Things You'll Need:
- Full size van, commercial oven (preferable); proper business registration(s) and licenses for your local area.
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Step 1
It is a good idea to purchase a full size van in order to carry your prepared food items as well as foods requiring preparation once you reach the location.
If you can manage it, it is probably a good idea to have a commercial oven installed in your home or business location. You will need to check local zoning ordinances to find out about any restrictions as far as running the business out of your home. -
Step 2
If you can swing it, this can be a much in demand, sought after type of service.
If you do well planning and preparing meals for large groups of people, this may well be "up your alley." -
Step 3
Following are ways to market your services:
* Make contact with a number of wedding planners. Mention that you have quite a bit of meal preparation experience; however, are new to the catering business. Offer a reduction in your fee if the planner will recommend you. Additionally, offer an incentive for the planner such as in the beginning preparing a free wedding cake for a smaller group.
Back up your claims as far as being a superior baker or cook by bringing several planners samples of cakes or other specialty dishes.
* Connect with any location that may be used for events. Ask them to mention your service(s). Again, pay them a visit offering free pastry items as samples of specialites that you offer.
* If you would really like to spread the word, offer to do an upcoming event for the price of attaining the ingredients with no markup whatsoever. In the beginning, offer free samples and talk to as many people as you can involved with some aspect of event planning who are in a position to recommend or use a caterer. -
Step 4
Ideas as to companies or individuals possibly needing a caterer follow:
* Reunion committees of any kind. If you know of some group getting ready to plan a high school reunion this is a "golden" opportunity.
* Corporate-sponsored events
* Event Planners. Look under "Party Planning Service" and "Special Event Planners and Coordinators" in the yellow pages.
Start out by using the above simple suggestions, and pretty soon, if you are truly good, word of mouth will get you plenty of business.
