How should I price add-on services like tables and chairs?
Build the Real Cost
Start by adding up the true cost of each item. That includes purchase or rental cost, delivery and pickup, staff time to set up and reset, and cleaning or repair. Many venues forget the labor and handling costs, which quietly erode profit.
Once you know the cost, decide on a margin that fits your market and your brand. Some venues add a fixed percentage, while others use a flat fee per item or per event. Whichever method you choose, keep the math simple enough to explain to clients.
- Include purchase or rental cost
- Add delivery and pickup
- Count staff setup and reset time
- Account for cleaning and damage risk
Present It Clearly
Show add-ons as a separate section of your rate sheet, with quantities and unit prices. Clients appreciate transparency, and it reduces surprises at final billing. Review the list each year as supplier costs change.
Consider bundling popular combinations, such as tables with linens, into packages. Bundles can increase sales while keeping the pricing easy to understand.
Review your add-on list against your cost tracking every few months. Items that generate many requests may be worth stocking, while rarely booked items may be better rented on demand. Adjust prices when supplier costs rise.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting labor and delivery costs in add-on pricing.
- Hiding add-on fees until the final invoice.
