Draft Service Company Owners:
Use this page to show bar owners how you are different from your competition.
You're pouring money down the drain, and you don't even know it.
I've seen it countless times during my years running a draft service company – bar owners losing 10-20% of their beer profits because they chose the wrong service provider.
That's the difference between a thriving business and one that's barely scraping by.
Here's the truth: not all draft service companies are created equal.
Some will keep your lines clean and your guests happy. Others will leave you with flat beer, angry guests, and a reputation that takes years to rebuild.
The Hidden Costs of Poor Draft Service
Before we talk about what to look for, let's be honest about what you're risking with the wrong choice. Poor draft service doesn't just mean bad beer – it means lost revenue, wasted product, and guests who won't come back.
When your lines aren't properly maintained, you're looking at:
- 15-25% beer waste from flat, foamy pours
- Guest complaints and negative reviews
- Health department violations that can shut you down
- Staff frustration with equipment they can't rely on
I've walked into bars where the owner was convinced their beer was "just having an off day", only to discover their lines hadn't been properly cleaned in months.
What Separates the Best from the Rest
1. Technology That Works for You
It is 2025; there's no excuse for guesswork in draft service. Your service company should use technology that gives you real visibility into your draft system's performance.
Look for companies that provide digital reporting systems where you can track cleaning schedules, monitor line performance, and even receive alerts when something needs attention. The best systems integrate staff training modules and performance tracking, so you have everything in one place.
Don't make this decision based on price alone.
2. Transparent Cleaning Schedules and Documentation:
Your draft service company should clean your lines every two weeks. You may be able to go a little bit longer based on your system, but you must have a set cleaning frequency. But here's what most bar owners don't think to ask: how do you know they actually did it?
The best companies provide detailed cleaning reports after every service. You should be able to see exactly when your lines were cleaned, by who, what chemicals were used, and any issues that were identified. Modern systems like Tap Trackers include digital tracking that lets you monitor your service history in real-time. Clearly written notes, communication, and parts and services that were needed during the call, all supported with images.
3. Staff Training That Actually Sticks:
Your bartenders are your first line of defence against draft problems. A quality service company doesn't just maintain your equipment; they train your staff to spot issues before they become expensive problems.
Look for companies that offer ongoing online training programs, not just a one-time walkthrough, but ongoing online training so that you can easily put new staff through it as soon as you hire them. Do not rely on your service tech to come out and do an in-person training for each new hire. Online is the way to go.
Your staff should know how to change kegs properly, including proper FOB usage. They should know what a Beer Clean Glass is and the impact it has on quality draft. They certainly should know how to pour pints properly - and some basic troubleshooting will always help too. All this helps to minimize waste.
4. Proactive Problem Solving:
Here's where you separate the professionals from the part-timers: how do they handle problems?
The right company doesn't wait for you to call with complaints. They monitor your system performance, track pour quality metrics, and identify potential issues before they impact your guests. They should be calling you with solutions, not the other way around.
Questions That Reveal Everything
When you're evaluating draft service companies, ask these specific questions:
- "How often do you clean lines, and how do I verify it was done?"
- "What commercial-grade chemicals do you use, and can you show me the documentation?"
- "Can I see proof of your liability insurance coverage?"
- "What kind of staff training do you provide, and how often?"
- "How quickly do you respond to emergency service calls?"
- "Can you show me examples of your reporting system?"
- "What's your process for identifying and preventing problems before they happen?"
The answers will tell you everything you need to know about their professionalism and commitment to your success.
Your draft system is too important to leave to chance. Choose a partner who treats your success as seriously as you do.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right draft service company isn't just about keeping your beer cold. It's about protecting your profit margins and reputation. The difference between good and great service can literally make or break your beverage program.
Don't make this decision based on price alone. The cheapest option usually costs you more in the long run through wasted product, lost guests, and emergency service calls.