What does the added 30 mins of set-up time before the event entail?

The bartender(s) arrive 30 mins before serving time to ensure they are organized in the bar space and familiarized with the liquor provided by the client.  This way, there is a greater success for a smooth start!  

The bartender(s) will clean up and tidy the bar area during their spare time, including -put all alcohol together, and in some cases, clear excess bottles, cans, cups left behind by guests before they leave.  Swigs bartenders do not assist in carrying alcohol and drinks to vehicles after the event.

When should last call be?

If service ends, for instance, at 12:30am, then the last call will be at 12:00am.

How much ice should we buy? How do we calculate the amount of ice needed? Is it possible for Swigs to buy the ice and what's the extra cost for that?

Yes, you, the client, provides all ice, drinks, mixes, garnishes and everything needed for your bar with original quote.  Check with your venue to make sure there will be enough freezer space to hold as many bags of ice you need for your event. Most venues have an idea of how much ice their freezers can hold.  

Here is a helpful link: Ice Calculator | Arctic Glacier English 

Swigs will provide ice service upon request and availability.  We typically use Arctic Glacier brand 2.3kg bags and charge $5.00 per bag (up to 30 bags) with a $40 delivery fee with a Swigs booking.  It is up to the client to provide number of bags needed for their quote and will require instructions upon arrival of where it will be placed such as a kitchen freezer or coolers located by the bar.

Can we add/subtract serving hours closer to the date if we are not totally certain of the hours required?  How would you like me to proceed if I am unsure of exact times? Can the times be slightly modified, for instance, up to 30 days before the event?

Absolutely!  Swigs will initially need a rough estimate of timeline to secure a bartender for your date.  We use those times to create our invites for the bartenders and keep bookings organized.  If the time change request is significantly larger, or shorter than the original time request on the booking, we may find a new bartender or additional bartenders to facilitate your request. Swigs has 10 bartenders that require notice, the sooner, the better. We take changes in timeline up to 7 days before the event date.

Do Swigs bartenders provide and/or use machines for taking card payments?

Swigs does not provide machines, however, we can use machines for payment provided by the client.  Most are straight forward such as Square machines, but it is suggested to provide instruction upon bartenders arrival or in email beforehand of expectations. 

Note: Tips through machine transactions for the bartenders will be subtracted from bar cash before bartenders leave.  It is up to the client to make sure this happens and arrangement for payment through e-transfer will be at the discretion of the bartender.