If you create magic in the kitchen and others believe so as well, that’s enough to turn your passion into profit by starting a home-based catering business. Being a great chef does not necessarily mean you can run a successful catering company.
There is no surefire recipe for a successful catering service business, it’s a spicy mix of passion, determination, killer culinary skills, and grace under fire. It’s a highly competitive marketplace, you have to follow this step-by-step guide before starting your own home catering service business.
Starting a business can be overwhelming, pursuing your dream and making it work may exhaust you if you are not prepared already. Follow these instructions before stepping foot in the catering business world.
Business Competitors
See who your competitors are, what they are offering, and what they overlooked. Check competitor’s menu, clients, list of services, and prices. Read customer reviews about what they liked about the caterers.
Find your niche
Once you are done with the marketplace and customer research, you would have a better idea as to which type of catering you should go to. As you are just starting, you may not be able to cater a sit-down dinner of hundreds of guests. Instead of big events, go for wedding showers, engagement parties, birthdays, and bachelorette parties. Since it will be a home-based business with limited resources, it would be wise to start small.
Develop a Business & Marketing Plan
It would be foolish to start a business without a business and marketing plan in place. Analyze revenues and expenses for the first three to six months.
In today’s world, a business can not flourish without marketing. To spread the word, make a splash in the market, and let the client know about your services, it would be impossible without advertisements and marketing.
Get License and Permits
Contact the state occupational licensing or health department to know what kind of permits and license you need to start a business. They will also brief you on what laws to abide by.
Create Menu
Create a menu and publish it on your website or social media handles. Make a set list of items from which customers can select their event menu.
Invest in Equipment Inventory
Since you are starting a catering business from home, investing in professional cookware would be a no-brainer. Invest in professional cookware, dishware, utensils, serving dishes, coolers, freezer, and other food preparation and serving tools.
Establish a good relationship with Vendors
Find reliable vendors for food supplies who make timely delivery. Research the suppliers you can find locally and set wholesale supply rates.
Now, when everything’s set in place, all you have to do is wait for your first order and impress clients with your culinary skills.
Putting it all together, Catering is a successful business with estimated revenue between $30000 to $80000 a year. However, the catering business is not all about the food, it is how you run, manage, and advertise your business. Making clients happier with your professionalism and additional services will make them hire you for the upcoming events.
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