Butler Full Handbook

Before going out on your first job, be sure to read this manual fully. Feel free to ask us any questions which may arise.

Please ensure you know how to correctly do the following;-

Open and serve Champagne / Sparkling wine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHznE5iM0Vs

Mix cocktails – Many of the clients you work for will ask you to make cocktails. You don’t need to be an expert but please print off the recipes for the list of cocktails below and also be sure you know the basics of using a cocktail shaker. There are thousands of good videos on Youtube to get you started and A COCKTAIL LIST IN THIS HANDBOOK

USEFUL TIPS FOR MAKING & SERVING DRINKS

Never fill wine glasses to more than three quarters full..

When passing a glass, hold it half way down, keep fingers away from the rim

There are plenty of good “how to” videos online that clearly show how to do these serving basics, make sure you have learnt them.

UNIFORM

The signature Butlers in the Buff uniform is your tool of the trade and needs to be treated with care.

You should arrive at every booking looking your best and this includes your uniform.

Your uniform items must always be clean and crisp and looking their best for every job -look after them!

SIGNATURE UNIFORM – Apron, collar, bow tie, cuffs & flip flops

The signature uniform is sometimes worn with BLACK BOXERS under the apron at the clients request. They should be tight fitting black and in good condition. (Not faded or baggy etc)

Butlerettes should always wear black high heels unless specified otherwise.

It is your responsibility to keep your uniform clean and look after it and then replace it as and when necessary. When your kit starts to show signs of wear please let us know and we will send out replacements. The cost will be deducted from your next payment.

Keep your kit in a box or a suitable alternative, it will keep it cleaner and in better shape than keeping it loose in something less rigid such as a rucksack or bag. Your collar especially will benefit from being kept in something ridged to prevent it from looking shabby.

Butlerettes will be issued with uniform as and when required. The standard uniform consists of a black corset top and short black skirt which we provide. You would need to wear a pair of your own black high heeled shoes with this.

Your first set of kit will be provided by us. You are responsible for keeping your kit in a good clean condition and replacing it when need be in line with the costs below.

UNIFORM PRICE LIST

U.K £ Ireland €

Collar £8.50 €10.00

Cuffs £7.50 €8.50

Apron £12.00 €13.50

Cuff Links £3.50 €4.00

Collar Stud £1.50 €2.00

Bow Ties £5.00 €5.50

Total £38.00 €43.50

USEFUL ITEMS TO PACK FOR EVERY JOB;-

A small clean container or box large enough to keep your collar and cuffs in.

Hair product, Deodorant/ Aftershave, Mouth Wash, Baby Wipes.

Concealer stick for covering any blemishes or spots. We can recommend Rimmel or similar which is cheap and widely available, just make sure it matches your skin tone.

Black boxer briefs, formal black trousers (dress pants) formal black shoes.

Metro transit Map and or Atlas / A-Z of your locality, Spare change for toll roads & bridges, buses, pay phones.

Safety pins. (Bow tie straps,, apron cords etc, can get broken, this may save you)

Small hand mirror for getting ready.

Pocket pad & pencil for taking drinks orders.

Cork screw and bottle opener.

PARTY GAMES

Party games (Super important) see our website for details of party games we recommend to our customers. We recommend you always have a couple of games printed out and ready to go in case the client has not prepared any. We would recommend the “NEVER HAVE I EVER and Mr & Mrs game as they don’t need any props.

You can download our games here – http://www.butlersinthebuff.co.uk/party-games/

PROMO CARDS

You should distribute promotional cards at every event you attend whether you hand them to guests or leave a small stack for the people to pick up. More cards can be posted to you at any time by contacting the office.

STAYING IN SHAPE

It is essential that every butler keeps themselves in great physical shape. Keeping well-toned with a flat stomach is the basic requirement for any butler.

SKIN TONE COMPLEXION IN IMPORTANT, Maintain a clean and clear complexion with a healthy color. If you are Caucasian, a very light base even tan looks great. (Don’t go crazy on a tanning bed or use cheap spray tans)

SMELLING GREAT, Smelling fresh and clean from head to toe and everything in between. FEET, T ZONE, BREATH – THE WORKS!

