How to Run a Coat Check Service!

• Coordinate your plans with the people hosting the event. A Coat Check service should be a welcome amenity to any event, but work respectfully with organizers to determine the right fit for any particular event.

• Determine a safe area within the event where you can control access and have enough room to store coats & belongings in a sensible way. Make sure not to block any fire exits, fire extinguishers or fire pull stations!

• Set your price and advertise. Typical charge is $1. You will need to make signs to post them around the event letting folks know that the service is available. This fee should entitle the owner to retrieve their belongings only once, not to have unlimited access throughout the night.

• Post a sign at the Coat Check itself stating: “Items checked here are done so at your own risk. The Coat Check staff is not responsible for lost or stolen items.” This is to protect you since you cannot inventory each person’s belongings. Still, treat belongings with extreme care and diligence.

• Each item checked must be given a numbered tag, firmly affixed to the item. The depositor is given a claim ticket with the corresponding number. Use two part stock serially numbered ‘raffle’ style tickets available at Student Programs or at party supply stores or other foolproof means to ensure that belongings get reunited with their owners!

• The pace of your service may peak at a time when many guests are likely to arrive. Take the time necessary to tag each piece and give the depositor the correct claim ticket. Make sure you have enough staff. You must have a minimum of two people on duty at any given time, so that the belongings are never left unattended and you can divide the duties sensibly.

• Solicit the help of Public Safety if there is a dispute. Public Safety staff has been trained to handle conflict and can assist you.

• Contact Student Programs in advance for resources and advice on how to make a coat check fundraiser work for your organization and for contact information for event sponsors.