Why are Clubs So Expensive?

[ATAK 15]

Well, after hitting on the amount of cover charges in another thread, I thought I'd start one of its own to answer another question.

 

What exactly does your cover charge go to pay for? We've discussed the enormity of cover charges for single men, but couples rates are still sometimes as high as $75-$100 per event. Having never been to a swinger's club, I'd like to know what exactly is the reason that fee is so high? I do understand that the clubs sometimes have expenses that straight clubs do not have such as hottub expenses, pool and spa, sauna, etc, but do those expenses reach so high as to justify a Ben Franklin?

 

In other discussions, it's been suggested that the cover was to establish you in a setting not everyone has access to, a preferred member status, if you will, of a group of like-minded people. Additionally, it's been suggested that any price would be acceptable to be able to have the possibility of having sex with another person and their spouse. While this may prove true for some, that cover is not going to the person and their spouse for the opportunity to be accepted into their playtime. So, I'm back to my original question of where does the cover go?

 

 

BTW, to John or anyone else that thinks I'm just a cheap-ass looking to get something for nothing, that's not true. If a high cover charge is truly justified, then I don't mind paying whatever charge there is to gain access to something I would otherwise not be able to enjoy, I'm simply asking because I don't know.

[Flori_DAMAN 26]

Originally posted by ATAK

BTW, to John or anyone else that thinks I'm just a cheap-ass looking to get something for nothing, that's not true. If a high cover charge is truly justified, then I don't mind paying whatever charge there is to gain access to something I would otherwise not be able to enjoy, I'm simply asking because I don't know.

 

Lol, hey man Im so tight it would take a tractor to pull a toothpick out of my asshole!

 

I have talked to many many swinger operators, some of which subscribe to this board. Running a swinging club is no way to make money. By the time you add up the costs and labor of doing what is necessary you cannot possibly hope to make much.

 

Some own the premise but most rent.

 

First of all you need to plan the event. This falls into advertising and can add up real quick. You don't just get online and say you gotz a club and people cum. It takes promotion to get people there.

 

Secondly you need to pay rent and have a staff. Peoples time is money. You need a DJ, and people to clean up, cater food, work the web site, and account for the income.

 

By the time most business people get here they are much better off just not doing it.

 

Now add the cost of the food, the licensing and regulations, having insurance and an attorney and your time just doubled along with your initial investment.

 

Wanna make the place look nice? Add the cost of decorations, table cloths, decorating etc.

 

Some very frugal and smart clubs make pretty good money but few get rich from operating swing clubs.

 

Most try like hell to break even and most don't do even that.

 

The club owners that I know earn their money elsewhere and are basically giving their time to make the club work.

 

Usually market determines prices. If a club could operate by charging 20 bucks to get in believe me they would do it. It is totally infeasible though, if you plan on returning your investment.

 

The charges are similar across the board. Like every other industry some trash joints charge too much and some very nice places keep their prices reasonable.

 

Julie and some other sites have links to see what the patrons say and I would endeavor to believe that if you want to get a good value you should depend on what the people that attend the club think. Look for the opinions on single males too cuz you are one. Couples that want exclusive couple only clubs can find them also.

 

John

[JustAskJulie 2,595]

John's right on the money... and that only covered an off-premise club.

 

If you are dealing with on-premise you have even more to cover. In most cases if it's an On-premis club they DO own the property... there's just too much liability and other issues involved to rent in that situation. Most OFF-premise clubs usually rent a location (VFW hall, or party room at a hotel). That costs money either way you look at it.

 

In the case of an On-Premise club add in the cost for the things you mentioned, hot tubs, beds, linens, etc and it goes even higher.

 

While most clubs do make a profit (or they wouldn't keep doing it), it's about like my running this site... the profit I do make on it is enough to pay for the time I put into it.

 

Is admission worth the price? That really depends on the club. Some club owners are happy to put more money back into the club to make it nice... while others just want to put as much in their pockets as they can.

[Flori_DAMAN 26]

Support good clubs and advertise for them. They are rare and just because they look good doesn't mean that they are making a mint off of every cover charge, it means they are putting back the money into making the place upscale.

 

I have been to some real back alley clubs that advertised as if they were a 4 star hotel.

 

The ones that are nice should be patronized and word of mouth advertising should be employed. If you find a nice club mention it in the clubs section cuz we sure need them.

 

Julie has set the standard for online swingers sites. If everyone really paid attention to the quality and management of the clubs the board members will make a difference.

 

Remember to wear you swingersboard t-shirt to every club you attend.

 

I would like to see members comment on if they have seen any other members t-shirts.

 

John.

[remox 16]

What has been said in the previous posts is true, but you should also realize the following. A regular nightclub is typically open 25 or more nights a month (6-7 nights a week). Many swing clubs are open 8 or fewer nights a month and yet have to cover the same costs, rent, insurance etc... In addition, most clubs take a loss on single women because the market demand for single women is very high. If the club has single women it is desireable to couples (low or no profit) and single men (high profit). As to why guys are high profit....it is partly a matter of supply and demand, and partly the need to make back the money lost on single women.

