Top 10 Tips for Selecting a Caterer
By Bill Hansen
Selecting a caterer can be a daunting task, particularly for those once-in-a-lifetime events like weddings, major birthdays/anniversaries and celebratory corporate events. Making the wrong choice can lead to disaster; making you look bad as guests suffer through an uncomfortable evening with mediocre food, all but non-existent service and long lines at the bars.
Making the right choice can make you look good. Remember there are excellent caterers in all price ranges, whether it be an outdoor barbecue with over-the-top barbecued baby backs, or a paella fit for a king, or a simple buffet, or an elegant, upscale seated-served multi-course dinner at Villa Vizcaya. And remember that no one caterer can do all these well. All of us have our specialties.
10. Look for a caterer that does more than simply sell you food and beverage. Top caterers should do that, but they should also help you create an amazing experience while guiding you easily through the process. They are user-friendly.
9. Communications is key. Ask plenty of questions. Get the caterer to be specific on all the details. Look for a caterer who listens to your vision and then makes suggestions that will help you achieve it.
8. Observe at least one of the caterer’s events. Guests should be smiling and having fun. The catering staff should be well prepared, professional and efficient. There should be no long lines and everything should be clean and neat.
7. If possible, be sure to check with a few others who have hired the caterer. Top caterers rely on the word-of-mouth of satisfied customers and do not find it necessary to advertise in the media. Be wary of large phone directory ads. I have been doing business in South Florida for 26 years and have never found it necessary to advertise. My clients do it for me.
6. Amazing Customer Service. -Is the caterer prompt in returning calls and e-mails? Does the caterer answer the phone promptly? Be wary if a menu is promised within 48 hours and delivered a week later. If a caterer cannot deliver a proposal on-time, as promised, can you trust him/her to be on time with your party, wedding or event?
5. Ask where the food will be prepared. Fine caterers cook to order at the event site. This is most definitely worth the additional expense. Food cooked in a commissary, held in warming boxes and served hours later are not nearly as good as those cooked and served to order.
4. The caterer should be willing to offer ways to shave costs without sacrificing the overall quality of the event. If not, he or she should recommend someone else who can better meet your needs.
3. The first seven seconds are important. Trust your intuition. Most folks make their decision within the first seven seconds. What does the caterer’s Web site look like? Is the caterer’s phone answered within one or two rings? When you visit, are you met at the door? Does the caterer offer you something to drink or eat? Do you have to wait? All of these little things will give you a clue as to what you’ll be treated like at your party, wedding or event.
2. I know this is tough one since many people have never bought catering, but try to have some idea of your budget. As a catering professional I ask four questions within the first five minutes so as to not waste my time or my prospects time. Here they are:
What is the date of your party? To be sure I’m not already booked. This also affects your price. South Florida caterers charge more on the last Saturday before Christmas than they do on a Tuesday night in July.
Where will it be? To get an idea as to what the party will be for.
How many guests? For me, the larger, the better. For the buyer, the more guests usually brings the price per person down.
What is your budget? This gives me an idea if we’re in the same ballpark price wise. If you do not know your budget, professional caterers will give you some idea of their prices in order to determine if this will be a win-win.
1. Be realistic. Top quality products, superbly trained staff, top shelf beverages and high-end rentals can raise the tab in a hurry. Have your priorities in order. If food is the most important spend more there, and perhaps cut back on the music or florals.
Articles
Questions to ask your caterer before signing the dotted line
> Full Article
More on Selecting a Caterer
> Full Article
Top 10 Tips for Selecting a Caterer
> Full Article
Six Steps for Selecting the Perfect Reception Site
> Full Article
Setting the Tone:
An In-Depth Look at
Wedding Invitations
> Full Article
Extra, Extra – Write All About It
> Full Article
Contact information:
Phone:
305.338.1897
E-mail:
info@leadingcaterers.com
or
Hansen@leadingcaterers.com
Staff:
Bill Hansen
Founder & CEO
Nicole Labbato
Client Services
Lynne Gabriel
Administration Coordinator
