The Nightclub Purchasing Guide

Make smart decisions when purchasing equipment for your Nightclub. Learn about the equipment you will need, typical costs, and where are the best places to buy it.

Required Equipment and Materials

Most nightclub owners will need the following equipment to get started:

Refrigerator(s) ($1,000 stand-alone or $10,000 walk-in)
Freezer(s) ($2,000 stand-alone or $20,000 walk-in)
Bottle Cooler(s) ($1,000 each)
Under-bar sink(s) ($900 each)
Soda making equipment ($300 per pouring station)
Ice Machine(s) ($2,500 each)
Glass racks and speed rails ($200 each)

Speakers ($150 - $1,000)
DJ set ($300 - $1,000)
Bar Blender(s) ($100 - $2,000)
Glassware in various sizes ($25 per set)
Bar ($4,000 - $10,000)
Bar stools ($35 - $100 each)
Bar lighting ($1,000)
Bar supplies, utensils, condiments, etc. ($300)
Alcohol inventory ($15,000 - $20,000)

You should plan to budget anywhere between $30,000 to $75,000 for initial purchasing costs. Also, don't forget to include a plentiful amount of cleaning supplies. Running a nightclub requires thorough maintenance.

Sample List of Purchases

A typical person looking to purchase equipment for a nightclub might make the following purchases:

1 stand-alone refrigerator ($1,330)

1 stand-alone Freezer(s) ($2,000)

1 Bottle Cooler ($1,000)

1 Under-bar sink ($520)

Soda making equipment ($216)

Ice Machine ($2,000)

2 Glass racks and speed rails ($634)

1 Speaker set ($2,410)

2 Bar Blenders ($200)

10 sets Glassware in various sizes ($200)

Bar ($4,000)

8 Bar stools ($300)

Nightclub lighting ($1,000)

Bar supplies – Utensils, Condiments etc. ($300)

1 DJ set ($280)

Alcohol inventory ($16,000)

Grand Total: $32,390

Key Decisions

Here are some of the most important buying decisions that your nightclub business will have to make. We outline the key considerations you’ll need to keep in mind when making these purchases and provide some popular options.

Considerations When Buying Speakers

Choosing the right speakers is an essential step to create the right atmosphere and ambience for your nightclub. You want to make sure you pick speakers that are large enough to provide adequate volume to get the crowd going. Usually, the larger the speaker is, the more space it can fill up with sound.

Another consideration to keep in mind is how the speakers will be physically installed in your club. Some speakers are stand alones, some can be embedded into the walls, and other options exist as well. Along with speakers, you will need to pick an amplifier and wire set. Most stores that sell speakers will be able to provide these as well.

Floor-standing Speakers

Floor standing speakers are great for live music performances. Place them right on the stage for any live bands and the projection will be great.

Satellite Speakers

These speakers are relatively small in size in comparison to other options. Satellite speakers are great for smaller rooms, and can easily be placed in a number of different locations.

Ceiling Speakers

For business owners who want to create a more immersive environment and have speakers out of sight, ceiling speakers are a great option.

Considerations When Purchasing Light Equipment

Choosing the right lighting for your nightclub is another essential step to creating the right ambience and atmosphere for your business.

Depending on what type of nightclub you are trying to establish, your lighting choices may be different. For example, dance clubs typically have colorful and vibrant neon lights that, at the same time, create a dimly-lit environment. Additionally, a DJ may require lighting for his or her equipment.

If you want to host live music performances, think about building appropriate stage lights for the kind of artists you want to attract to your club.

Finally, you will need some kind of lighting at the bar and any other social areas. Once again, always think about the ambience you’re trying to create when implementing your lights in the club.

Floor LED Lights

These LED lights will work great to light stages when paired with overhead lights.

Disco Ball

The disco ball is a classic lighting option for nightclubs.

Laser Lights

A great choice for most dance floors, laser lights flash colorful lights right into the crowd without disturbing the nighttime atmosphere of the club.

Best Places to Buy

Nightclub owners have many different options in sourcing equipment for their business. Here are some great places to start looking for everything you need:

Nightclubshop

Nightclubshop lists many decorative goods that may be useful in creating a vibrant and fun nightclub environment. From various forms of lighting equipment, DJ sets, customized goodies, shot glasses and more, Nightclubshop offers all the novelty goods nightclub owners might possibly need.

Central Restaurant Product

With a physical storefront located in Indianapolis as well as an online web store, Central Restaurant Product is a great option for owners who care to see the products in person and up-close to ensure quality.

With great reviews, Central Restaurant Product offers all kinds of bar tops, refrigeration and food preparation goods that may be of use when setting up a bar. Central Restaurant Product offers retail and wholesale price options. However, if one wishes to inspect items in-store before making a purchase, it may be harder to find a location near you.

Webrestaurantstore

A leading distributor of restaurant-related goods, Webrestaurantstore offers another great online selection of bar related goods that may be of use to nightclub business owners.

Crutchfield

One of the leading sources for commercial-use speakers, Crutchfield is a great service because it offers expert consultation to help users pick out the best speakers for their space. With a wide selection speakers, amplifiers, and other sound equipment, it is a great resource for nightclub owners.

Next Steps

Find out more about what goes into starting and running a nightclub

Protect your personal assets from unexpected legal claims. Consider structuring your business as an LLC.