[JustAskJulie 2,595]

Originally posted by remox

What has been said in the previous posts is true, but you should also realize the following. A regular nightclub is typically open 25 or more nights a month (6-7 nights a week). Many swing clubs are open 8 or fewer nights a month and yet have to cover the same costs, rent, insurance etc... In addition, most clubs take a loss on single women because the market demand for single women is very high. If the club has single women it is desireable to couples (low or no profit) and single men (high profit). As to why guys are high profit....it is partly a matter of supply and demand, and partly the need to make back the money lost on single women.

 

Several very good points there.

[biyamamama 15]

I have to agree; I've been to a few clubs and don't mind paying a higher price for better quality- and a good time! What irritates me are the clubs that advertise as "4-star" clubs and such, but in reality are not well-kept, and usually poorly run by someone who is not really interested in the Lifestyle. Unfortunately, they do exist, and I have visited a few. But thanks to sites like this and word of mouth among swingers, those type of 'clubs' are scarce. The majority of swinger's clubs are clean, well organized and are in existence for those in the lifestyle and those who are curious about it. To those clubs I say: "Thanks, from a grateful swinger!"

[Flori_DAMAN 26]

I went to one in Ft. Wayne once. They advertised 8000 sq foot of space, a luxurious hot tub, and a state of the art sound system with a deluxe set of rooms, including a voyuer room that was connected to a big screen tv so people in the "voyeur room" could watch you.

 

Well, this place was in the industrial part of town. You felt like you were walking into a war zone when you pulled in. We had to walk about 100 yards around total darkness to find a door that had a little sign on it that named the club. The sign was written in majic marker.

 

When you pushed open the door you entered a room with a dark stairway in front of you. This place was an old WWII storage facility. You walked up a dark stairway, that they had put glitter on for some odd reason (as if you werent scared enough), then you came into the "main event". LOL. THey did indeed have 8000 square feet of space. The dance area was filled with graffiti and the music was heavy metallic. The crowd was young and unrefined as far as swingers go. The walls had GRAFFITI on them as decorations!

 

They advertised pool tables...HAHA,,,,they had a couple of 40 year old brunswick tables sitting on concrete with nothing that resembles pool sticks.

 

They did indeed have a voyeur room with cable attached but I noticed that the cable ran to EVERY room in the joint.......wierd huh?

 

They advertised the biggest hot tub in Indiana. It was indeed huge. They failed to mention that the tub area was incomplete. The tub was full of MUD LOL.

 

The social area was an accumulation of junkyard couches that slightly resembled a social club. Basically it was a bunch of couches pointed toward the big screen TV.

 

The owner was an unabscure fellow that let the dirtiest man I have ever met run the joint.

 

He claims to be a professor and I guess he is, but man he was WIERD. He was dirty and had long hair and about three teeth.

 

He advertised the joint like it was the KING of swingers clubs,,,well it wasn't even a pawn compared to what I have seen.

 

I won't name the club but I will use this as an example.

 

You just cannot trust advertising. YOu need to KNOW your club and not be afraid to advertise it for the good or the bad.

 

John.

[remox 16]

Let me start by saying I am not defending the club that is referenced in the previous post, nor have I been there. But it sounds like a "RAVE" and not a swing club.

 

The location of the club in an industrial neighborhood is not suprising. In most cases it is illegal to run a swing club in a residential neighborhood. Residential neighborhoods tend to be zoned in such a way that you cannot run a business in them. The business that are allowed in these neighborhoods tend to be schools and churches and unless they were "grandfathered" when the zoning was written, even they will require a zoning variance from the city/town/municipality.

 

The places that will grant a zoning variance to a Swing Club are few and far between. Few club owners are willing to go to their local government to ask for one.

[Guest Seymore]

Just to add my 2 cents worth on this post...

 

It would be very easy to go to a swing club (Ive never actually been to one, BTW) and wonder why the cost is 10 times that of a nightclub, when the night club might seem to have more money invested in the ambience (decor, sound system, etc.)

 

Just keep in mind that the night club makes all its money selling drinks. The price of admission is always kept low with the hopes that people will fill the place up and buy LOTS of alcohol.

 

Ive worked in the hospitality industry before, and I have a pretty good idea how much it costs, and how much labor is involved in running any kind of club. The people who do it deserve to make a profit!

[OhioCouple 41]

Originally posted by Flori_DAMAN

I have talked to many many swinger operators, some of which subscribe to this board. Running a swinging club is no way to make money. By the time you add up the costs and labor of doing what is necessary you cannot possibly hope to make much.

 

I am curious, since you have talked to several operators of swingers clubs, what motivates them to invest all the time and money that many can't hope to recoup? Is it just a love for the swinging lifestyle itself? Let's face it, not many will operate a no cash win situation.

 

Curious Lori

[OhioCouple 41]

Originally posted by Seymore

... the night club might seem to have more money invested in the ambience (decor, sound system, etc.)

We have been fortunate enough that all the clubs we have been to are well maintained and have invested in the decor and sound systems, comparable to a typical night club. Some were better than others, but for the most part it was like any night club that you can visit in our area, they just don't have hot tubs, pools or open sex occuring. The worst thing about all but one of the clubs we have visited is location. They tend to be in the seediest neighborhoods.

