last summer I was asked to cater small events simple,soup and sandwiches.I have done it again for this person a couple more times. Everytime there seems to be some special request, i.e. gluten free, lactose free. They started using my catering because of my baking. Only the owner has gained weight because of it so I have to supply fruit instead. My issue is that I purchase, prepare,deliver 40 kin drive each way for 10 days, and setup and honestly I think I hate it!! It takes me away from what I love...which is baking. I probably profit about $50.00 Cdn per day. I just think for all the running around and driving this just aint worth it. This post is more me venting than anything, but any words will be appreciated.
Stick with what you love. You are not obligated to fulfill every request this person has, especially highly specialized ones like gluten-free, lactose-free. I wouldn't have any idea where to start! From now on just say, politely, "I've decided to focus my business on baked goods and decorated cakes."
It is O.K. to tell someone NO. Sounds like this customer may be taking advantage of you. What would another baker/caterer charge her for her special requests, delivery and set-up? Let the customer know that because of your baking schedule it has become difficult for you to justify leaving your baking to accomodate her needs. Perhaps suggest that she may pick-up her order(that is if you still want to do it) or possibly give her some names of people that may want her business. Let her know that because of price increases in gas, and supplies that it no longer is profitable for you to do this. I think that most people would understand.
Sometimes the "small and simple" events are more work...... People think sandwiches are simpler than baked ham and mashed potatoes and they are not. Sandwiches have to be made one by one .... the ham and potatoes I cook in bulk.
Caterings for 50 require the same amount of equipment (read "labor cost") that a catering for 150 requires. I still need 4 chafers for 4 different foods, no matter whether it's holding food for 50 or food for 100.
I love doing it because it's part of my passion. I can think of lots of things that I am capable of doing but I would HATE doing because it's not the same level of love and passion.
It's ok to say 'no'. And I would not be shy about telling him "It's just not profitable for me to take on that event."
I forgot to mention that this time she doesn't want any "processed meats. So that means nothing from Costco.I suppose I can bake a roast and carve it. I did break down and go to a "high end" deli and paid $15.00 for 14 slices of baked turkey. What would you charge for 10 days of soup/sandwiches/ fruit and yogurt for 7 people each day?
I forgot to mention that this time she doesn't want any "processed meats. So that means nothing from Costco.I suppose I can bake a roast and carve it. I did break down and go to a "high end" deli and paid $15.00 for 14 slices of baked turkey. What would you charge for 10 days of soup/sandwiches/ fruit and yogurt for 7 people each day?
Oh geesh! First, with the special diet requests and the no processed meats (I mean, does he expect you kill your own cow?), I would have said "I'm not set up to handle menus like that."
Second ..... and he wants all of this for 7 people???? Call Subway and get a big sandwich delivered! Because otherwise my delivery charge would kill his budget!
I'm betting he thought he was doing you a "favor" with a 10-day catering gig, right? 10 days to feed 100 people each day is worth it..... driving all that way for 7 people? Sorry, I'm busy.
This is why places set minimums.
In my heart I know the answer, this is the last time I do this. I can't think of one "full fledged" catering company that would jump thru these hoops and not ask top $$$. My husband is of the mind that I should take everything that comes along to gain the experience. I try to explain that it is NOT profitable. I think he gets it now because I am in a funk. Only 5 days left with this gig.
I guess I've been fired". I had a lovely conversation with the wife (owner of the company) explained my concerns regarding special food requests and that buying specialty items will be increasing the cost about $100.00 for the10 days. She spoke with her husband and he said I can finish tomorrow and they will give me a cheque they will do the remainder themselves. I am soooo relieved. thank God it's over. Yippeee!!!
that is just $10 extra per day, not much more than a dollar per person! and they say no thanks, after you have bent over backwards to please them, that really burns me! people just want something for nothing. i'm glad you stuck to your guns and didn't back down.
the more I thought about it afterwards I realized that they decided not to fulfill their verbal contract with me even though the wife new full well that there would be an increase this time because of special requests. The ironic part is they are in business for themselves and rely on people signing up for their training courses. I believe the old saying "what goes around comes around." Thanks for all of the support.
Sometimes the "small and simple" events are more work...... People think sandwiches are simpler than baked ham and mashed potatoes and they are not. Sandwiches have to be made one by one .... the ham and potatoes I cook in bulk.
Caterings for 50 require the same amount of equipment (read "labor cost") that a catering for 150 requires. I still need 4 chafers for 4 different foods, no matter whether it's holding food for 50 or food for 100.
I love doing it because it's part of my passion. I can think of lots of things that I am capable of doing but I would HATE doing because it's not the same level of love and passion.
It's ok to say 'no'. And I would not be shy about telling him "It's just not profitable for me to take on that event."
Now don't get me wrong but I'm not in catering but I have 4 children and when it's a birthday we have immediate family over which is grandparents and a cousin every now and then and that is at least 15 people on a regular basis and they say oh ahh that must be a lot of work when we have roasts or lasagne and salad etc.. I can tell you it is easier to stick things in the oven, carve and serve than making sandwich's for every one.
Thats a lot of work when you don't enjoy so hopefully you'll be back making those cakes that you can add to your gallery so we can all check them out 
ps Indeby you rock
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