Clients may get close to you when posing for photos and helping with party games.

Always take breath freshener.

HAIR, Your hair looking it’s best too.

JEWELRY – Remove necklaces and piercings.

A WORD ABOUT TATTOOS, Nothing that could possibly offend anyone!

SPOTS & BLEMISHES

Maintaining a healthy clear complexion complexion is important. There are a number of products now designed for mens skin. It’s important that you have a concealer stick for your skin tone to cover any sudden blemishes of spots. They are easy to find online and in stores.

YOUR BUTT! Haha, sorry, but we need to talk about your rear. . CHECKING YOUR BUM FOR SPOTS IS IMPORTANT TOO – really you must do it a day or so before each booking, or getting someone else to do it for you, to catch any spots with enough time to see to the problem will prevent any embarrassment.

FACIAL HAIR

We would prefer you to be clean shaven if possible, in our experience that appeals the widest section of our clients, however if you choose to sport facial hair just be aware it may reduce the amount of tips and positive feedback bonuses you receive.

POSTURE

You have worked hard to look great, don’t spoil it by slouching, stand tall, shoulders back, chest out, stomach in.

JOB ALLOCATION

Jobs are distributed by your bookings office, factors that affect allocation are:

AVAILABILITY – The bookings office has an idea of your potential availability for the next 4-6 weeks as minimum – ideally 2 months

SUITABILITY – Your suitability for the job in terms of what the client has requested. Dark hair, No tattoos etc.

PROXIMITY – Your proximity to the job.

CLIENT FEEDBACK & REPORTS – Naturally we want to always send out our best guys.

TIP – Our “GO TO” guys are the ones who get great client feedback, are always on time, never let us down, follow our systems and are fun and easy to work with.

YOUR AVAILABILITY TO WORK

Our bookings system is set that by default you are available every weekend. Please text or email us frequently to advise us of any days, dates or times that you are not available.

ACCEPTING WORK AND COMMITTING TO AN EVENT.

As a contractor you are under no obligation to accept any booking, work particular days or a set number of hours.

We do insist is that once you have committed yourself to a booking, you honour and fulfil that commitment.

PULLING OUT OF AN EVENT

Pulling out of a job that you have committed to causes REAL PROBLEMS. Please do not do it unless there is no other option.

In every case, call the office or out of hours number as soon as you think there may be a problem. Make sure someone acknowledges you.

If you cannot call, text or email, ask a friend to do it for you. Let us know somehow.

From time to time no matter how effectively you plan you may encounter problems outside of your control; whether it is an accident, a vehicle breakdown or something more serious. We ask you to work with us, whatever the situation to ensure that no matter what happens we DO NOT LET OUR CLIENTS DOWN. By communicating with us and remaining flexible it is usually possible to find a solution to the problem you have encountered as well as ensuring we get the required number of butlers to the client and on time.

BE ORGANISED

You will need to use a diary or calendar not only to record any bookings you accept from us but also to prevent you from accepting a booking which conflicts with a personal engagement.

Everyone has an emergency very now and then, but once we start working together, we soon get a clear picture of those guys we can rely on and trust and those we can’t.

If we lose trust in your commitment to honor the jobs you have accepted, we will stop offering you work

JOB SHEETS

(IF YOU DON’T REMEMBER OUR SYSTEMS RIGHT AWAY, DON’T WORRY WE WILL HELP YOU)

Job sheets serve 3 functions

A job sheet is your complete set of instructions for a given job.
Once returned to us, the job sheet becomes your invoice to us. (it’s what gets you paid)
A job sheet is also a record of your arrival time.

Once you have committed yourself to a booking and noted it in your diary, a job sheet will be sent out to you by email usually 5-7 days prior to the event. Please reply by email to confirm receipt of each job sheet.

Job sheets will normally be sent out mid week for the coming weekend, although job sheets for bookings earlier in the week will be sent out prior to this and job sheets for last minute bookings would be sent as soon as possible.

You should only reply to the actual job sheet email stating that you have – GOT IT.

For normal weekend bookings you should respond by 4pm on a Thurs.

For last minute bookings, please respond ASAP.