 

After reading a post in another thread though I guess there are some real horror joints out there. But then again, we could find the same thing just down the road in a mainstream bar or night club.

 

Lori

[Tanman aka Mike and Marie 16]

We recently went to Trapeeze in Atlanta and you had to join for at least 6 months ($50) and the nightly door charge was $75

 

But for that you entered a state of the art club, tastefully decorated with great art on the walls (Fairly new-nice furniture) with a bar staffed by 5 bar tenders(formal attired), a Las Vegas style buffet (included) a great dance floor , locker room with showers (very clean and nice) 3 hot tubs with ceramic tile surrounds, several private and group rooms (at least 8)

 

Initially we thought it was a lot of money too but considering the big picture it was actually a good value for the entire evening

 

Good advice: ALWAYS ask for a tour BEFORE you pay

[Flori_DAMAN 26]

Originally posted by OhioCouple

I am curious, since you have talked to several operators of swingers clubs, what motivates them to invest all the time and money that many can't hope to recoup? Is it just a love for the swinging lifestyle itself? Let's face it, not many will operate a no cash win situation.

 

Curious Lori

 

Most of them have other jobs and just decided to fill a void that was open. They usually return their investment, but don't make nearly as much as if they put a similar investment of time and labor into more "generic" companies. They do have a liability and usually incorporate and they are honestly doing this for the sake of making the lifestyle better for those involved. One that stands out is on this board and I don't know if he even recognizes me but he and his wife ran a club in Mich, and after some serious illnesses kept the place going under the most extreme circumstances I could have imagined. I won't discuss them furthur but it is just an example that stands out.

 

Even under these circumstance there were the mandatory whiners that complained if they ran out of olives or sandwhich meat.

 

John.

[fun_pairTX 26]

The Club we attend is on premise and only open two days a week. The donation for a couple is $50 on Fridays and $75 on Saturdays. It is a BYOB with the club providing mixers and setups. The club is immaculate, it has several hot tubs and a pool. There is a cold buffet at night and guests are encouraged to stay overnight, particularly if they drink. Breakfast is served in the morning. They have state of the art sound and video and an enormous house on a very large tract of fenced property. We think their suggested donation is a bargain.

[bimrdcpl 15]

The club we go to is the second saturday of the month. Every month. Its $50 a couple. They have themes every month too, if you dress like the theme you get $5 knocked off. But its at a VFW hall, great music, tons of room and the atmospere is that of a huge wedding reception without grandma looking over your shoulder. They have a huge dinner, buffet style. BYOB but they do have all the mixers. They couple that runs it may make a profit but who cares. They do a great job. Its the best dance or social whatever you want to call it that we have gone to. We went to one other one but it was so scary that it almost turned us off to swinging all together.

[naughty A 23]

my perspective may be different because we attend Canadian, Off premise clubs- but I think that I am repeating a lot of what has already been said.

 

in talking to club owners - they are just trying to break even and have regular day time jobs in addition to running the club. They have had to invest in websites and maintain it and still handle snail mail and phone calls. Some of them have newsletters Which adds to their expenses in time and money.

 

At an event they have to provide decorations (to theme), and often door prizes or such, (some times as much as a trip to Hedo... but even just body paint or a vibrator, the costs add up)

It is VERY important that drinks need to kept reasonably priced - this can kill a club. (I think it is important for the food to be good too!)

 

Competition affects the admission price. In Toronto where there are 4 or 5 different clubs operating every weekend the price is much lower than Windsor with only 2 clubs - each operating only once a month.

 

The clubs are often renting their location and even if they are not paying a premium just because it is a swing club, I've seen it happen where the owner can decide to change his/her mind and they are suddenly searching for a new location - (which does not instill the confidence of the swinging community in the club)

 

I don't begrudge the amount I am paying because

1- I wouldn't fit in at a regular nightclub - they are way too young

2- I at least have the opportunity to meet potential swinging partners

3- I can set up a meeting here with someone I have been talking to via computer

4- I can dance, I can flash, I can remove my clothing if I choose, I can dance with other ladies...

5-

 

The point of it is - I like it therefor I think that it is worth it.

[JustAskJulie 2,595]

Quote

Originally posted by naughty A

The point of it is - I like it therefor I think that it is worth it.

 

I think that is really what it comes down to. You may go to a club that you think is totally not worth the money, but you can't judge every club based on that one.

 

I recall last summer we were going to visit a club not far from where we lived. Luckily, it was only about a 40 minute drive, because when we arrived about a half hour after it should have started there were only 6 other cars parked in the parking lot of this VFW type hall. We figured one of those was the DJ and decided it wasn't worth it to pay $40 for that. We left and drove around a bit hoping that maybe it would pick up a little later. We went back about 40 minutes or so later and there was one more car there. We left.

 

Oddly enough the reviews on this site for that club are good. However, the reviews I have heard direclty from people who have visited there have been totally the opposite of what is posted (even by some of the people who posted the good reviews what they told me in person did not match what they posted).

