How to Start a Karaoke Bar

A karaoke bar business provides a location where individuals can sing their favorite songs in front of a sympathetic audience. There are different forms of karaoke bars. Some are “open” bars in which singers perform for all of the occupants of the bar, while others provide small rooms for people to perform in with friends and family. In each case, the bar provides the music and lyrics necessary so the performer can concentrate only on singing.

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Start a karaoke bar by following these 10 steps:

  1. Plan your Karaoke Bar
  2. Form your Karaoke Bar into a Legal Entity
  3. Register your Karaoke Bar for Taxes
  4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  5. Set up Accounting for your Karaoke Bar
  6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Karaoke Bar
  7. Get Karaoke Bar Insurance
  8. Define your Karaoke Bar Brand
  9. Create your Karaoke Bar Website
  10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your karaoke bar. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Karaoke Bar Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:

  • Your state’s business records
  • Federal and state trademark records
  • Social media platforms
  • Web domain availability

It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

What are the costs involved in opening a karaoke bar?

The costs of opening a karaoke bar can vary, starting from whether you are building from scratch or leasing an existing location. If you purchase the location you will operate from and start from scratch, your starting costs can range from $175,000 to $850,000. If you are buying an established bar that is for sale, your costs may be as low as $25,000. Why the disparity between the two? A bar starting from scratch must buy all necessary equipment. This includes dump sinks, hand sinks, three-bin sinks, drain boards, ice bins, soda guns, blender stations, speed rails, and coolers, and most importantly a karaoke machine. You will also need a point-of-sale machine system. Buying this equipment alone may cost $26,000 or more, and that is before buying tables, chairs, stools, the bar, and the karaoke machine. Getting an appropriate license may cost up to $5,000 depending on your area. It may cost about $6,000 to get the food and drink for your first month and an average of $6,000 a month to pay the rent or mortgage.

What are the ongoing expenses for a karaoke bar?

The exact amount of your operating expenses is partially contingent on the size of your staff, but some estimate that it may cost $20,000 a month to run a karaoke bar. This amount assumes about $6,000 for food and drink, $6,000 for rent, and up to $8,000 for employee salaries. All of these amounts may adjust up or down depending on region, bar size, and staff size.

Who is the target market?

While karaoke patrons come in all forms, some of your best customers will be young adults in their early to mid-20’s. This is a group that often sees karaoke as a fun form of both socializing with friends and meeting romantic partners, and things like duets offer a chance for such groups (who also have more free time and are more free with their money) to bond.

How does a karaoke bar make money?

At most karaoke bars, your primary income will come from sales of alcohol and possibly a cover charge for entry. Beyond that, the karaoke itself is typically free. The exception is if you offer separate rooms for people to perform in, in which case it is appropriate to charge a separate price for the room rental.

How much can you charge customers?

As mentioned before, the karaoke is free at most karaoke bars, and the business makes its profit from the alcohol it serves. The exact cost of different drink types and brands will vary, but is typically calculated by trying to achieve a twenty percent “pour cost” (diving a bottle of liquor, for instance, into how many drinks it will pour and divide that unit cost by a target pour cost, such as twenty percent. So, a 750ml bottle of bourbon that costs you $20 has a unit cost of $1.18 per 1.5 ounce pour. Divide that $1.18 by twenty percent to get a suggested sales price of $5.91. Finally, add the sales tax for your area (such as ten percent) and you get a cost of $6.51, which you may choose to round down to $6.50 or up to $6.99. If you are renting separate karaoke rooms, it is appropriate to charge between $45 to $90 per hour for a group.

How much profit can a karaoke bar make?

Again, the exact profit of your business can depend on various factors, but the average bar is able to make between $25,000 to $30,000 a month; assuming the previous $20,000 a month operating expenses, then you can generate $5,000 to $10,000 in profit a month, meaning that as an investment, a karaoke bar can pay for itself in a relatively short time.

How can you make your business more profitable?

When buying equipment, consider “gamifying” karaoke. There are now karaoke machines that can score singers similarly to video games such as Rock Band, which can make the experience both more familiar and more fun. Try to have an active presence among online karaoke communities to keep up with the latest trends and what participants desire. Finally, try to synergize with local events and businesses whenever you can: make sure your bar is part of community “bar crawls” and partners with local restaurants and related industries so you can advertise for one another and hold coordinating parties and other events.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your karaoke bar is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.