Simply reply to the ACTUAL JOB SHEET EMAIL email with – Got it.

If you have not received a job sheet at least a few days prior to your booking, please make sure you chase it up and request one from head office. We need to receive confirmation of receipt of your job sheet from you ASAP.

READ EVERY JOB SHEET THOROUGHLY, ESPECIALLY THE NOTES.

TIP: – Most jobs are similar, the odd one is different. Sods law dictates, the one time that you don’t properly read your job sheet will be the event that requires something unusual.

Do not leave reading of your job sheets until the morning of your booking! It does not allow enough time to plan your route and to prepare for any unusual bookings.

ARRIVAL TIME

Punctuality is of the utmost importance on all bookings, but especially on short 2 hour bookings where clients may have a cab or limo booked at the end of the booking to continue the evening’s celebrations in another place. If you are late they will expect a refund. For this reason, you must –

Arrive at least 15 mins early for your booking to allow you time to get changed and start your booking at the required time.
Ensure you ask the client to sign and record your arrival time, before you get changed. This is also protection for you should a client claim you were late when you were not.

PLANNING YOUR JOURNEY AND BEING ON TIME

PUNCTUALITY IS VERY IMPORTANT TO US AND OUR CLIENTS.

It is completely unacceptable to be late for our bookings.

Always arrive at least 15 mins early. Your client will be told to expect you at that time.

If you have been booked to meet and greet guests on arrival and you are late you will be unable to carry out the very task the client booked and paid for.

Many of the client’s plans for the rest of the day may have been based around your arrival/departure time again causing huge problems as your lateness will affect their schedule.

On a rare occasion that your unavoidably held up and running late, you MAY NOT call the client to advise them. You must call us if this is the case so that we can speak with the client.

BEST PRACTICE – LEAVE PLENTY OF TIME FOR HOLD UPS AND DON’T BE LATE

Often many months of planning and hard work have gone in to an event, whether it be a huge corporate event or a small birthday, the client has put their trust in Butlers in the Buff and paid in advance for their event. This must not be jeopardized by poor time keeping and planning from our butlers. Please always bear this in mind when planning getting to each and every one of your bookings.

You are responsible for ensuring that you arrive on time and at the correct location. Therefore, you must take the time beforehand to plan and prepare your journey. Many of your bookings will be in unfamiliar and often difficult to find locations. Even bookings within your own town or city can often be difficult to locate the addresses, especially new properties that are not recorded in any data bases yet.

Always cross check the post/zip code with the street address to make sure the address the client has provided is correct, if in doubt check with the bookings team.

DO NOT RELY ON SAT NAV (GPS) ALONE. CHECK THE ADDRESS ON GOOGLE MAPS. (We only use Google Maps)

ALWAYS HAVE A BACK UP MAP IN CASE YOUR PHONE DIES OR YOU LOSE SIGNA

JOURNEY PLANNING TIPS

It is your responsibility to arrive on time. We expect drivers to take responsibility for getting there on time and researching their route beforehand. Drivers need to inform any butlers they are picking up where and what time they will be collected.

Planning ahead is essential; allow plenty time for heavy traffic and unforeseen events. Be aware of your local issues; weather, football matches, road works etc that may delay you on route. It can easily take an hour to cover just a few miles across a busy city.

If you are using public transport plan sensibly, e.g. not relying on the latest possible bus or train in case of delays or the frequent inability of public transport to show up at all.

GPS /Sat Nav’s are not always accurate, especially in rural or recently built areas. Allow some time to locate the actual address once you arrive in the area.

If you drive, make sure you always have a spare tire and the tools needed to change it.

Additionally, you should have adequate breakdown cover so that you can not only sort your car out but are in a position to get any problems sorted so that you can make it to your booking.

Have you planned where to park and how much time it will take you to get from your parking space to the event. (We do not cover parking fee’s so research cheaper parking options in advance)

WE LIKE PROBLEM SOLVERS

If you hit a problem on route to a booking, call us and tell us about it and how you plan to overcome it we may be able to help and we will if we can.

We are looking for the kind of people who solve problems and who don’t let obstacles stop them in their tracks.