 

We considered checking out the club again in the fall when it was busier to see for ourselves, unfortunately every time they had a party planned we had something else going on, and the one time we made plans to go, the party got cancelled.

 

A lot depends on what you are looking for too. There are a couple of other clubs that we did visit. One which is very popular and most people rave about, we weren't as thrilled about. It was very nice and well set up. But it was a little too crowded for our tastes, and we prefer a more laid back crowd as opposed to what we found there. At another club we found that more laid back crowd but the club itself wasn't as nice. However, since we felt more comfortable there, we felt it was more worth the $$.

[Guest xerogirl]

The club we attend is worth way more then the cover charge. The membership is $50.00 a year NOT PAID AT ONCE! You pay your membership off $10.00 at a time so in 6 visits you are official members. ANY Tuesday or Thursday is ONLY $10.00 FOR NON-MEMBERS "COUPLES" MEMBERS ARE FREE FREE FREE YES FREE ON TUESDAY THURSDAY'S! You can stay 7pm till 1am "shhhhhh sometimes later" on Tuesday Thursday.

 

Friday and Saturdays are 35 dollars except once a month "prize nights" then it's 45.00 They play games you can win prizes they have gave dvd players t.v's and sex toys away exc. They have themed rooms "glow in the dark black light room" swing room, a ranch, well you get the ideal, it's on premises.

 

On Saturdays you may stay all night at no extra charge you have to be out by noon Sunday and no SLEEPING in the rooms until 1am, they are for parties until then. I think 35.00 is a STEAL to go somewhere meet couples and stay all night it's BYOB they have wonderful food, shrimp and ribs.

 

I don't even care for regular nightclubs. I would pay 75-100 to enjoy the club we go to. They have 3 floors and are expanding! a huge hot tub a nice pool table semi good sound system and dj.

 

The owner is a great guy who is social with the whole crowd we have had breakfast at the club with him. I guess most clubs are more costly then the one we go to. Our club has plenty of clean sheets and pillow cases in a cabinet that is open to everyone. Every room has trash cans. I think there are 5 restroom in the club, a huge shower, and lots of lockers. We call it our home away from home! We are in Ohio

[remox 16]

Originally posted by OhioCouple

I am curious, since you have talked to several operators of swingers clubs, what motivates them to invest all the time and money that many can't hope to recoup? Is it just a love for the swinging lifestyle itself? Let's face it, not many will operate a no cash win situation.

 

Curious Lori

 

I can't speak for everyone, but here is why I run a club.

 

1) Originally, I thought I would make alot of money. My fault for not doing more research in advance. I do recoup my expenses.

2) I beleive that clubs like mine should exist. Unlike other parts of the country (Ohio, for instance) New England has very few clubs and, unlike mine, most of them are run illegally.

3) While my business is not making me wealthy, I can take satisfaction from knowing that I run not only the best club in New England, but one of the better clubs in the country.

4) I like running a club, and I like being my own boss.

5) Parties are run the way I like them, I don't have to conform to anyone else's rules (other than law enforcement).

[Close Encounters 73]

Originally posted by OhioCouple

I am curious, since you have talked to several operators of swingers clubs, what motivates them to invest all the time and money that many can't hope to recoup? Is it just a love for the swinging lifestyle itself? Let's face it, not many will operate a no cash win situation.

 

Curious Lori

 

Our initial motivation was simply to get a club going for us and our friends since at the time there was nothing in our area.

 

We were lucky to be in a financial position of not needing to make money in fact at the time a loss was to our ultimate benefit,

(this being the second week in April sure there are others who can relate LOL).

 

At the time we were hosting parties virtually every weekend. Having the club allowed us to do that without the house cleaning :-)

 

Virtually every club owner we know has as their primary motivation to help promote a lifestyle that has made them happy. We don't know any who have become rich from running a club. We do know several like ourselves who can afford to have a club for the fun of it. Some people will sink their disposable cash into a boat, plane, or villa we find the club to be more fun.

[dragonfly_nc 16]

Originally posted by ATAK

If a high cover charge is truly justified, then I don't mind paying whatever charge there is to gain access to something I would otherwise not be able to enjoy, I'm simply asking because I don't know.

 

I think you answered your own question.

 

However, if you are still unsure try hosting a small party of 5-6 couples... supplying location, snacks, sodas, decorations, and maybe entertainment of sometype. Add up your expenses, along with time to collect supplies and the time and cost of inviting 5-6 people.

 

Another cple and ourselves hosted a small get together at the beach Cost: Rented a penthouse (300.00-2 nites), purchased snack and soda's (150.00), prizes (for games, $50.00), decorations (30.00)...Total=530.00 Ads up quick! and doesn't even include my time planning, collecting items or inviting people.

[Flori_DAMAN 26]

I will never understand how anyone could dispute paying less than 100 bucks for a good swingers party.

 

Where can a couple go for less? A dinner, dancing and a motel cost twice that and people do it at the drop of a hat.

 

As a single I drop 50 bucks just to go out and have a totally boring time.

 

John

[OhioCouple 41]

Originally posted by Flori_DAMAN

I will never understand how anyone could dispute paying less than 100 bucks for a good swingers party.

