Yourfulltimecocktail guys raising the bar

Barsequipped Mobile Bars has become one of KZN’S in-demand mobile bar services, writes

YOU know you’ve made it in business when CNN chooses to follow you around for the biggest party weekend on the continent.

That’s what happened to Ndumiso “Ndu” Mncwabe of Barsequipped, a boutique mobile bartending service, and his business partner, Thami Nhlumayo.

The US cable news channel featured them in their Focus On Africa programme in an episode shot during last year’s Vodacom Durban July.

“It was a pleasant surprise when we they told us they wanted to feature us on the show. Of course we had to say yes,” Mncwabe said.

“It was a chance for us to be exposed to a wider clientele, but also to look back and think of the journey so far and what’s ahead.”

While this may have been affirmation for many entrepreneurs, it pushed Mncwabe and Nhlumayo to work even harder with Barsequipped.

“It’s driven us to be even more ambitious. We have not yet reached the heights we want to. We still need to put in the work and grow.”

Barsequipped has been on the mobile bar scene since 2011 and in just a few months became known for their professional service. Their reputation as a trusted mobile bar service in the province enabled them to open a Joburg branch.

Though ambitious, they’ve stuck to the organic growth process. “Many businesses are all about growing quickly. Sometimes they then can’t handle the pressure and collapse.

“We’ve had opportunities to make serious money but would have been too stretched to deliver a good service. It’s so important to pace yourself, especially as a small business owner.”

Barsequipped’s service is threefold. They provide their clients with bar units, fridges, glasses, staff and other essentials for any event; they provide a service, serving cocktails; and they offer a self-service option, where the client hires the bar from Barsequipped.

“We talk to clients about the kind of event they want to host and gauge from them what will suit their event. We advise them on what’s best for their needs and their budget.”

Their biggest challenge was breaking into the industry.

“Two black boys from Kwamashu and Ntuzuma, getting into an industry that’s white-owned and dominated was a struggle.

“Most importantly, we had to get business. So we made contact with and sat down with event organisers and caterers and offered them our service.

“We had to prove ourselves and earn our place in the industry. At the time we didn’t have a van or any transport for the bar equipment. We relied on our friends and, luckily, they believed in Barsequipped and our drive.”

Mncwabe is proud of their preparation before going into business. “We sorted out our infrastructure and equipment first. We then built bars, got the glasses and cocktail mixers – everything we needed to serve our clients.

“Many say they can do it, but then can’t because they don’t have the equipment. We have seen businesses fail because of that; so we were aware of how important it was for us to sort ourselves out before getting into the business.”

The first two years saw the Barsequipped pair work hands-on, even tending bar when they needed to.

“So many people make the mistake of being bosses in their business, but don’t know what happens in every aspect of the business. I was a bartender before and would find everything set up and ready for me to work.

“But with our business, we had to understand what it takes for us to provide the service, from start to finish. We did the hard slog, the dirty work, but we understand every aspect of our business now.”

Their first major event was the COP17 Conference in November 2011, five months after registering their company.

“The day we had to set up, our bars weren’t finished. The day before, there had been a storm in Durban. But we carried on working. It was a baptism of fire.

“We were still working 9-5 jobs and doing all of this as a side hustle. But we saw the potential and, looking back, it was worth it.”

Barsequipped was booked for the duration of the conference.

“It was a place we didn’t see ourselves in yet, but we were ready. We had put in so much work and had our house in order.

“So it came at the right time for us to gauge whether we could do this or not.”

For Mncwabe, there’s no secret to their success – he believes you must know why you are in business and what the end-goal is for the business.

“It really is about knowing what you are in business for and, more importantly, having the passion and drive for it.

“People are here one day and gone the next. There are challenges in our field, so you really need to knowing what the end-goal is. There is a load of work that we need to put in to get there. The little milestones drive the passion and make it that much more worthwhile.”

Unlike many companies that may have a budget for advertising and marketing, Barsequipped has relied largely on word of mouth to get new business.

“Word of mouth changed things for Barsequipped. We always hear that the more people talk about you, the better exposed the brand is.

“Potential clients know something about us before they decide to do business with us. They go on the website just to find out a bit more or to confirm what their associates have said.”

While Barsequipped has handled a number of high-profile events, corporate and private, the service is not confined to soirées. The duo has made inroads in the townships, where more people have come to appreciate a mobile bar service.

“We have made many of our clients realise we save them money and cut wastage. There is better control of the beverages they serve guests and there are usually even leftovers.”

Said Mncwabe, who has been at the heart of Barsequipped: “Nothing is more pleasurable than when someone asks something and you can give it to them. That’s good business and that’s what we have provided with Barsequipped – a mobile bar service that will help you manage your guests’ beverage needs while saving you money in the process. It’s a winning combination.”