It’s crucial that we have a people in our team who will priorities the customer first and find a way to resolve any problem that arises rather than let a problem stop them.

The journey to your booking is much more pleasant if you have time to spare. If you’re early, you can grab a coffee and relax.

ARRIVAL AT YOUR BOOKING

You should make contact with the client or named contact by telephone using the details found on your job sheet when you arrive.

From there the client/contact will show you where you are to change and brief you on your duties.

IF YOU ARE RUNNING LATE

In the unlikely event that you find yourself running late for an event no matter what the situation you must contact us (NOT THE CLIENT) We will then contact the client on your behalf.

It is essential that everyone involved is made aware of what is happening. At least, if the client knows you are 5 or 10 minutes away it may be possible for them to re plan to accommodate this. If the client is left unsure where their butler is or if he is even going to turn up this can be highly stressful. Similarly, if the client calls us to find out why their butler has not arrived and we have not heard from you it can be incredibly frustrating and look unprofessional for us not to have any information.

You may think that the conversation will be awkward if you are calling to tell us that you are going to be late but from experience, being kept informed puts clients in a better mood than being left in the dark

When working in pairs – call each other and arrange to meet before the job so that you arrive together.

Not having credit on your phone is no excuse; you should always make sure you have credit or change for a payphone.

You should arrive at every booking looking presentable. Please remember that first impressions count, you are an ambassador for the company and as such you are required to make a good first impression.

BEING A BUTLER IN THE BUFF IS A LOT OF FUN, IT REQUIRES 5 MAIN QUALITIES

PRESENTATION Looking and smell great always.

PERSONALITY Be fun, energetic and interactive.

PROFESSIONALISM Reliable, polite with a good attitude to working hard for your clients.

PROBLEM SOLVER Great butlers, get round problems to make the party happen.

PROACTIVE Don’t wait to be asked, keep busy, get involved, offer suggestions

Most of our bookings, maybe 70-80% are simple fun parties, 10-20 guests, bachelorettes, birthdays, girl’s night in type of parties. Usually in their home, hotel room or rented apartment.

We do also take larger corporate bookings such as charity or promotional events.

SMALL PRIVATE PARTIES

Smaller private parties are a lot of fun, the work often differs to that of corporate events. In general, the smaller private parties are less formal and require much more than simply being a great looking server.

The work at smaller private parties is usually a split between being a fun attractive server and helping or hosting their party games and activities.

Usually they start with the butler/s making and serving drinks and serving pre-prepared food, whilst mixing and mingling with the guests in a fun way. Also, we encourage all our clients to prepare party games and get the butlers involved, so you need to be a good sport and help with their games while still being the butler always.

Some parties are more prepared than others, they may have their games all set up, props ready and a plan for how they want you to participate. Others may not be prepared at all and will appreciate you having a few simple games ready to go.

Simple games like NEVER HAVE I EVER, or the Mr & Mrs quiz. Please download our party games here,http://www.butlersinthebuff.com/us/party-games/ read through them all and print one or two off to have ready in emergencies.

These parties are a lot of fun, please do have fun, but always work hard and remain professional.

Don’t force games on to any group. Suggest only, if they like the idea great if they don’t that’s fine it’s their party after all.

SHY OR QUIET CLIENTS & GUESTS

Some clients or guests may be a bit shy or embarrassed at first, perhaps unsure of what they can use you for or feel uncomfortable in making demands of you. Please make suggestions to the client of how you might be of assistance as stated above. Let her know you are her party butler.

If clients are a bit shy, you need to take the lead, offering drinks, suggesting games, asking if there is anything you can do.

CORPORATE EVENTS

The larger corporate bookings such as a Charity function, film premiere or promotional event may require your to simply look great and politely pass around drinks, serve food and mix and mingle while you do it.

Some corporate events will have very little in the way of work for you while other events may have you rushing around working very hard. Each event is different. It will be necessary to assess the required balance for each booking and approach it accordingly. Speak to the host/hostess and find out what they want. Don’t assume anything.

You will usually be requested to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start time of the booking. This is to ensure there is enough time for you to be briefed and to get ready. Often you will be just one of many staff and acts working at the event so will need to understand how the event is being run and exactly what you are needed to do.

