Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions clients ask us most. Need something else? Contact us and we’ll get back to you in writing.
What does it cost, and what’s included?
Every quote is all in. Your rate covers the agency fee, recruiting and screening, briefing your staff on your products, backup staffing, and a report with photos after each shift. Tax and approved expenses (like cups, ice, product or parking) are added at cost, with receipts. There is no mileage or overtime markup. In store tastings are a flat rate per shift, and events are billed by the hour. Send us your dates, cities and number of staff and we’ll send a written quote.
How do I book?
Email us your dates, times, locations, products and number of staff. Once you approve the quote, we send a short annual staffing agreement to sign by email. After that, your team books shifts by email and we confirm each one in writing. One agreement covers your whole company for the year, so colleagues can book under it too.
What areas do you cover?
We staff events and tastings in every province across Canada. In Metro Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Calgary, Edmonton, the GTHA, Kitchener, Waterloo and Ottawa, there’s no travel charge. Shifts outside those areas include travel time. Tell us where you need staff and we’ll confirm.
Who supplies cups, ice and product?
Our tasters bring an ice bucket and opener to every shift. If you’d like us to pick up cups, ice or product, we buy them and add the cost to your invoice with receipts. Tables aren’t guaranteed in every store, so let us know if you need one.
Can I see who’s working my shift?
Yes. For events, we send staff profiles with photos once your agreement is signed, and you approve who works. If you’d like time for training with your reps, we can add it to your booking. Our staff work from a roster, so we can’t promise the same person every shift, but we brief everyone on your products before they start.
How much notice do you need?
At least one week is best, and two to three weeks for large events. We can often fill shorter notice, but a last minute fee applies and staff aren’t guaranteed.
Is there a minimum shift?
Yes. In store tastings are a fixed block of about four hours. Event shifts have a four hour minimum, and some trade shows have a six hour minimum. Tasting rates are flat, so an early finish doesn’t change the price.
How do I pay?
We invoice after your shifts, with reports and receipts attached. We accept EFT, direct deposit, wire transfer and credit card (a card fee applies). We don’t accept cheques. Payment terms are set in your agreement.
What if I need to cancel?
Cancelling or rescheduling less than 7 days before a shift is charged at 50%. Within 72 hours, the full shift is charged. If one of our staff can’t make it and we can’t find a replacement, you aren’t charged for that shift.
Are your staff certified?
Yes. Our tasters hold the liquor service certification for their province (Serving It Right in BC, ProServe in Alberta, Smart Serve in Ontario). Food Safe certified staff are available in major cities on request.