 

Where can a couple go for less? A dinner, dancing and a motel cost twice that and people do it at the drop of a hat.

 

As a single I drop 50 bucks just to go out and have a totally boring time.

Where we live a couple normally pays around $40.00 bucks for the donation each evening (not including membership). You still must have dinner prior to attending (around here most provide snack 'ems no meal) so tack on another $25.00 for dinner, add to the fact that if you choose to consume alcohol, you must bring it with you add an average of $20.00 for the couple. The couple has now spent $85.00 to enter a club that generally doesn't open until 8pm. With that said,

 

The single male pays approximately $60.00 for entry (not including the membership fee) $10.00 for dinner, $10.00 to bring beverages. He has spent $80.00. Now unless the single male is one of the FORTUNATE ones or he is only into to voyuerism, chances are he is NOT going to have such a grand time. As a matter of fact he may feel frustrated as opposed to being bored.

 

Which is worse boredom or frustration? Would you pay $30.00 more to be frustrated or skip it and have a decent meal and good conversation with a date (which may or may not turn into a sexual evening) for $50.00?

 

The simple fact of the matter is that single men have a social stigma attached to them and unless they are well known and accepted by those that attend clubs they are more than likely going to be not only shunned but most likely will do nothing more than play with themselves.

 

A single female on the other hand, gets in free and the opportunities are endless if she happens to be bi-sexual or willing to play the game. Cost for her $0.00 to get in, Dinner $10.00, beverages $10.00. She has spent $20.00 (assuming she arrives alone) for a night of everything she wants and more sexual advances than she can handle.

 

Single Female ~ No chance of being bored regardless if she looks like something the cat drug in.

 

Single Male ~ Frustrated at best and $80.00 poorer, even if he looks like Adonis.

 

Couples ~ A nice evening out with someone you love, give or take on the sexual portion, but capitalizing on the social aspect, $85.00 spent....not bad for a night out and sex is pretty darn good when you get home. But then it is generally good on other nights when all you spend is $10.00 for Mickey D's and $3.00 for a video.

 

Lori

[incommunicado 228]

So far, I have read a lot about the incredible overhead attributed to running a swingers club and how swingers clubs are open fewer nights than main stream clubs. That may be true elsewhere in the country, but here in Baltimore, most smaller night clubs (not bars, night clubs) and even some larger ones, are open Thursday through Saturday night ONLY (much like swingers clubs). I can see how it might be expensive to run even a small swingers club given that these clubs advertise within an exclusive community and thus limits the clientele. BUT, what if they went public (at least somewhat)? For instance, the local Goth clubs here and in DC are often bondage/fetish clubs with shows downstairs. They attract Goths, the BDSM crowd and wannabees for both. Along the same vein, I would be willing to wager that there are a lot of sexually adventurous people out there, who do not label themselves as swingers, who would come (no pun intended) to a quality swing club, thus opening the door to more people to choose from and lower costs.

 

To me, this would be ideal. Too many swing clubs I see online look like "what if the 4-H built a swingers club instead of a haunted house". I want a swingers club that is a real, upscale, night club and I am willing to pay high end night club cover pricing ($10-$20 pp) and drink pricing ($7-$11 per drink), as well as purchase food. I am not JUST looking for a room full of people who might be willing to have sex with us. I want the whole package. One club I hope to attend soon that seems to fit that profile is Entre Nous.

 

http://www.entrenousqueen.com/AdultWarning.html

 

I'll post a review when I finally make it there.

 

[Funovit 16]

The lifestyle is an exclusive group of consenting adults. Clubs seek to keep out the non-lifestylers and curious townsfolk by charging membership rates and above average entry fees.

 

Club operating costs are higher than normal clubs as they usually are open Fri & Sat nights as opposed to 5 days a week, and facilities associated with a lifestyle club are expensive. Hot tub maintenance, laundry, and thorough sanitary cleaning is necessary in the operation of a lifestyle club, costs not otherwsie seen in a typical nightclub.

 

We are happy to pay the additional costs for a night at a lifestyle club for discretion, cleanliness, and meeting of likeminded people.

 

If you are interested in exploring the lifestyle without paying entrance fees - communication can save you $$$. Read reviews of clubs before attending, communicate with others on club preferences. If you are still concerned about the high cost of clubs, focus on house / hotel parties which charge a flat fee per couple to cover costs. Otherwise bite the bullet and be ready to shell out for membership fees and enjoy yourself.

 

My $.02 towards the higher cost of lifestyle participation

[fun_pairTX 26]

High fees keep out the nosy and a lot of the lookie-loos and wannabees. The main reasons for ON premise clubs having high fees are reduced operating hours, usually friday and saturday only, high facility maintenance costs, our club has 2 hot tubs and a huge outdoor pool and 23 acres to take care of. ON premise clubs are usually BYOB, they don't sell liquor. Booze sales are THE profit center of any club and it is non-existent in their scheme of things. Our club also privides dinner and breakfast buffets. Their usual fee is $75 per couple. We think in is darn cheap compared to going to Dallas where your first $10-$15 dollars goes to parking, then there is dinner $40-$50, a hotel room which is going to be tough to find at under $80 in a place you feel confident leaving your car overnight. Do the math, with the trip to the club we spend $75 plus whatever Mrs takes for liquor (I don't drink). On the trip to the city we are at double that cost and we don't even know if we will meet anyone that swings.