Corporate events may supply alternative costumes to suit the theme, we will notify you if this is the case. Earlier arrival is required to allow time for all staff to be dressed and ready for the event start time.

Sometimes large corporate events can be complex events with multiple acts and line ups of celebrities. I’ts not uncommon for there to be last minute changes or we don’t get all details until a couple of days before. We have to be quite flexible with these events, but it’s well worth it as they can be much longer and so great for earning potential, and amazing events that you will be pleased to be a part of. We sometimes get booked for film premiers, celeb parties, reality TV shows or large celeb filled fundraisers.

PHOTOGRAPHS

Corporate clients will often want to pick their butlers from a selection. This means we need fast responses in terms of availability from you plus a good collection of photos of you. Please make sure we have up-to-date pictures of you, especially if you change your appearance.

ALL EVENTS

Tip: If no one has asked you to do anything, look around and see what needs to be done?

Does anyone need a drink?
Does any food need passing around?
To tables need clearing or cleaning?
Do glasses need washing?
Suggest the above to the client or ask if anything else needs to be done or if any of the above obviously need to be done, just do it.

Our best butlers are those that go out of their way to look after every guest and show initiative in ensuring that the client and guests are kept happy.

You are not there simply to look good. You are there to work after all.

THE BEST BUTLERS ARE: INTELLIGENT, PROACTIVE, INTERACTIVE AND FUN.

In ensuring a suitable balance in your work between making a visual impact and providing a fun and effective Butlering service, it is important to develop and refine several essential Butlering skills.

Remember you are there to work and unless the client indicates that they do not require anything more from you than to mingle with their guests you should be looking for any jobs you can do and ways to make yourself useful.

IMPORTANT SKILLS

The ability to scan a room and spot empty glasses whilst still talking to and serving guests to ensure nobody is left empty handed and feeling left out is important.

Cleaning and tidying as you go is part of the job.

Not neglecting individuals or groups of guests such as those in other rooms or male guests if it is a mostly female group or vice versa. All guests’ male or female, young or old, gay or straight, highly interesting or dull and boring are to be treated equally and looked after in the same way, unless otherwise indicated by the host.

If the client is not sure what to ask you to do, then in a confident, fun but polite way, carry out the following-

1 – Introduce yourself to the group, tell them your name and that you are their Butler in the Buff for the next X number of hours.

2 – Inquire if you can get any one a drink or pass round food?

3 – Ask people where they come from or what they do for a living?

By simply following the above 3 steps, your giving everyone time to relax and in no time the party will be heating up. Later on in the party, perhaps suggest some games if they don’t have some prepared.

EXTRA HOURS

If a customer wants to keep you working for longer than booked they may do so at your discretion as long as they are paying for your time and as a working Butler in the Buff in our uniform. NOT AS A PARTY GUEST.

Extra hours will be paid directly by the client to you in cash. The rate you charge is up to you, we suggest –

£30-40 per hour. We also STRONGLY recommend you ask for payment in advance of the work to avoid possible issues at the end of the party.

Under no circumstances must you remain at an event whether by invitation or otherwise unless the client has paid you for your time.

How much you charge them is at your discretion. We suggest you charge the same amount as you would be paid for the time worked by us if it had been booked in advance.

TIPS

We encourage clients to tip, and they usually do. But it is up to them. You are allowed to receive tips if they are offered.

MOBILE PHONES

Mobile devices may be left on only to get your job sheet signed at the start of the job after which they must be switched off. NEVER TAKE PICTURES OF THE CLIENTS OR GUESTS

EATING & DRINKING

You should not consume food or drink whilst working even if it has been offered to you by the client. It would be acceptable to ask for a glass of water.

On longer bookings, whilst on authorized breaks if the client offers you anything to eat or drink this should be consumed out of sight of any guests, unless specifically directed otherwise by the client.

You should never consume any alcohol directly before or whilst working. You are never allowed to stay on after your booking time for a drink.

LANGUAGE

You are reminded that under no circumstance should you use foul or abusive language in any context.

