Do strip clubs charge a higher cover if you are dropped off by a taxi or Uber?
One question we get a lot is about transportation to a club strip club and whether or not that makes any difference with the cover charge.
The answer isn’t exactly clear-cut since different clubs have different cover charges. Some also have their own transportation which sometimes waives the cover charge for certain groups.
Below, we’ll try to explain the situation at most Vegas clubs so you can figure out how you want to get to the club and whether you should tell the bouncer how you got there.
Strip Club Cover Charges in The Old Days
Way before Uber, cab drivers used to get a kickback for bringing tourists to strip clubs. Some taxis worked with one specific club and any time they got a passenger going to a strip club, they would try to talk them into going to the club they work with.
Other drivers just worked with every club and would get a smaller kickback after dropping off passengers, usually in a group. Single riders didn’t always qualify for a kickback.
When Uber came along, few drivers worked specifically with clubs, but some still got kickbacks if they dropped off a large group. However, the kickbacks have fallen to the point where most drivers don’t bother going inside.
The reason this is important is because sometimes the club asks you how you get there. If you say a taxi or Uber, they may charge you more since they have to pay a kickback.
This is way less common these days, but unless you’re trying to help the driver out or he gave you some great advice, just tell the bouncer you drove there or got dropped off by a friend.
Strip Club Pick-Up Service & Cover Charges
Most larger strip clubs in Vegas offer a free pick-up service. When you call, you give them some information about your group and they send a vehicle to pick you up.
Sometimes it’s just a black SUV, other times it’s a branded shuttle bus. If you’re trying to be discreet, ask if they send a branded shuttle bus before making your reservation. Otherwise, a giant bus with half-naked girls on the side will come pick you up wherever you are. Not always the best look when you’re out with a bunch of business folks.
When you use the service, they will often waive the cover charge. This may depend on your party size and other factors, so always ask about any cover charge discount when booking the pickup. It’s a discretion thing so it’s always smart to ask since you never know what you’ll get.
Most clubs are pretty good about keeping these reservations, so you can do this with confidence if it fits your schedule.
Generally, they can pick you up within an hour of your call. Just be aware, you may not be alone as they will probably pick up other people on the way.
Overall, if you have a big group, this pick-up service can be a great idea, especially if they cut the cover charge when booking.
Just be aware of any strip club package deals they may try to sell you when you show up. These can be a hard sell so only buy what you want.
Can You Negotiate Strip Club Cover Charges?
Not usually. If you’re alone and show up you’re not going to get a deal or anything just by asking.
One exception is if you buy a table or other package. They’ll usually comp the cover if you do this when you first arrive. But we generally advise against buying a strip club package sight unseen when you first show up. You have no idea what the club is like inside or what girls are there.
Another thing to be aware of is some clubs like to change their cover charge randomly. Hustlers in Vegas is famous for this trick. Their cover can range anywhere from $40 to $100.
Overall, the key is to understand the prices before you go to a Vegas club, that way you won’t be shocked or scammed by any surprise charges.
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