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In today's horrible economy, one might think that it could be the death of strip clubs.&nbsp; And for some, that might be true.&nbsp; As someone who's been enjoying strip clubs for years, I'm convinced that smart club operators can survive, or even thrive in this economy. Here are two different approaches for survival for a club: <br />
<u><b>1. Take the High (Roller) Road </b></u><br />
There are still a large number of people doing well in this economy. So go after them, and build loyalty - - keep them coming back.&nbsp; Keep the place well kept, immaculately clean, with good, comfortable furniture, a good sound system, and good, quality dancers who are not only attractive, but are good conversationalists.&nbsp; <br />
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If the local ordinances forbid smoking, find a way to keep both smokers and non-smokers happy.&nbsp; Some no-smoking laws exclude private clubs. If this is the case, you can make people &quot;members&quot; for a few extra dollars, and provide a separate, well-ventilated&nbsp; room where smokers can go.&nbsp; you can separate this room from the rest of the club with a glass wall, so they'll still get to enjoy the entertainment.<br />
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Hire with care.&nbsp; This applies to cocktail servers, bartenders, bouncers, etc.&nbsp; You want them classy and customer focused.&nbsp; These people should focus on making sure that the patrons are well cared for and never feel pressured.&nbsp; They are willing to spend, but on their terms - not the club's.&nbsp; Employees should learn to recognize repeat customers, learn their names, and make them feel welcome.<br />
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<u><b>2. Offer Value</b></u><br />
Even a &quot;local neighborhood bar&quot; strip club will survive if it runs is operation right. Here are a few hints<br />
Don't &quot;nickel and dime&quot; your patrons.&nbsp; When I go to a club,&nbsp; I have a mental &quot;budget&quot; before I go.&nbsp; I like to be generous in tipping the dancers, the bartenders, and the cocktail servers.&nbsp; But, staying in my budget, these people get tipped less if i have to pay for parking, pay for coat check, etc.&nbsp; All too often, clubs try to bleed the patrons with &quot;extras&quot;.&nbsp; Here' are examples:&nbsp; I went to a club in a rural area.&nbsp; The club had an enormous lot behind it, but people couldn't park their own cars.&nbsp; They charged $7 for Valet Parking!&nbsp; In the middle of fucking nowhere!!&nbsp; Sure, you should provide valet parking... just don't make it mandatory. &nbsp; Another club had (I kid you not) a midget who was selling roses for 10 bucks apiece to give to your favorite dancer!&nbsp; Recognize that for many customers, every dollar spent on this kind of crap is a dollar less that they'll spend on drinks, dances, and tips for your employees.<br />
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Just like I recommend for the High Roller clubs, your employees should learn to recognize regular customers, learn their names.&nbsp; Everyone likes to feel special.<br />
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Don't get pushy with customers to buy drinks or to buy shots.&nbsp; I've been in places where I decide to buy a dancer a shot.&nbsp; Suddenly, the shot girl is asking if I'll buy one for her too, and for the two other dancers who've mysteriously just appeared and are celebrating a birthday... and for the bartender.&nbsp; A 5 buck shot suddenly turns into 40 bucks.&nbsp; No thank you.<br />
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So, club owners... This is your way to weather the economic storm and to keep providing &quot;stimulus&quot; to your customers!<br type="_moz" />