Please remember gentlemen and ladies don’t swear. The client and the guests are free to use whatever language they wish but you should always remain polite curb your own language.

Don’t talk about religion or politics. Don’t express any strong views even if you think the people you are speaking to will agree with you.

DEALING WITH DIFFICULT OR HARD TO PLEASE CLIENTS OR GUESTS

Sometimes you may come across clients who seem impossible to please. These incidences are extremely rare as the nature of our business is generally great fun.

However, should you encounter a client who you have tried your best with, someone who you just can’t seem to please, remember-

The customer is always right, no matter what.

Keep smiling, do your best.

Make sure you are seen to be doing your best.

Don’t complain or confront.

Don’t argue.

Think of the money!!

It may be something as simple as the client is worried that her clients are not happy enough and taking her stress out on you.

UNSAFE SITUATIONS

Due to the nature of what we do, unsafe situations are extremely rare. But You are entitled to a safe working environment.

Should you be asked to do anything which you feel is unsafe, just politely refuse. If possible, make a fun joke out of it.

Unless otherwise specified you are at the event to serve drinks, Serve individual sized food portions, Collect and wash glasses and plates etc., mix and mingle, join with party games nothing that could or should cause injury to you or anyone else.

You should not work in an area or with equipment likely to cause burns such as commercial kitchens. Do not carry large amounts hot foods or beverages which my burn you if spilled.

You should not be lifting heavy items.

You should not be working on platforms steps or stairs where there is a likelihood of falling of any kind.

You do not have to accept rude or anti-social behavior. Unfortunately, (very rarely) some guests may have too much to drink and become hard to manage.

UNRULY CLIENTS OR GUESTS

This is very rare, but If clients or guests are becoming unruly, insulting or hard to handle take the following action –

Inform the paying client that the behaviour is making you feel uncomfortable, or unsafe. Ask the client to speak with the person who has acted improperly and tell them to stop. Remind them that we offer a fun novelty service and there is a no touching rule.

99 times out of a hundred, this will work.

If the offence happens again, politely remind the client that the behaviour is unacceptable and if it persists you will simply get dressed and leave the party. They will lose the money for any un-worked time.

So far in 20 years we can count on 2 hands the number of times where the butler felt he had to leave, it is very rare.

The best thing to do is nip poor behaviour in the bud early to avoid it ever getting out of hand.

If you do ever have to leave an event, feel threatened or insulted, or are unsure about anything while at a booking call us on the out of hours number immediately. If you don’t get a response text us and we will respond.

ALCOHOL

Naturally, you will be working in and around alcohol and people who are under the influence of alcohol.

YOU MAY NOT CONSUME ANY ALCOHOL WHAT SO EVER OR BE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL AT ANY BUTLERS IN THE BUFF EVENT.

If you are found to have had even 1 glass of wine, you will be removed from our books immediately and you will not be paid for the work.

SECURITY

People do the strangest things when they are drunk. At parties where too much alcohol has been consumed, personal items and money may be lost or stolen, guests may make complaints that they have been touched in appropriately or worse.

If the party is made up of friends and acquaintances, it may be tempting to blame any impropriety on the person nobody knows. THAT’S YOU.

For your own safety, remain in view of the main party group throughout the booking. Do not allow yourself to be in a room alone with another guest or to be out of view of the main party for any amount of time. At all-time be beyond suspicion.

Even if guests are friendly and nice at the party, they may not be the next morning. Remember you do not really know these people so don’t take risks. We take your security very seriously and so must you.

Be aware of your own security.

Try and avoid taking any unnecessary personal valuables to a job.

NO TOUCHING POLICY

We operate a no touching policy for clients.

Posing for photos or participating in games at your comfort level is fine of course.

Should you encounter clients who touch you inappropriately we encourage you to dissuade them in a professional and friendly manner. The line, “I’m sorry sir/madam that’s not what I am here for” is usually sufficient to discourage further similar behavior. Should you encounter a persistent offender you can speak to the named contact from your job sheet and explain again, professionally, that that you are uncomfortable with the situation.

Should it ever get out of hand and despite bringing it to their attention a number of times you still feel that there is a problem, as long as you deal with it professionally and have explained the reasons for your actions to the named contact on your job sheet you would be permitted to leave the event before it has finished.

