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List of Questions to Ask When Hiring Serving Staff

Jeanne Benedict
Celebrations Expert

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What is the hourly rate of each person, or rather position as managers and bartenders may cost more, and is there an hourly minimum? Many companies have a 5-hour minimum. How long are their breaks within that time period?
Is a tip for each staff member customary and what is the "going rate?" For the record, tips are customary for private events in your home.
Can they provide recommendations with phone numbers that you can call? Don't expect to call each staff member personally, but you should call party hosts or even caterers who have worked with the staffing agency in the past.
What does the serving staff wear? Often times the staff wears nice black pants, a white button down shirt, and maybe a black bow tie. For more casual events, the staff may wear a white Polo shirt. Or you can inquire about something specific such as all pink shirts for a baby shower (but you may have to pay for and provide the shirts).
Do they have all the necessary paperwork for their staff such as workman's comp insurance?
In Los Angeles and other cities as well, there are many events that have serving staff who are hired for their "look," such as "beachy types" for a party at the beach. And, many staffing agencies have photos of their staff for clients to peruse. Mind you, this has little to do with skill and more to do with modeling, but these types of agencies exist and may be right for your event.
I believe that "there are no stupid questions," so ask away until you feel comfortable. Remember, the serving staff will be in your home or acting as ambassadors for your event. Make sure that you have a nice rapport with the person that is representing them or the people themselves.