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Thread: VIP hostess

  1. #1
    Featured Member Laurisa's Avatar
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    Default VIP hostess

    Hey ladies, I did a search for this topic but I haven't found any threads with advice for VIP hostesses.

    I have been in touch with my previous manager from the Deja Vu chain and I had resigned from my position in healthcare with the company I had left stripping for (last year), but I got hired immediately by one of their competitors but wasn't due to start orientation for a week.

    Earlier this week I was at the club that my manager was overseeing which the owner of the Deja Vu I started at took over in August. I had come to visit him because we are friends and I think it's good to keep contact with business connections too. My manager from the Deja Vu chain (and the owner) have known me 2 1/2 years and always had a mutual respect with one another regarding my intelligence, business ethics, sales skills, etc. I have a portfolio with my academic and career accomplishments, a medical license, and am still a full time student with straight A's and my program finishes in May.

    As my ex-manager and I were talking/catching up in the club (it was slow at the time) he was telling me how hard it's been to keep good, quality dancers and staff in the club because of changes. I worked at this club with old owners previously in late 2010/very early 2011 and was offended by all of the rampant prostitution. However, it is a very upscale place with a lot of potential and was bought by the owner of the club I spent most of my dancing career with. So as we are talking about this I started thinking about the VIP hostess position and how great I'd be at selling champagne rooms and keeping the girls' interests balanced with the interests of the club (safety, profit, etc). I've "been there" so I think I am very qualified and also sympathetic to what everyone involved needs and wants (customer, dancer, club profit). I was told "off the record" there could be a possibility of advancing in the company if I can do my job well (as anticipated). Basically they have gotten rid of almost all the old staff and dancers who were breaking the law and turned it into a place that girls who are clean want to work, and I'm pleased.

    Its very unusual for ex-strippers to be offered a job in the company, but my manager and the owner said they have confidence that I have the ambition and discipline to do it. They offered me a full time position with what I consider to be appropriate compensation and opportunity for regular bonuses and tips.

    So I took a leap of faith and accepted! I've had a very good working relationship with them and feel it is a great opportunity for us all, and it doesn't hurt to have someone with extensive healthcare training and work experience on staff if an emergency arises. I am considering majoring in business management in Graduate School if the job works out and I see a opportunity for advancement arising once my current school wraps up in May. I will be wearing very professional business clothes (no formal uniform, just preferred colors) and be part of the "staff" with a name tag, radio and all! I'm going to keep all my healthcare licenses and certifications current so I always have a back up, I'm not being naive.

    With all the great news set aside, I'm confident in my abilities but I'd like some feedback from the ladies.

    I've worked in a few clubs with VIP hostesses, but I need to learn about champagne (I have a list of champagnes I'll be selling that I'm studying) and Champagne Room sales even more! I just want advice about selling CRs as a hostess and what you ladies like to see from your hostesses (etiquette, how they make the sale, safety, etc). Also, how can I increase the likelihood that I will receive tips, and who should I try and earn tips from? Customers, dancers? (if my service is deserving of a tip). Are there things hostesses can do to improve you and the customer's experience during your CR? And how should I dictate which rooms (price wise) I show to which customers?

    Any advice is appreciated!
    Thanks,
    -Laurisa
    If you are willing to do for one year what other's won't, you can spend a lifetime doing what other's cant.


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    God/dess whirlerz's Avatar
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    Default Re: VIP hostess

    Gosh, Laurisa, I am sorry I can't offer you any advice..never worked in a club w/hosts really. But, I know you'll rock it only as you can! Congrats, glad to see you posted this, I was thinking about you!


    MANY MEN WANTED TO LAY ME DOWN, BUT FEW WANTED TO LIFT ME UP

    -Eartha Kitt

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    God/dess simone87's Avatar
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    Default Re: VIP hostess

    in my club we had one, and i loved her. she was kind of like a house mom too! she would offer advice, gave me makeup tips, etc.. i would tip her for that, not that it was in her job description but i really appreciated it. she complained that nobody tipped her though because the customers who came in didn't even know that they should because its a bit of a rarity around here to have a hostess..so she quit i would tip her very well when she helped me get champagne rooms and i appreciated the fact that she was an ex-dancer.

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    Default Re: VIP hostess

    I think the best advice you can take is your own. When you did champagne rooms, what did you like/dislike about the host and her performance as such?
    For me, I like when the host is quick and polite, in and out, encourages that the customer extend (if he hasn't decided to already). Such as reminding them that the next half hour is cheaper than the first, etc. My favorite hosts always talks me up so much that most times they will keep going. I like when my hosts are sexy but professional and very clear when its time to pay. Our hosts secure their own tips, which is 20% of the total cost. Never be rude to the dancer or the customer, it throws off the room and where I work word about the hostesses fucking rooms or generally being shitty hosts will spread and the dancers won't tip them.