[Weezie 16]

Given just the right club, the friends you will make there will be priceless. I know it's expensive but I wouldn't trade any of the wonderful times we've had and the special friends we have made going to the social we go to.

[michaelncin 15]

I know at the on premise party house where we host at there is an enormous expense involved to have the house, upkeep, utilities, food, mixers and sodas. The suggested donations we have cover these expenses

 

cin

 

http://candlelightretreat.tripod.com/luau.html

[incommunicado 228]

As I said in an earlier post, most clubs do not let you "try and buy", making it very expensive for those of us on a modest budget to get a real feel for what's out there, or to regularly frequent a club we like.

[Guest dell]

wow you now have to pay a fee to fuck.

[fun_pairTX 26]

They can't very well do a try before you buy as most clubs barely break even if not operate at a loss. If you can't afford it do what we do when we don't have the $$ to go to the club. Put on some CD's, invite a bunch of friends over, and fuck on the floor.

[remox 16]

Originally posted by incommunicado

... I can see how it might be expensive to run even a small swingers club given that these clubs advertise within an exclusive community and thus limits the clientele. BUT, what if they went public (at least somewhat)? ...Along the same vein, I would be willing to wager that there are a lot of sexually adventurous people out there, who do not label themselves as swingers, who would come (no pun intended) to a quality swing club, thus opening the door to more people to choose from and lower costs...I want a swingers club that is a real, upscale, night club and I am willing to pay high end night club cover pricing ($10-$20 pp) and drink pricing ($7-$11 per drink), as well as purchase food. I am not JUST looking for a room full of people who might be willing to have sex with us. I want the whole package.

 

Okay, a couple of points to address here...

 

first, going public... Local Law enforcement has made it very clear to me (a club owner) that one of the reasons that what I do is not illegal is that I am a Private Membership Organization. The fact that I have a membership community that beleives that sexual activity is not lewd behaviour is of the utmost importance. What then happens in my club is not legally considered to be lewd conduct because the community agrees that it is not lewd conduct.

 

second, the sexually adventurous public... sounds great, but the public isn't adventurous (particularly here in New England). I spend thousands of dollars each month advertising to the public and quarterly hold an open house (at no expense to the curious, note: there are privacy waivers required). Attendance at an open house is no better than at a regular party and there are few enough additional memberships generated that I may discontinue the practice as it doesn't justify the cost.

 

third, upscale environment... keep looking there are nice places out there that will meet or exceed your expectations. Unfortunately, the profit margin for most clubs is small enough that the owners are unable or unwilling to reinvest in improvements.

 

As far as pricing, at an average of a $15 cover and the $9 per drink cost that you mentioned, after a few drinks for yourself and maybe a round for a few friends you are spending the same amount of money.

[Deuce 15]

Cmon guys, why question the owners of swing clubs on what they charge. If they were making that much of a killing you would see several clubs in every city and we don't. The fact remains that most clubs are busy on Saturday only, Fridays are nice, but they are not the bread and butter. Clubs that are on premise don't sell you a $4 bottle of beer that costs them 50 cents. When you walk into most clubs everything is included. These club owners have to have the place sit empty...yes empty at least 5 nights a week usually and they still have to throw a little heat or A/C into the place nice. There are very few millionaire club owners out there and there are hundreds of people who have lost their ass trying to get one off the ground. Not everyone who opens a club does it the right way and thats why many close in addition to government pressures out there against the lifestyle. Spend a few bucks and check it out, see if they will give you a tour of the place when they are closed if you are frugal with your money. An as for the comment "you have to pay to fuck"....well, lets see what would dinner, drinks, a hotel room and going to a cool dance club cost you? Probably nearly as much as paying to go to the swingers club, and when you go to the swingers club no one is going to look at you funny when you are getting hot and heavy on the dance floor.

 

My personal opinion is that I like clubs mostly, then house parties. House parties are a nice way to save your money if you want.

 

Keep having fun no matter what you do!

Doug and Cheryl

[JustAskJulie 2,595]

I'm currently having it with my bf as we debate whether or not it's worthwhile to check out a new off-premise social in our area, where the cover for the first night (including the annual membership fee) is going to be $55. (BTW: The venue is a meeting room attached to a local hotel.) To us that is seeming like an awful lot to spend when we have no idea if we will have a good time or not. There are three major things affecting our decision.

 

1. I've been to another regular social held at this location previously and I don't care for the setup (small dance floor with too many tables crammed too close together so that you only end up talking to those that you are sitting near).

 

2. Some friends of ours attended this particular socials' first party last month where they ended up leaving after only an hour because the smoke was so bad (bad venting - we were at a regular smokey dance club with this same couple for hours without any issue - so it had to be pretty damn bad).

