestlist with a Las Vegas Promoter, club tickets, or a bar card all are good options for one or two events.
Contact Information / Questions & Quotes
Contact your Surreal Host for all your Vegas Nightclub needs. You can reach me directly at 773-459-8133, and please subscribe to my YouTube. And CLICK HERE to check out all my social media channels period.
If you have a question after reading through this guide, feel free to hit up the Surreal Forum. I am an active daily user and will be happy to answer any questions. From my experience, if you have a question, likely other people will have the same question. I do appreciate your support in the Forum.
But the fastest way to get a quote is to click on the button below and fill out the form. We will need the number of people in your party, guys and ladies, as well as the dates you will be in Las Vegas. I have several packages if you'd like to bundle some limos, dinners, or shows along with your bottle service. I will get back to you ASAP!
About Brian Pfeiffer »Hopefully, you enjoyed my Ultimate Guide Las Vegas Bottle Service. Thank you for reading until the end, and I look forward to working with you.
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