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    Default Re: VIP hostess

    best way is to be honest to both customer and girl. at most clubs, when the customer is booking the room via credit card there is a line for tip (like at a restaurant) and it always went to the host. some hosts were sneaky and would phrase it "ok so here is the $500 charge, here is the line for tip, and here you fill out the total and sign." obv not mentioning that the tip didnt go to the dancer and making it almost impossible for the dancer to interject. the good hosts would point out the tip line, say that the tip goes all to the host and not the dancer (and then say something about why they deserved to be tipped like getting stronger/faster drinks, more privacy, etc) and then they would explain very clearly how to tip the dancer. not only did customers tip me much more with the good hosts (duh) but they actually tipped the host much more too. on top of that me and the other girls would tip the host for working so well with us. I never tip sleazy hosts.

    if your club doesnt have a hm I would have some dancer supplies on hand too. thatll get you more tips from the dancers. my friend was a host at a club with no hm and she just had a box of tampons, hair spray, etc and she was tipped a lot from the girls for that.

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    God/dess shanna dior's Avatar
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    Default Re: VIP hostess

    Congratulations, this sounds like a fantastic opportunity for you!

    My experience with VIP host is fairly limited, so take this as you will, but I think it's important to not be TOO pushy. The way I see it is that you're there to complement the girl's hustle and basically be her sales assistant. You want to help the girl extend VIPs and get the customer in there, but you don't want to push him away. I worked with one VIP host who was like that, and it was incredibly frustrating when I knew the customer wasn't going to extend, but she insisted on pushing, leaving us for a few minutes to "discuss" it, and then coming back to push some more. I might have been able to get something out of the customer later otherwise, but not after that. It made me feel stupid, a bit pimped out, and wasted my time.

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    Default Re: VIP hostess

    Your job is to help the dancer make the sale.

    Customers view the host as an objective source. They will trust your word more than any dancer.

    My favorite host, in a Deja Vu chain club, was incredible.

    He was polite, well spoken, completely professional, exuded trustworthiness, and assisted dancers in convincing the customers to buy VIP's and exteeeeend them.

    A host is a partner in the sale. They are the snowflake that leads to an avalanche. A host deals with any doubts the customer may have. The host reassures a customer that they will have a great time, that their purchase is entirely "worth it", that a VIP experience surpasses floor dances.

    Focus your attention on the customer.
    Speak directly to them. Make eye contact.

    Emphasize privacy.
    Emphasize comfort.
    Emphasize the experience.
    Emphasize the fun they will have.
    Emphasize how amazing their VIP will be.

    Be authoritative. Don't waver. When a customer asks you a question be an authority. Have complete confidence in each and every statement.
    If there is a hiccup, a delay, or a misunderstanding be polite and accommodating.

    NEVER talk a dancer down... Pay the girl a compliment. Tell the customer that they are in for a treat. Tell the customer the dancer is phenomenal/amazing/the-BEST! Mean it when you say it. MEAN IT with your eyes, your tone, your expressions.

    NEVER start the discussion at the lowest/shortest/cheapest price point. Start at an hour.

    NEVER give a customer a way to wiggle out of the sale... Instead tell them that a half hour room is a good start (at the very least!) and that they can decide to extend after that time is up. This gives the customer a sense of power and gets the ball rolling... VIP rooms are like chips... you can't have just one! Right?

    Some Deja Vu clubs offer a sizable discount for a one hour room rather than two half hour rooms. Up-sell if possible. If necessary, appeal to the customer's frugal nature... they get more time for their money... no interruptions... etc.

    If a customer is there with their friends (this is a last resort) state that a VIP room fee can be shared by 2-3 guys... along with their "favorite ladies" or "ladies of their choice" as long as they cover (notice I did not say 'pay for') the dancers' time/tips.

    When the customer purchases time, run their card.
    Mention the gratuity line at the bottom is for you... and if the customer would like to give you a tip you will appreciate it greatly.
    If a customer is paying with cash, verify that the dancer has been paid. The customer will hand the money to you, count it and hand it to the dancer. If funny money is involved double check that the correct amount is there and give the funny money to the dancer.
    Notify them that tipping the dancer can be done as a separate transaction or with cash.
    Have them sign the receipt.
    Check the customer's signature.
    Compare the signature to the signature on their ID. Make sure the signatures are damn near identical.
    Notify the waitress/es that VIP room #X requires their attention.
    Contact the DJ to let them know the dancer will be occupied for the next hour... or whatever period of time.

    Keep the rooms that are running in order. Know who's in a room. Know when they began. Know when their time is up.
    Watch the clock.
    Be incredibly punctual. Maybe even a little bit early...
    A few minutes before the time ends, announce that time has run out. Say this humbly and begrudgingly.
    Immediately offer to extend the room time.
    If the customer wants to extend, run their card, have them sign.
    Check the customer's signature.
    Compare the signature to their ID signature. Make sure they are damn near identical.
    Verify that the dancer has been paid.
    Thank the customer.
    Wish them a good time.
    Notify the waiter/waitress that the room has been renewed and tell the waiter/waitress to make sure champagne/water/beverages/ice are replenished accordingly.