This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.

In practice, this means that if your karaoke bar were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.

Ready to Turn Your Business Idea Into a Reality?

Tailor Brands is our top recommendation because it guides you through every step of the formation process with hands-on support — from paperwork and compliance to devising a detailed plan to help you achieve your business goals.

FORM YOUR LLC

Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

In most states, it is necessary to obtain a bar license. Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a karaoke bar business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.

 For more information about local licenses and permits:

  • Check with your town, city or county clerk’s office

Get assistance from one of the local associations listed in US Small Business Associations directory of local business resources.

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.

Certificate of Occupancy

A karaoke bar business is generally run out of a bar. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).  A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.  

  • If you plan to lease a location:
    • It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
    • Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a karaoke bar business.
    • After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
  • If you plan to purchase or build a location:
    • You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
    • Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your karaoke bar business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

Music Licensing

 In order to play music in a business setting, permission must be acquired from the composer or license holder. Typically, it is possible to obtain a “blanket” license allowing businesses to play music owned by a large catalog of artists and recording studios. Such licenses can be obtained from Performance Rights Organizations, such as ASCAP or BMI.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.

Find out what types of insurance your Karaoke Bar needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Karaoke Bar.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a karaoke bar

Depending on your area, you may promote your business through multiple channels. If you are near a college campus, for instance, it would be appropriate to advertise in the college newspaper, and advertising via radio is a good way to reach audiences of all types as it lets you emphasize the musical component of your business. However, don’t forget to create a website and a social media presence: some of your most enthusiastic customers will be Millennials who find out about your business through online advertising.

How to keep customers coming back

In addition to the marketing ideas above, consider holding various themed karaoke events throughout the year. These may correspond to local events (such as special parties when college final exams are over), seasonal events (such as a night of duets for Valentine’s Day), or in conjunction with other events (such as a “cosplay” themed night in conjunction with a local company that puts on nearby annual comic conventions). Customer retention comes naturally through good service: by making customers feel special (taking their photos, posting them on your website, awarding them prizes, and so on), you will ensure they want to come back again and again.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
  • Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.

Other popular website builders are: WordPressWIXWeeblySquarespace, and Shopify.

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

Above all, this is a business for those who love both music and people. You must be a good “people person” who can make assorted individuals feel comfortable performing, and you must be someone with a thorough knowledge and appreciation of music. Prior experience working in bars that do karaoke is also very helpful.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a karaoke bar?

Some of your daily activities include preparing drinks for customers, signing customers up for karaoke, and loading their chosen songs so that they can perform. Your “downtime” may be spent cleaning plates and glasses, performing maintenance on your equipment, receiving shipments of drinks, and using various accounting software programs to help manage your business.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful karaoke bar?

Any previous experience working as a bartender or bar manager is very helpful in establishing this business. Similarly, previous experience as a DJ may give you insight into the hardware and software necessary to successfully run the karaoke equipment. While certainly not required, a formal degree in a field such as business may help you in the initial stages of investing in and marketing your business.

What is the growth potential for a karaoke bar?

The growth potential for such a business is above average; the Bureau of Labor Statistics records that the field of bartending is supposed to grow by ten percent between 2014 and 2024. A karaoke bar is more specialized and may have the potential to draw more customers than a non-karaoke bar.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

  • Funding
  • Events
  • Guides
  • Support

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a karaoke bar?

Make sure you are very comfortable using DJ-style equipment to keep the karaoke equipment in good order. If possible, try to hire yourself out for small karaoke parties to get comfortable with everything before making it a full-time job. If you can afford it, hire someone to be a host/”hype man” to keep crowds energized and enthused. Finally, consider having special prizes and contests each night as a way of making guests feel special.

How and when to build a team

Unlike some businesses, you will need to start your karaoke bar with a team in place. The exact size of the team you need may vary based on the size of your bar space, but you will need to hire various shift managers, bartenders, and possibly wait staff and busboys depending on whether you serve food or not. As mentioned earlier, you may want to have separate karaoke DJs and hosts to keep that element of your business running smoothly.

Useful Links

Industry Opportunities

Real World Examples

Further Reading