How to Negotiate a Catering Job

Catering is defiantly an extravagance reserved for special family gatherings, social pay-backs or corporate benefits. A caterer's job is to make the guests look good. If you client is a catering virgin, they need to understand that you are bringing an entire restaurant to their home, and that's why catering can be much more expensive than eating out. Here's how to avoid misunderstandings before--not after--you get hired.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Well groomed servers dressed crispy with pressed clothes
• A reputation, so don't be shy--this is the time to brag
• Subscriptions to catering magazines

1. 
   Planning a soiree is very detailed!

   Stick to your prices. Labor is extra and begins when the crew arrives, so ask if they can afford servers. China is also an additional cost, as are flowers, silverware and ice. Sometime the cost of rentals exceeds the cost of food.

2. You might offer a less expensive menu if you see them go into shock. If the hostess tries to negotiate the price, ask her politely if she negotiates prices when dining out.

3. Offer the customer options. Trying to make each gig a financial killing will tarnish your reputation. Catering is a reputation only business. One week you're hot, the next week you're not.

4. You are only as good as your last job. Customers are fickle, and you're often a flash in the pan or an overnight continued success. Never be less than your best.

Tips & Warnings

• Work for a caterer. No two are alike.
• Do not be afraid to ask if they are able to afford the service.
• If they tell you how important they are and that they will get you more business, that's a HUGE red flag. Run as quickly as you can for the door.
• If you are concerned about being paid, ask for C.O.D.
• Before you unload the catering van full of food and staff, get a check.
• If not ... walk.
• Before you or they commit, get a signed contract drawn up by a real lawyer.
• An non-refundable deposit is absolute.
• Get 50 percent up front, not matter what.
• One can rent anything, including art and furniture.
• If you mess up, fess up.
• Never use friends or family as bartenders or servers.
• Never use the client's family as bartenders.

[missnice104]

on 10/2/2008 I need this advice as I plan on having a huge party in the winter. Great article!!!