POOLS, LAKES, RIVERS, OCEAN JOBS

We often attend parties by the water. You are not hired to be a life guard, but if no life guard is present you must act responsibly. Firstly, you should be sober at all of our jobs, so that may very well make you the most responsible person there.

Please use common sense, your not the life guard, and we don’t want to spoil a party buzz, but if you see something that is likely to be a danger to anyone (including you) do everything you can to make it a safer situation and call or text us to advise us.

(Unless it is for life saving purposes, don’t get in the water with your uniform on)

All of the practices laid out in this section are to ensure the highest level of service, happiest clients and to protect both butlers and party guests. Please follow them.

LEAVING THE BOOKING ON TIME

Leaving a booking on time can be challenging. It’s a knack! If the party is going well and everyone is having fun, they often want you to stay on and party with them. If they are paying you cash to carry on working that is fine, if not you must leave.

About 10 mins before the end, let the client know you only have 10 mins left, ask if they want you do anything (clear up, pose for photos etc). Repeat this step at 5mins.

At this stage many clients will want photos, once they have taken a few snaps you can say your goodbyes, wish them all a great evening and head off to get changed.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH CLIENTS OR GUESTS (Sorry folks, this is a major NO-NO)

We strictly prohibit any one from taking telephone numbers or email addresses from any guest at any event.

Under no circumstance should anyone become involved in a romantic or sexual way with any client or guest during or after an event.

You are strictly forbidden from socializing with clients or guests after your finishing time. Whether this is at the event venue or another location they are going on to afterwards. This is a company rule and NOT at the discretion of the client and regardless of whether they invite you we strictly prohibit this.

Payment dates vary from country to country and are stipulated in Schedule C of your contract for services at the end of this document

You will receive details of all the jobs you have carried out by email after the pay runs are complete each month. This will show what you earned per hour and all travel expenses paid and is broken down job by job. Each job is numbered with the corresponding number showing on both your job sheet and this breakdown so that you can easily see what you have earned.

Butlers & Butlerettes follow our rules as laid out in this handbook

RECRUITMENT BONUS

Often some of our best butlers have been recommended by other butlers. We are very careful not to hire too many butlers, so ensuring enough work everyone. You will not lose work by recommending a friend.

We do give a recruitment bonus for every new butler that you recommend which we take on and who completes at least 3 jobs. If you know of any guys you think might make the grade get them to contact us and apply for an application.

We take on Butlers across the territory and are continually recruiting so where ever they are we can take them on.

Recruitment bonus rates vary – ask your bookings team for information.

IMAGES

All images of Butlers in the Buff are the property of Butlers in the Buff. We may use images in various promotional literature, on our web site or authorize their use in the media. If you have any issue with any photos of you being made public please notify us it may not be possible to retract or discontinue using images already being used. It may not be possible for us to cease using images of you once you stop working for us.

INTRODUCTION TO COCKTAILS

When making cocktails there are a few basic principles to consider. Firstly, although some recipes can at first seem complicated, they are all simple in practice; just take preparation step by step. Secondly always taste the cocktails before you serve them, if you don’t like them you have probably prepared them incorrectly and no one will enjoy them. Use a straw, dipping one end in the cocktail and holding your finger on the other end to keep the liquid in the straw and then taste (this way you will also look professional). Thirdly, is all about presentation. The reasons people enjoy cocktails are that they taste good and they are fun, so make sure you cocktails are garnished and look as good as possible. Doing things such as shaking the cocktail shaker over the head and interacting with your customers all adds to the experience.

Below we have listed 10 cocktails most of which are simple to prepare and are very popular, especially with the ladies. When looking through the ingredients you should bear in mind the normal amount of spirits in a cocktail is a double or triple depending on how strong you want to make them. Also, make sure you use lots of ice where possible; this will make the cocktails look better and taste stronger. Good luck!

COCKTAIL LIST

(Please copy paste print and take with you to bookings)

Sex on the Beach

Ingredients

1 part Peach schnapps
1 part Vodka
Top up Pineapple or Orange juice
Top up Cranberry juice
1 Orange wedge

There are a number or recipes for this popular cocktail but this one in the easiest and the best.

