Stripper School 103 – Stripper Tips on Running Your Business

When you decide that you are ready to begin a career in dancing there are many things that you need to know. This is the third article in the Stripper School series designed to help you become an exotic dancer.

Congratulations you got hired at the club of your choice and are now ready to start a career as an exotic dancer. The first thing you will have to do is paperwork. While you are an independent contractor many states and clubs require you to have an IRS forum w-9 that states that you agree to be an independent contractor and are responsible for filing your own tax return. Yes just like any other job you have to pay taxes on your earnings. Make sure you keep a record of your earnings and save ALL of your receipts.

A lot of states now also require you to keep a business license. The club will often provide the referral as well as information on how to do this. The cost is usually 100 dollars and often you are also required to have a Sheriffs card as well. Again check with your state laws as well as the club as they will provide the information on what you need to start working at their establishment.

Now that you have all your paperwork complete, here is what to expect before you work. Often a club will start with its orientation this is an overview of the clubs rules and procedures as well as dance and drink prices. This is a great place to ask any questions you may have before you start on this shift and clear up and confusion. This is often conducted by a manager or house mom (the lady in the locker room who provides odds and ends, food, and moral support). This can be a tour of the club, list of rules, power-point presentation or lecture in the dressing room.

House fees are a stage rental that the club charges you each night to work. This can vary upon your time and shift at the club. You will also often have to pay tip outs sometimes they are mandatory and other times it is at your discretion. This is often a minimum to the DJ, Security Staff/Bouncers, House mom and sometimes the manager as well. Inquire about these before you start working so that you know exactly how much you are required to spend each night you work.

Now that you are hired you need to decide upon which shift to work. Often there are three shifts depending on the city in which you are dancing in. The first is the Day shift typically this starts at 11am and is the local business lunch crowd. Some clubs may be earlier depending on location and hours. The second shift is the Mid shift which is usually from 3pm-7pm and consists of a happy hour and sometimes lunch or food specials this is usually an after work crowd with some couples and many regulars thrown in as well. The next shift is the night shift which is often after 8pm and is the busiest shift at most clubs. Las Vegas is a little different in that it is open 24 hours a day and has Prime Time which starts at 8pm Early Am shift which is Midnight to 3am and Days which is anytime after 9am. Again you want to go into clubs on the shift(s) you desire to see where you will fit in. It’s all confidence – a lap dance sale is a lap dance sale no matter what time of day.