New business start up - buffet catering

[chap_owl]

Hi guys

 

I'm starting up a business in the new year and was just looking to get some feedback if possible from the good people of Sheffield Forum!

 

We are starting a catering business, initially specialising in buffet's.

 

What sort of pricing structure's would you think was reasonable.

 

We are looking at having different bands of pricing, so that the larger the orders the less per head etc

 

Any feedback would be great anyways - thank you all

[leelister6]

Why wait till the new year? Can't see many Christmas parties etc happening in January

[chap_owl]

Well yes, would love to get started as soon as possible really. Just wanting to gauge and idea of pricing etc.

 

We have done a couple of partys this month and they have been a massive success - but as we are now looking to take this up more seriously we'd like to put together a flyer and some prices etc.

[Chez2]

What about lunchtime catering for offices? If they are having meetings or visitors they often order small buffets to be delivered.

 

Why don't you put together some bufet ideas and suggest prices. Its much easier for people to say if they think that would be good value or not. Add in a delivery price or minimum order value for delivery.

[tinfoilhat]

Ring round at get a few quotes to get an idea on prices although some companies put samples their site. Get talking to marquee firms who don't offer catering in house and find out who they use and can you do it better.

 

And to reiterate on the above, if you are going to do it, do it now or leave til at least february but probably march or April. Unless you are doing post funeral teas all you will be doing is burning savings.

[CreativeA]

I would put together some sample menus (perhaps of budget, mid-range and luxury buffets...or hot and cold etc.) and then run an online survey from a free company such as SurveyMonkey. You can then post the link on here and other places such as Facebook etc... and ask people to respond to each sample menu of what they'd expect to, or be willing, to pay. You can also gage which food is the most popular. Should give you some more useful and tangible feedback .

 

From my perspective I have a diet very restricted by allergies so any catering company who factors in gluten, dairy and egg free options would win my custom...as they are bloomin' hard to come by (although it is improving!).

 

Good luck! x

[rob123]

In my last job we had lots of buffets and they were costed by range. So a £8 per head buffet offered a greater a range of food than the £5 one, though quality was high on both.

[Andy-TWDG]

Hi guys

 

I'm starting up a business in the new year and was just looking to get some feedback if possible from the good people of Sheffield Forum!

 

We are starting a catering business, initially specialising in buffet's.

 

What sort of pricing structure's would you think was reasonable.

 

We are looking at having different bands of pricing, so that the larger the orders the less per head etc

 

Any feedback would be great anyways - thank you all

 

Are you targetting the wedding market??

[claracluff]

Hi guys

 

I'm starting up a business in the new year and was just looking to get some feedback if possible from the good people of Sheffield Forum!

 

We are starting a catering business, initially specialising in buffet's.

 

What sort of pricing structure's would you think was reasonable.

 

We are looking at having different bands of pricing, so that the larger the orders the less per head etc

 

Any feedback would be great anyways - thank you all

 

hi im getting married next year and were looking for a cold buffet,if poss can you send me some info ....thanx

[Karis]

I think it's a great idea. I'm having a launch party next year and I'm looking for catering. Start now and business could be booming come December 2012.