Catering Success; Tips and Tricks
If you’re a person who loves eating and serving delicious food, interacting and socializing with people and value your freedom above all else; Catering is the business for you. The success rate of a catering business can be higher than that of a restaurant. Talent and perseverance will help you overcome most of the obstacles thrown your way but here are some tips to set your catering business on the path to success. Catering Business Plan.
- Write a Kickass Catering Business Plan
Before starting any kickass business, write up a kickass business plan. Carefully devise a business plan giving preferences to what you think may need more financing. Every single step and purchase of your business will go down in your business plan.
- Gain Experience
If you’re considering setting on the path of catering, then first give working under a caterer a try. This will help you realize what caterers do and gain some quality experience. It will also prepare you for the idea that caterer work is long and hard and requires physical strength.
- Set Catering Prices
The catering business is also a full-fledged business like any other, so it is essential that you have profit and loss statements in everything that you do. Always be sure to tally up the hours you work an event, because the best way to find out if you’re making adequate money is by approaching it hour by hour for every job.
- Rent a Licensed Commercial Kitchen
If you’re ready to dive into the world of catering, you possibly could not provide your catering services from home, you must find a licensed catering kitchen. Also, inquire about renting the space at hourly basis.
- Rent the Equipment Rather Than Buying Everything
The best thing about this business is that you don’t need to buy everything right away. You can start off by adding a few things to your inventory and gradually build it up. Till then you can rent the things you haven’t bought. Be sure t send invoices of rentals to your clients.
- Get Your Business Insured
Never overlook insurance, like any other business, this business also requires insurance. Do not underestimate its importance.
- Collaborate With Other Planners
Caterers are only one of the many hired services by event planners. Work with event planners and wedding coordinators, you can even offer them discounts for your services.
- Promote Yourself
Use social networks like Twitter and Facebook to promote yourself. Use these sites to offer advice and establish yourself as an expert rather than talking about your business itself.
- Stay Focused and Consistent
A focus is essential. Be creative, but always bear in mind that you are a business. Keep track of all your paperwork, history and books. Don’t get too casual. Carefully keep records.
To get your catering business started and organized use this business plan template: Catering Business Plan Template