Lounge Pricing

[ih303]

Ok, so we're looking to restructure the pricing at the lounge. Please comment on your experience at lounges, i.e. what you liked/disliked about their pricing.

Here are some concerns we have about each choice:

Per Person - shifting group sizes (i.e. some people coming, some going), so-called "non-smokers"

Per Hookah - confusing with $6 upcharge for each person over two, single smokers are dishing out $12 for their hookah

Cover Charge - people have to have cash when they come in or we have to put a credit card machine at door, someone has to be doorman, people have to pay more than once - once for cover and again for drinks

Let me know what you think, people. We're making a decision this week so time is of the essence! Thanks!

[fcbayern]

Well most of the HB's around here ususally charge by the bowl. And depending on the shisha selection. There is usually a regular line of shisha (ususally AF) and a premium line (usually SB or fantasia). SOme of the places have a maximum number of smokers per hookah.

As far as price goes, most places are around $12-$15 for regular and $20-$25 for premium (per bowl).

I have never been to a bar that charges per person, or charges a cover. Dont get me wrong, but I think this would be like going to Starbuck's and having them charge you "per person" instead of selling you coffee.. I just dont think it makes sense.

Ultimately I think you have to do whats best for your shop. If your customers are ok with it, and it is going to be more profittable for you, I say GO FOR IT!

GOODLUCK.. Edited September 10, 2009 by fcbayern

[ih303]

That makes sense. The problem arises when you have six people who want to share one hookah.

I'll add that our new menu will feature select flavors from AF, SB, Nakhla, and Tangiers Lucid. We will have two tiers of hookahs. The basic will be a MYA QT with AF Healthy Hose and basic mod bowl, and the premium will be a KM Pear, premium hose, and phunnel bowl. We're tossing around the idea of only offering the tangiers with the premium hookahs.

We want this to be as comprehensive as possible but as simple as possible as well.

[fcbayern]

That makes sense. The problem arises when you have six people who want to share one hookah.

I'll add that our new menu will feature select flavors from AF, SB, Nakhla, and Tangiers Lucid. We will have two tiers of hookahs. The basic will be a MYA QT with AF Healthy Hose and basic mod bowl, and the premium will be a KM Pear, premium hose, and phunnel bowl. We're tossing around the idea of only offering the tangiers with the premium hookahs.

We want this to be as comprehensive as possible but as simple as possible as well.

I think the simple solution is to just put a limit of 3-4 people per hookah. Remember the more people smoke from the same hookah the faster the bowl will cash (unless its Tangiers...LOL). So you can sell them a replacment bowl.

I think the Idea of a basic setup and a premium setup, is great!!

[ih303]

That's a really good point about the bowl getting cashed faster. I never thought of that. My only issue is I don't know if people would just leave after the bowl is cashed or if they'd order another bowl.

[Stuie]

When I go to lounges is rarely with the same number of people if with other people at all. "Per Person" and "Person Minimum" Rules lounges have, piss me off. Written off several lounges because of that. How about a per bowl price and one hose hookahs. That way if you get to many people on one hookah the annoyance factor will drive someone to order another hookah.

[twoapplesplease]

per bowl.
small bowl $10
lage bowl $ 15

why should it mater how many people smoking one bowl some people are light smokers and only need a few puffs.Good chance to sell more drinks or snacks.(And get more future costomers)

Keeping the price the same no matter what the tobacco they choose sounds silly but averages out in the long run.And makes it simple and easy for the customer.(AF-nakhla)

Premium setup $20 good idea for the more expensive stuffs with a upgadded hookah(starbuzz-tangiers)

Also for large groups it would be cool to have 1 monster 4-8 hose hookah setup in the lounge somewhere like a V-I-P table or lounge area with a cirle of couches around the beast hookah.All they can smoke in 3hours $60.Plus you could make it reservable.

just some Ideas I have no clue about thay bussiness end.Just what I'd like to see in a hookah bar

[fcbayern]

That's a really good point about the bowl getting cashed faster. I never thought of that. My only issue is I don't know if people would just leave after the bowl is cashed or if they'd order another bowl.

THis is where a great server and salesman comes into play.. Also you may wish to offer a discount on a second bowl.

You may want to train your servers to say something like "Did you enjoy that bowl of XXX, if you have the time for another bowl, we also have XXX which is also great! I can setup another bowl for x discount price if you like"

I think the multiple bowl sessions is where you might make the most money.

Again this is just my oppion as a consumer, from a profit point of view you may want to check with the other lounge owners around..

[twoapplesplease]

Good point stuie.
I can almost promise you that in the middle east at 98% of the hookah cafe's they offer one option and that is one hookah per person single hose anyflavor you like of one to three brands in a medium sized bowl at one price that lasts between 1 and 1.5 hours.

really should be this easy.now thats customer service.



I do want to see a giant 8 hose hookah though at a hookah bar for the trendy crowd that only comes to smoke with freinds once a week.

[Genie]

Ok, so we're looking to restructure the pricing at the lounge. Please comment on your experience at lounges, i.e. what you liked/disliked about their pricing.

Here are some concerns we have about each choice:

Per Person - shifting group sizes (i.e. some people coming, some going), so-called "non-smokers"

Per Hookah - confusing with $6 upcharge for each person over two, single smokers are dishing out $12 for their hookah

Cover Charge - people have to have cash when they come in or we have to put a credit card machine at door, someone has to be doorman, people have to pay more than once - once for cover and again for drinks

Let me know what you think, people. We're making a decision this week so time is of the essence! Thanks!