Shake the vodka and peach schnapps together with the ice cubes. Strain and pour into a highball glass filled with ice. Top up with cranberry and Pineapple juice (orange juice can be used instead of Pineapple juice). Garnish with an orange wedge.

Woo Woo

1 part Peach schnapps
1 part Vodka
Top up Cranberry juice

Shake the vodka and peach schnapps together with ice cubes. Strain and pour into a highball glass filled with ice. Top up with cranberry. Garnish with an orange wedge.

Sea Breeze

2 parts Vodka
3 parts Cranberry juice
3 parts Grapefruit juice
1 Lime wedge
1 part Ice cubes
5 Crushed Ice

Pour the vodka, cranberry juice and grapefruit juice into a tall glass with the ice. It is important to use crushed ice if possible. Stir well and decorate with a lime wedge.

Blue Lagoon

3 parts Vodka
1 part Blue Curacao
Top up Pineapple juice or lemonade

If using Pineapple juice then stir all the ingredients together in a shaker. Pour into a highball glass filled with ice. Then pour a dash of blue Curacao over the top. If using lemonade, mix the Vodka and Curacao together and then top up with lemonade. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

Mojito

2 parts White rum
1 whole Lime
Top up Soda Water
10 Mint sprigs
1 part crushed ice.
1 Lime slice
2 teaspoons of light brown Sugar

With the end of a small rolling pin, mash the mint and sugar together with the juice from a whole lime in a highball glass. Add the (light) rum and pour over the glass filled with crushed ice. Using a bar spoon stir ingredients until sugar is dissolved. Top up with soda water. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig.

Caipirinha

1 Whole Lime
2 heaped tsp. of Light Brown Sugar
Dbl. shot of Cachaca
Crushed Ice

All the ingredients to this cocktail are vital and cannot be substituted. Cut up the lime into six pieces and put into a glass. Add the sugar. With the end of a small rolling pin, smash the lime until the juice and sugar develops a rich froth. Add the Cachaca and crushed ice and lightly shake with the cocktail shaker over the end of the glass. Pour back into glass. You may vary the amounts of lime and sugar to taste.

Margarita

1 part Tequila
1 part Triple Sec
1 part Lime Juice
Salt

Rim the lip of the glass with a lemon wedge, turn upside down and place into a small plate filled with salt to rim cocktail glass with salt. Shake all the ingredients in cocktail shaker together with ice. Strain and pour into the glass. Garnish with a Lime wheel.

Daiquiri

3 parts White rum
Crushed Ice
2 Limes
1 teaspoon Sugar Syrup

Put the crushed ice into a cocktail glass. Pour the juice of 2 limes, sugar syrup and rum over the ice. Shake thoroughly and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Cosmopolitan

1 1/2 parts Vodka
1 part Cointreau
1 part Cranberry juice
Dash of Lime juice
1 Lime or Orange rind

Shake all the ingredients with ice cubes. Pour into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a spiral Lime or orange rind.

Long Island Ice Tea

1/2 part Gin
1/2 part White rum
1/2 part Tequila
1 part Vodka
1/2 part Triple Sec
Top up Coke
Dash of Lime juice
Dash of Lemon juice
5 Ice cubes
1 Lemon wedge
Dash of Sugar syrup

This one seems complicated but it really is not. Make sure you don’t forget the tequila as that is where the unique taste comes from. Shake all the ingredients (except cola) with ice cubes in a cocktail shaker. Strain and pour into a highball glass. Top up with cola. Garnish with Lime wheel.

Strawberry Daiquiri

6 oz. Strawberries
2 oz. White rum
1 oz. Lime juice
Dash of strawberry liqueur
Crushed Ice
1 tsp. Sugar syrup

This is the most difficult to prepare and you will need a blender. Put all the ingredients into the blender and blend until thick and smooth. The sugar might be necessary if your strawberries are unsweetened and not particularly flavourful. Taste a few times to see if more (strawberry liqueur, Sugar syrup) is required.

The main part is making it taste good and look fun

So enjoy making them!