    Mind the time.


    When the room time is up... Thank the customer. Be polite and professional. Tell them that you hope you'll see them soon. Wish them a good trip, whatever.

    Collect your tips at the end of the evening. Some dancers may pay you right after the room.
    Keep track of who paid.



    Lather. Rinse. Repeat.






    Good luck.
    Last edited by Sophia_Starina; 01-11-2013 at 04:54 PM.
    Quote Originally Posted by Jay12 View Post
    ^What Sophia said.
    Quote Originally Posted by yoda57us View Post
    I wish there was an "auto-like" setting that I could just have applied to all of your posts Sophia....

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    Veteran Member summerbre's Avatar
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    Default Re: VIP hostess

    ^Will you come hostess at my club please?

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    God/dess Sophia_Starina's Avatar
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    Default Re: VIP hostess

    Quote Originally Posted by summerbre View Post
    ^Will you come hostess at my club please?
    Gladly.
    Quote Originally Posted by Jay12 View Post
    ^What Sophia said.
    Quote Originally Posted by yoda57us View Post
    I wish there was an "auto-like" setting that I could just have applied to all of your posts Sophia....

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    Default Re: VIP hostess

    Congrats on the awesome opportunity! My club has a male host/bouncer then a female waitress. Host meets the dancer and customer and seats them, keeps track of time, gives a 5 or 10 minute warning, then brings customer to main area of club or makes sure they get a cab etc. Waitress brings the champagne menu, explains prices, refills glasses, and helps sell. Tip on the credit card line goes to her. Dancers at my club are expected to point out that line and encourage a 20% tip for the waitress and bartender. If you split your tip with any other staff I'd state that, and encourage a separate one for the dancer. I love that our hosts/waitresses introduce themselves and ask for the guy's name, where he's from, what he's in town for, if he's been here before etc. It gives the experience a VIP feel and makes it more personable. Plus, it's saved my ass numerous times when I totally didn't pay attention to someone's name! I also like having a 5 minute (or 10 if you'll be busy) warning so I can start selling the next hr, and if they don't stay I haven't run over my time. Our hosts/waitresses always tell the guy they've found great company ("Hi, my name is __ and I'll be your hostess. I see you've found the beautiful/wonderful ___! Hi ___! How are you?! Are we gonna pop a bottle of bubbles?") to help validate the customer's decision. They also go over the prices again, which if it's a fixed rate helps ease the customer that he's not getting sold something he didn't agree with. They protect the dancer if they need to by reminding the dancer usually that the boss is coming by.. usually a lie but it doesn't blame the customer as it comes off as a warning and that everyone's on the customer's side. In all, it comes off as a VIP high end bottle service experience more than a strip club experience which in turn keeps things clean.

    Do the dancers get any cut of bottle sales? My club gives a bit of $ to the dancer for selling expensive bottles which in turn helps the waitress' tip. There's a lot of things the dancer can say to sell bottles but it'll be hard to convince them to if they don't get anything for it. I'd recommend knowing which ones are dry or sweet, if you have wines know the basic flavor in each. You probably won't be selling wines the way you would at a dinner. To help sell higher priced ones, emphasize what is the ladies' favorite and point out which ones go straight to your head. "The ladies prefer the roses, which are nice and sweet. Especially the Dom Perignon Rose, it goes straight to your head and makes you really bubbly."

    Good luck! I would love to be a champagne hostess one day.

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    Default Re: VIP hostess

    Such as reminding them that the next half hour is cheaper than the first, etc.

    Is this true in most clubs? How much cheaper is next half hour in your club? I posted on the Newbie board re VIP charges.

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    God/dess Sophia_Starina's Avatar
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    Default Re: VIP hostess

    Quote Originally Posted by swirlygirl View Post
    Such as reminding them that the next half hour is cheaper than the first, etc.

    Is this true in most clubs? How much cheaper is next half hour in your club? I posted on the Newbie board re VIP charges.
    Half hour rates are set. There is incentive for customers to purchase rooms for, let's say $500 for one hour, rather than spend $300 twice for two half hour rooms... with two separate transaction fees.

    Swirlygirl, speak with a host or manager early in your next shift. Make sure that they clarify how pay-procedures, charges, and fees work for these scenarios. Consider speaking with another manager/host/housemom for verification. Commit this info to memory. Don't be afraid to speak up if you are confused or if someone is paying you incorrectly.

    The sooner you deal with this, the better.
    Quote Originally Posted by Jay12 View Post
    ^What Sophia said.
    Quote Originally Posted by yoda57us View Post
    I wish there was an "auto-like" setting that I could just have applied to all of your posts Sophia....

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