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Q&A for How to Start a Catering Business
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QuestionWhat do I do if I already started the business, but am not getting any orders?Community AnswerTry promoting your business using social media and by word-of-mouth through friends and family.
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QuestionHow do I start a catering business if I don't have any cooking experience?Community AnswerYou can hire one or more chefs to do the cooking for you while you arrange appointments, coordinate events, and make business contacts.
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QuestionWhat types of catering equipment should I invest in?Community AnswerIt depends on your catering specialty. For example, it's important to know whether you're specializing in desserts or seafood since the necessary equipment would be wildly different! Do some research on your chosen specialty and see what equipment is recommended by other professionals.
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QuestionHow can I convince people to like my food?Francis VanSukeCommunity AnswerThe only way is by cooking the best food and being your worst critic. Practice a lot and research many different ways to improve your cooking.
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QuestionHow do I produce my first catering order?Community AnswerFirst, you have to find your first customer. (Most likely this will be a friend or family member who knows about your catering business.) Discuss what kind of food they'd like you to make, including appetizers and desserts. Then, you can begin shopping for and producing the order.
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QuestionIs it possible to start a catering business in my own kitchen at my house?Community AnswerYes. Many people do this. Just be sure to cover all of your legal and licensing ventures.
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QuestionHow can I rent a vehicle to deliver?Community AnswerLook in the phone book or online for vehicle rental services.
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QuestionHow do I decide prices in my catering business?Community AnswerA rule of thumb is to estimate the food cost and multiply it by 5. One fifth for the food cost, another for wages, another for other expenses such as power, etc., one more for taxes and the last one as your profit.
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QuestionHow can I start a business if I don't have any capital?Community AnswerMake a business plan and take it to potential investors, or apply for a loan at the bank.
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QuestionDo I need the same things as an in-home personal chef?Community AnswerIt depends on many factors such as what type of food you make and how much you make in quantity.
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QuestionHow much does it cost to start up a catering business?Community AnswerIt can range from about $12,000 to $40,000 depending on how big you want to be. That will include license fees, equipment, kitchen rental, insurance, and a vehicle to transport food.
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QuestionHow much does it cost to start a catering business?Community AnswerIt depends on your business plan (how many potential customers will you serve within six months-average number) as well as market segmentation, price of needed equipment and materials in your area.
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QuestionWhere can I find a sample of a catering contract?Community AnswerYou could find local catering companies and ask to see samples of their contracts. You might also be able to find examples through an online search.
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QuestionWhat licenses do I need if I want to charge to cook for dinner parties in client homes as a business?Community AnswerIt depends on where you live, but likely you will need a legal business license and insurance. To obtain a legal business license, you may have to pass fire and health inspections.
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QuestionWhat type of licensing is needed to cook food onsite in front of people?Community AnswerYou would need a food handler's certification (Servsafe), issued by your local department of health.
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QuestionHow can I start a business where I will be renting off catering equipment?Community AnswerGather your equipment and put an ad in the newspaper or online.
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QuestionDo I need to take any courses before I can start my own catering business?Community AnswerI would recommend that you take a Food Handler's class, which is usually offered through the local health department. You may be required to become ServSafe certified as well. All other education is up to you, but the more knowledge you have going in, the better off you will be. You could even try working with another caterer for a year or so first to gain experience.
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QuestionWhere can I get this loan to start business?Community AnswerYou could go to a bank, or ask a family member or friend. You can also visit the website grants.gov and take a look around, and your state's website should have listings for grants and loans as well.
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QuestionAre there classes I can take if I want to start a catering business?Community AnswerYes. Many culinary schools offer online classes if there isn't one in your area.
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QuestionHow do I get a license for a catering business?Community AnswerGo to City Hall in your city and ask for the Business License Department for help.
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QuestionCan a caterer also supply live entertainment?Awesome Catering DFWCommunity AnswerYes, catering can work effectively if you supply live entertainment. Live entertainment can enhance the overall experience for guests at an event, making it more memorable and enjoyable. The catering and entertainment should be coordinated seamlessly to ensure that both aspects complement each other and contribute positively to the event's success.
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