 

3. We could go to Nashville to an ON-premise club for only about $20 more.

[northindycpl 32]

Go to Nashville and Have great time. $55 for an off-premise(kind of) social seems higher to us then most. Does it include a discount on a room or anything?

 

At least around here, on-premise, with dinner served is around $50 per couple for a saturday night, and about a $25 membership fee.

[TNT 1,155]

55 bucks for an off-premise social seems a bit much to us as well...now you said including the annual membership fee...what will the cost be once the membership fee is paid for the year?

 

Regardless, it still seems high for some place that is new and you're not sure if you're going to enjoy. With the reasons you gave for debating it..we'd probably pass.

[BiloxiCouple 695]

Sounds like the negatives outweigh the positives to me.

[ShellyM 0]

In responding to the OP,

The cover charges in most of the Austin clubs are $50 for a couple on Saturday night, plus a $50 one time yearly membership fee. They do provide a buffet at Aphrodites, and ice and glasses and such. I thought it was because they are only open on Fri. and Sat. nights, and on Friday nights the cover is cheaper. It is expensive though. Some weeks we just chill here in San Marcos vs. paying the $50.

[jandg 25]

Well, the Vegas Red Rooster must be doing something right. They've been open 23 years, and have parties every single night.

 

Couples are $30 per night Monday through Saturday, $20 on Sunday.

There are also special deals for local couples (ID required).

 

Single Women are $10 per night Monday through Saturday, Free on Sunday.

 

Single Men are $40.00 per night Monday thru Thursday nights, $50.00 per night Friday and Saturday nights, and Sunday nights are $30.00 or $20.00 for Active Military.

 

It's BYOB (water, ice, soda, etc, are provided), and food is only served on weekends. Canned music Monday through Wednesday, and a DJ Thursday through Sunday.

[sbjr3 17]

The on-premise club we plan on attending next weekend has the following charges:

 

THE ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

$35.00 - PER COUPLE (MALE / FEMALE COUPLES ONLY)

$35.00 - PER SINGLE FEMALE

$35.00 - PER SINGLE MALE

 

THE SOCIAL PARTY DONATIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

$70.00 - PER COUPLE (MALE / FEMALE COUPLES ONLY)

$10.00 - PER SINGLE FEMALE

$90.00 - PER SINGLE MALE

 

(ON OCCASION WE HAVE 'SPECIAL' SOCIAL PARTIES. THESE 'SPECIAL' SOCIAL PARTIES MAY HAVE DIFFERENT SOCIAL PARTY DONATION. THESE WILL BE LISTED ON THE EVENTS WEB PAGE.)

 

YOUR SOCIAL PARTY DONATION INCLUDES -

A DELICIOUS BUFFET, MIXERS (SODA, JUICES. ICE, ETC...),

ENTERTAINMENT PROVIDED BY A 'HIGH-ENERGY' DJ

FULL USE OF THE FACILITIES

(REMEMBER - ALL BEVERAGES, BOTTLES, AND COOLERS MUST BE CHECKED AT THE BAR UPON ENTERING THE CLUB.)

 

We are going on Friday since we are still virgins and don't want to be too overwhelmed, plus the club is having the following special which allows us to see if we like it without breaking the bank:

 

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2006

8 PM - 2 AM

FRIDAY NIGHT CANDLELIGHT SOCIAL

THIS IS A ALL MEMBERS EVENT

COUPLES - $35.00

SINGLE MALES - $50.00

SINGLE FEMALES - $5.00

 

NOT A MEMBER?

YOU CAN TRY OUT TPA FOR THIS ONE NIGHT ONLY WITH WITH A SPECIAL ONE (1) NIGHT ONLY MEMBERSHIP FEE OF JUST $1.00.

 

THIS SPECIAL ONE NIGHT ONLY MEMBERSHIP IS VALID FOR THIS NIGHT ONLY

ONLY ONE (1), ONE (1) NIGHT TRIAL MEMBERSHIP PER PERSON OR COUPLE ALLOWED.

[Chicup 42]

JustAskJulie said:

I'm currently having it with my bf as we debate whether or not it's worthwhile to check out a new off-premise social in our area, where the cover for the first night (including the annual membership fee) is going to be $55. (BTW: The venue is a meeting room attached to a local hotel.) To us that is seeming like an awful lot to spend when we have no idea if we will have a good time or not.

 

Well if you met a lot of great couples it would be worth it, if you don't its a rip off. Problem is not knowing till ya get there.

 

Overall I think that's damn high.

[Tanman aka Mike and Marie 16]

Julie, If you don't like the club now don't go. It sounds like they are just out to make a buck by cramming in more tables than they should and a small dance floor.

 

We live in the Nashville area and you can either go to Menages (nice place, nice crowd, too smoky and too loud) or TSC (lots of single guys, sorry to judge but a lower class of people...not that we are snooty or stuck-up...that's just the way it is).

 

If you go to Atlanta 2Risque and Trapeeze ($125 first time we were there $75 door fee and $50 6 month membership and that was YEARS ago) are not cheap either but they are both very nice clubs. Club201 in Indiana is nice but not many people show up so the atmosphere is not there.

 

Find somewhere you like, make a treat for you and your BF, a nice sexy evening out. Pay the money enjoy yourself and just go a little less often.

