Catering Part Time - Start up feedback from those who are doing it?

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   philzgrillposted 13 years ago

   I would be interested to know if there are any caterers out there that might be able to provide some good information for someone who wants to do this part time, perhaps 2-3 events per month.
   I've cooked plenty of times for bigger events such as church parties, weddings etc.  Thanks!

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   1. 59

      jonesukijonesposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Hi - I have a start-up business called "Korea-in-Your-Home" where I offer Korean food to bring to people's homes.  I have a website (www.lindabess.vpweb.com) that includes my menu in a .pdf doc or an option of PayPal shopping cart.  I require a deposit for any catering job that I get to ensure that I have the money to at least purchase food.  I have business cards that I am currently distributing around the city in which I live, and am using my Facebook account to drive traffic to my site.  I am also using Google Ad Sense and will hopefully use Amazon  Ebay Ads to earn money from the site.  I have had 3 inquires thus far (I set up the site 12/20/10) and am awaiting a response from a potential customer who wants to set up a dinner party of 6.  I still need to market more online (submit info to search engines) and do things like become a member of the Chamber of Commerce & The Visitor's & Convention Bureau.  All is still in the works.  I have considered searching for investors and/or partners as well.  Otherwise, my site is just sitting there, doing nothing for me.  I advertise the site on Twitter & Linked In as well.  I don't know if any of this info helps you, but good luck!
      
      Linda Bess

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      1. 64

         philzgrillposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         very interesting business model, would you be able to cook for large numbers?

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         1. 59

            jonesukijonesposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Not at this point - I don't have the cookware or the serving dishes to do so.  That would be a great thing to offer at some point, but not yet as I'm just getting my feet wet.

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   2. 51

      DON68posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      If you want to start small part time  I  would look a book called Secret of starting your own catering business by James Amwell http://www.secretsofcatering.com/ .Great info for some one who is just starting out.

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2. 53

   MrsFinneganposted 13 years ago

   AS a chef and former personal chef, and someone raised in the catering industry for 40 yrs. the first thing you need to do is check out your zoning laws to find out if you can do this out of your home (if you plan to) then look into liability insurance - at LEAST a $1M policy to start - then if you can, get letters together from those you have done parties for and some pics if possible of some of your work for your portfolio.  Take a food handler's course, required by law, and some business courses at your local community college.  You can also contact your local SCORE office they have retired business people who give classes to help you start businesses.  Good luck.  Oh, and get used to working nights and holidays and living on little sleep!

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