Tips for Successful Catering Events

by Citadel Catering Professional Corporate Caterers in Houston Texas

Here are some tips to follow to make your catering event a successful one:

1. Setting the Priorities Right

· The first purpose of every catering company should be 'Good Service' and then profits. Once you start functioning in the market, good service brings you more customers than any advertising.

· Therefore, setting priorities right is really important.

· The first focus must be on 'Quality'.

· When a customer calls you, be very welcoming and supportive to all their queries because this is the time when they are comparing all their options before choosing their caterer.

· Always give them a range instead of an exact amount. If you quote too high a price according to the requirements, then you may end up losing the customer and if it's too low then it can turn out to be a loss for you. You can never know the exact amount before getting all the details. Therefore, a range is a safe bet.

2. Transparency in Finalizing the Deal

· Once you get the opportunity, complete your homework, sit down with the client, and have a detailed meeting.

· Present all options according to the client's budget. For instance, to lower the charges, dishes with less expensive ingredients and less prep time can be included.

· The clients should have clear paperwork for all that they are being charged for.

· They should know when to pay. Half of the final amount as a booking price is more than enough to finalize the deal. Convey to them clearly when to clear the rest of the dues, say, right after the event or later.

· Seal the deal, when the client is completely satisfied on all terms, with a legal agreement.

3. Accommodating

· Contact the client a week before the event to ensure that there is no change in the plan.

· Be as accommodating as possible if there are any changes.

· Then start procuring all the material for the final event.

· Remember to pay a visit to the venue to have a good idea of the place and arrangements.

4. Packing-Unpacking

· Having a tick list for every type of item while packing is a must. It will make sure that you do not lack anything.

· Food that can be cooked right on the spot, in order to retain the best flavors, can be packed semi-cooked.

· Always pack extra (be it food or utensils) than what is required to meet every eventuality. It's better to return with things packed than running out of them.

· You can pass a word to the client during the event if anything extra is to be used so that there is no confusion later on.

· Food and other things should be packed in such a way that nothing spills or breaks while transporting them, as well as the texture and freshness are preserved. Also packing should always be done keeping in mind that all the stuff is to be unpacked at the venue.

5. Service

· Reach the venue at least one hour before the event starts so that all unpacking and prep can be done and things are under complete control before the event starts.

· Give prior training to your staff suitable for the event, for eg. if it's a happy event they should entertain guests with welcoming smiles but in case of a funeral, it should be more of a sympathetic attitude and fewer smiles.

· A polite and efficient catering staff adds to the grace of the party and people enjoy their time more.

· The staff should be trained to focus on the service even if they have acquaintances at the party as well as try their best not to photobomb guests.

· As a caterer stay completely away from overt advertising. Remember it's the client's event, not yours.

· A hologram, say, on the staff uniform is more than enough. It should be a clear and unique symbol that gets etched on the guests' memory.

· Focus on the service, if you are able to impress the guests with your service they will themselves inquire about you.

· The venue should look clean and tidy all the time, ensure that the staff clears all the dirty dishes as soon as possible.

6. Winding Up and Customer Relations

· The tick-list that you prepared while packing will be your savior while winding up at the end of the event. Remember, every single pot or pan that you leave behind is a loss.

· Always, neatly pack and leave the leftover food for the client.

· Avoiding rushing to the client for the rest of the payment but surely meet them for sharing experiences and feedback. If they have any negative feedback then take it seriously

· Be careful with delicate items while transporting them back, every single piece of broken crockery is a loss, so why not be careful and avoid it.

To end with, giving attention to details always helps, be it food or service.

Citadel catering has a team of professional corporate caterers in Houston, TX which offers full-service catering for all sized corporate events in and around Houston Texas. We offer delicious food, variety of dishes and unmatched catering services to make your corporate event successful. If you are going to organize a large sized event, galas, wedding, charity or special event you can also host it at our premium event venue. For more information and booking details visit this website.