how to get people in early

[too_much31]

hi,
I am setting up a live alternative night at my club, and it has to end by 12:00am. I was wondering if anynoe could suggest a few ideas on how to attract mostly a college crowd earlier than they usually come out.

thank you

[steffen]

Beer specials. College folk like beer.... IMO - They haven't aquired the taste of hard liquor...

A couple of the bars in my area do 1 of 2 promotions. First is a quarter draw night. 8-10 oz dixie cups, a $.25 each, any domestic. Second is a "big beer cup night." Bring your own cup, no handles, and it's $10 at the door until XX PM for beer only.

Hope this helps, and Best of Luck... Let us know how it goes!

[Andrew]

pay them :D !

I'm just having a laugh...11pm is full of promise. midnight is midnight and 3am is eternal. 3pm is such an awkward time

[keithd]

Drink specials are always a good idea, as is promoting actively in the community. No one is going to come out early, or at all, if they don't know that your club is going to be the happening place that night, you have to let them know.

PS. Check with your local ABC organization before you try the $10 cover for all the beer you can drink as all you can drink offers are extremely illegal in some states and could open you up to a huge amount of liability if someone got hammered and then .... (fill in the blank)

Good Luck

[jprokschl]

It is very difficult to get the collage kids out early. I have found the most effective way of luring them in early is with food. A taco bar (5 bucks for all you can eat, or a buck a taco) is a good tool.
It works great for Monday Night Football
Shot specials (2 for 1) works with some success. I have tried many beer specials and found the selling of a mug (5 bucks) and refilling it for cheep (1 dollar) seems to work.
The problem with discounting alcohol is as soon as the "deal" ends those customers seem to drift away....or worse, stay and cause trouble for the full price customers.
This is why I really shy away from drink specials.
John

[PartyYards.com]

Steffen is right they have not developed a taste for the good stuff. Beer is on there menu and that is usually it.

Beer Special, Beer Specials, and Beer Specials they work if they are marketed right…
I am not trying to throw you a spin off what I do, but I know in my industry the “Big Ass Draft” night works. Let me know if you need anything that I can offer to you to help you promote your “draft night”.

[kmoney]

Reverse cover charge -
Pay them 3-5 bucks to come in (actually, use a coupon for 3-5 dollars off their bar-tab or drink)

Just a thought