I don't like a per person charge. I think it should definitely be per hookah, maybe charge a little more for more hoses since it means more work cleaning it up. But I guess that's a judgment call. If six people are all hitting on one hookah, so what, with any luck they are also buying food and/or beverages as well. The longer they sit there and keep ordering and buying bowl refills, the better.

I personally don't mind a bit paying more for better shisha. I expect to pay for what I'm getting. I also know what it takes to set up a hookah so if it's just me, I don't bat an eye at paying $12 for my hookah. I am going to be taking up valuable money making space in a hookah lounge for at least 45 minutes, I SHOULD have to pay at least $12 for the table, the time, and the service.

[ih303]

Hmm... according to the poll, cover charge is the way to go. This seems odd since I think that would be the most hassle.

[SynysterPhoenix]

The 2 bars around here charge differently. One is more of a bar that has a hookah, so on weekends there is a cover charge of $3, and you smoke per bowl, requires to buy at least one drink per person. The other one charges per bowl as well, and it doesnt matter if you have 1 or 7 people smoking per hookah.

[chinodos]

I just think a cover charge would be great for the consumer because it would be a great deal. I don't know if you would take a beating or not in profits because of it, but I would much rather pay my 10 bucks and smoke all I want, who cares if I have to pay for my drinks/food seperately I would have to do the same thing at a nightclub.

[chromecarz00]

I think that you should have some nights where you havea cover charge and others a standard charge.

[chinamon]

We're tossing around the idea of only offering the tangiers with the premium hookahs.

i think people should be allowed to choose any tobacco with any hookah.
tangiers should be enjoyed by all.

[redjako]

Meh, pay for a bowl and a hose.

If you need 2 hoses (2 hookahs or a multi due to MORE PEOPLE), pay more.

$12 / bowl per hose (not that this is MY ideal price, I just know its realistic for the lounges around here)

I dunno you use phunnels for multiple coal sessions..that would be more confusing. Tangiers phunnel = 30 / bowl / as many rounds as you want. Edited September 10, 2009 by redjako

[newjacksm]

In NYC you pay by the bowl/the hookah doesnt matter what shisha you get. In queens you pay by the bowl and you pay a little extra for in house shisha.

NYC 15 dollars a bowl 20 dollars for a fruit bowl with shisha.
Queens 7-10 dollars a bowl

Now if NYC is charging 15 dollars a bowl/hookah I hope all lounges can get a pretty good price at what they should be charging. NYC is always expensive...

[Pointerpride102]

Personally I like the cover charge idea. I think you'd make more in the long run. I think you could also charge a bit more than 10 bucks for the cover. Or leave it at 10 bucks and make it a one drink or appetizer minimum.

[Karot]

I dislike the cover charge personally, I have quite a few friends who come and dont smoke, but will buy a drink or two. The cover charge would highly discourage that and probably decrease their business. I like the idea of charge per bowl, and then add more for additional hoses. If you're going to limit people to a hookah, I would say make that limit higher than 2, more like 4 or 5. When the bowls gone, people will buy another if they liked the first one. The best way to make good money is have repeat customers. It's not so much pricing structure but making sure the customers have a quality experience which will entice them to come back.

[Crys]

I think you should combine methods

my favorite bar does it 12 dollars a bowl (single bowl, up to three flavors mixed) no matter how many people are there....but on Tuesday nights to boost weekday business they have a 5 dollar per person all you can smoke


also as far as brands go....I'd skip on the premium vs. regular idea.....have all your employees know how to properly pack a bowl and manage heat and it really doesn't matter what brand it is...go with the usual AF, Nak, and various mid-range brands to get a good flavor selection

everyone I know that goes to the bars go to relax with friends without having to self-manage the hookah or to enjoy a large selection of flavors

[Chreees]

Per bowl.

[Zinite]

Per bowl.

[ih303]

I'm still surprised by the poll results. After talking it over with my partners, we don't think a cover charge would work. We agree with Karot - a cover charge would discourage people who don't want to smoke or don't want to smoke that much from coming in. Since we sell soft drinks and are looking to expand into the realm of beer/wine, we will have other things we can sell.

Interestingly enough, even though it's the least popular, at this point we're kind of leaning towards $12 and $15 per standard and premium setup respectively - no limit on number of smokers. Crys, it's not the brands that are changed in the regular vs. premium setups, it's the equipment. Standard = MYA QT, AF Healthy Hose, & Mod Bowl. Premium = KM Pear, Narbish Hose, and Tangiers Phunnel Bowl. We decided to offer all brands of shisha regardless of the setup.

We think these prices are middle of the road, which is what we're after. Too cheap and people think they're getting junk. Too expensive and people think they're getting ripped off. In my experience, when we were charging $12 /bowl covering two people with $6 upcharge for additional smokers, the upcharge turned a lot of folks off. We want people to leave with a good taste in their mouths, literally and figuratively.

[Crys]

Crys, it's not the brands that are changed in the regular vs. premium setups, it's the equipment. Standard = MYA QT, AF Healthy Hose, & Mod Bowl. Premium = KM Pear, Narbish Hose, and Tangiers Phunnel Bowl. We decided to offer all brands of shisha regardless of the setup.

ohh wow that is worth the extra for a premium setup

keep doing that lol

[FiveSpeedF150]

Why exactly are you going with a standard/premium pricing plan? Why not have top of the line hookahs and phunnels for all, and charge more for the more expensive brands of shisha, or for house mixtures (specialty shishas with different liquids in bowl, etc)?