 

Our two cents...

[ShellyM 0]

I know with the swingers club we go to, Aphrodites in Austin, we think it is worth the money. Not because of playing necessarily, but we love the atmosphere. The people there are so open and friendly. I love looking on the dance floor and seeing ladies having fun and really letting loose of their inhibitions.......ones that normally would not do this at a vanilla club. I LOVE that! The sexual energy is so wonderful, to us its worth every penny.

[good times 991]

That seems pretty high to me, but I think we are a bit spoiled here. We have three clubs in Reno, all on-premise. Two of them are regular bars so you can buy your drinks there, they charge $10.00 to $40.00 per couple per night Depending on night of the week and type of party. The third club is BYOB, it is open Friday and Saturday nights and charges $30.00 per week per couple.

[JustAskJulie 2,595]

We live in the Nashville area and you can either go to Menages (nice place, nice crowd, too smoky and too loud) or TSC (lots of single guys, sorry to judge but a lower class of people...not that we are snooty or stuck-up...thats just the way it is).

 

I've heard the same report from many others regarding both Menages and TSC. Comparing the prices of both of those to what we'd have to pay to go to either of these off-premise parties did make us decide not to go.

 

There's a 3rd off-premise party locally that we do go to that only charges $20 and IMO has a much better setup, it's actually held in a regular nightclub so it has a good dance floor, not crammed with tables and a great DJ (IMO), and quite often the food is beyond finger food/apps. It's not as crowded as these other two tend to be but personally I'd rather be able to move around and meet people than feel cramped in a smokey room.

 

As for the two we were debating. The new one that we skipped out on this weekend charges $30 for couples plus the $25 annual donation. The other held at the same location (that I have been to once previously but years ago), charges even more... but from what I've seen and heard it's basically the same crowd at both. My experience with off-premise clubs that I've attended in the past is that they may charge $20-$35/social but if they have a yearly membership fee you pay it on your first visit but your first social is free (basically cancelling each other out).

 

It's been a while since I really looked at pricing for socials so I'm glad to see that I didn't just miss a major price increase while I've been away. It's interesting seeing what everyone's clubs charge.

[northindycpl 32]

We don't attend a lot of socials around here, as there are good on-premise clubs, but from the ones that I have seen, they don't charge a membership fee at all, only a door fee, as they are basicially a group of people getting together at a rented location. (like hotel or bar) Which seems reasonable to me.

 

Out of curiosity, what does a membership fee entitle you to?

[JustAskJulie 2,595]

We don't attend a lot of socials around here, as there are good on-premise clubs, but from the ones that I have seen, they don't charge a membership fee at all, only a door fee, as they are basicially a group of people getting together at a rented location. (like hotel or bar) Which seems reasonable to me.

 

Out of curiosity, what does a membership fee entitle you to?

 

That's a good question. I'm guessing it entitles you to be a member and come to the parties. The off-premise socials I've been to still run as private membership clubs (just like on-premise).

[Chicup 42]

I think as swinging is becoming slightly more 'main stream' a lot of yuppie swingers look at the old clubs and think, 'damn we could make a lot of money here'.

 

This has happened in the Chicago area with one club and it was kind of amusing. A couple not known for their friendliness and the husband was known for being very high on himself bought a long time swing club from the elderly owners. Well suddenly they became a very friendly and social couple and started to promote the club heavily. It was something of a blue collar club, but not a bad one, nice lay out prior, and we went for one of this couples LL takeovers. The crowd wasn't great in terms of who showed up from our perspective, but I don't blame the club owners for that, but we were social and enjoyed chatting even if we didn't play that night. Well since we weren't playing we left pretty early as was another couple. The owner/wife was blocking the doorway out talking to someone and another couple leaving said 'excuse me' to her to get past. She turns around and says 'you guys are leaving?' and they say yes, she says 'well you get to leave, I have to be back her again tomarrow night!' It was kind of sad, you could tell she didn't want to be there. Then we heard from friends that the club itself now had a pretty undesireable crowd (I won't go into details) on the normal days, and these were people who had been going to that club for a few years. Apparently the new owners were heavily promoting the club and didn't care who came as long as bodies paid the enterance fee.

 

I think we are going to see a lot of this if swinging does infact continue to rise in popularity. There is a lot of income in the swinging demographic, and income willing to pay a premium. Instead of swingers opening a club for friends and expanding to outsiders it will be clubs opened with a business plan based on maximizing profits. In the LONG run this could be a good thing, I'd love some high end clubs myself, swinging doesn't have to always be wondering how dirty the sheets are, but in the short run expect a lot of ripoffs.

[good times 991]

Out of curiosity, what does a membership fee entitle you to?

I think the membership fee is mainly done for technical reasons. The way it was explained to me is that by requiring you to be a member they are considered a private members only club, which somehow makes what they do less open to legal problems. I don't really understand how this would work in reality, but that is the explaination I was given for membership.

 

The one club in Reno that requires you to be a member charges the regular door fee for the membership card the first time you come and then waves the door fee that night. So, the membership really doesn't cost any extra.