Picking the right caterer for your event wether wedding, dinner party, office party, company picnic or any other catered event is relatively straightforward. But not doing your homework can lead to cold food poor service and true disappointment or worse. By following the simple steps below a lot of doubt and fear can be taken taken out of choosing the right catering company.
Good luck with your next event.
- Ask how long has the caterer been in business. Normally the longer the catering history the more you can rely on the catering company. Caterers that have been in business in the same area for ten to twenty years most likely will have a good reputation. You can’t stay in business that long, which is heavily dependent on referrals, if you are disappointing customers.
- Ask for 10 or 15 references, then randomly check three or four. Most businesses can’t come up with a list of twenty references that are phony ( it is to embarrassing). So you can rely on the random three for a reasonable response. Most real customers will tell the truth when asked how a cater performed. Ask about service, attitude, problems, food quality, timeliness, how easy was it to contact the caterer, was it easy to make changes and any other questions you may have. Probe for answers. This is your best chance to screen out caterers that don’t do as promised or provide anything less than good food and service.
- Meet with the caterer at their facility. Don’t be afraid to ask to see the kitchen, how clean is it, how organized, the more efficient the kitchen the more efficient the caterer. Ask about making changes, will it cost, how late can changes be made, what about decorating tables and buffet tables. Also ask to see the dinnerware and flatware. is it what you expect or are there options. Are there photos of various set up and table toppings. What type of seating do they offer.
- Taste the food. Ask if the caterer provide an opportunity to taste the food and sample the service, If they don”t offer sampling, walk away fast. You could be very disappointed when the meal is actually served and it is to late to do anything about it.
- Has the caterer catered this type of event more than once, and for this many people. If so for who and when. Don’t let a caterer experiment and go to school on your guests. If you are paying top dollar you should expect your caterer to be experienced.
- Discuss your budget. Can the caterer provide the meal you expect at a price you can afford. You cannot hire a caterer without knowing this. To skirt this issue will only lead to disappointment.
- Ask if they can they provide alcohol and your other beverage needs as required. Can they provide you with the proper license and insurance documentation. If not move on.
- Ask if they provide the additional equipment you may need such as tables, chairs, bars, tents etc.
- Ask if the caterer properly licensed for food, are they insured, are they covered by workman’s compensation insurance, if not you may be liable for accidents and injuries to your guests or to their employees as well as any health problems caused by the food.
- Ask to see the contract, is everything promised in writing. Do not count on anything not in writing.
In conclusion if you are satisfied with all the information provided to you and you have seen the documentation you can then proceed onto selecting food and all the accessories for your special event.
