6. Not Getting References
What does a caterer’s customers have to say about them. Don’t discount the importance of references. You’ll find out things about a caterer he might not otherwise disclose. This will prove to be your best source of information. Would you let a friend make the wrong decision? Of course you wouldn’t and neither would one of your friends.
7. Thinking The Caterer Won’t Run Out Food
Have you ever been to a party and they run out of food? How did it make the host look? Running out of food is the biggest catastrophe for an event. Make sure your caterer provides you a written guarantee they won’t run out of food for the number of people you agree on.
8. Failing To Find Out What “Service” Is Included
As mentioned earlier, you get what you pay for. Find out exactly what the caterer does as part of his service. Will they stay till the end and clean the entire area or just through the meal? Who is responsible for the trash? Does the caterer plan on setting up and serving the meal, or is it a drop-off catering? You need to be aware of what you are getting for your money. This allows you to receive the service you expect and prevents any unexpected surprises for you before, during or after your banquet.
9. Not Having A Plan For Extra Guests That May Show Up
As good a job as you will do in taking reservations and estimating the number of guests, there will always be some people show up unexpectedly. Usually, a caterer will require you pay for the exact number of guests you guarantee. If fewer guests show, you’re stuck paying for food you didn’t use. If extra guests join in, you are more than likely going to run out of food. Some caterers use a “flexible guarantee”, but make sure you insist on this kind of guarantee. There are many reputable caterers that offer the “flexible guarantee”.
10. Using A Caterer That Doesn’t Guarantee Your Experience
Guarantees are a part of doing business for most industries. This protects you, the consumer, from not getting what you expect. You have a right to receive what you expect. Look for a caterer that guarantees their product. An example would be a guarantee that if the caterer runs out of food, you don’t pay. Make sure you go into your picnic knowing you are covered. Don’t place the risk on your shoulder. You have every right to expect a guarantee for your event.
Now imagine after all the planning, the follow up phone calls jockeyed into your breaks and numerous decisions to be made, the big day comes. You drive into the park dressed for a memorable day of fun in the sun, and it really is.
The caterer has been waiting for you for fifteen minutes. You show them where lunch is to be served, and politely excuse yourself. You go to the softball field for fifteen minutes of last minute preparation. You return and to your amazement the buffet is set up ready to go.
The smell of the fresh cooked barbecue permeates the park. You can’t wait to eat, and the head caterer makes you up a small plate before guests arrive. You can’t believe the freshness. You’re ready for another plateful, but you stop yourself. There’ll be plenty later.
The crowd arrives, and everyone makes a beeline for the buffet. You overhear someone comment to his wife, “This is unbelievable. I never expected a barbecue to be so nice. It’s as nice as the brunch served at the country club.” You smile inside as you walk by. You know you’ll get extra brownie points for this.
Meanwhile, some of the bigger guys are loading up their plates for the second time. They’re surprised it’s an “All You Can Eat Buffet”. They love that challenge, and remember they couldn’t even get seconds at last year’s picnic.
All day long everyone is hunting you down. They are really impressed with your skills in planning a picnic. You’ve never had so many compliments. Imagine, all because you picked a great caterer.
You’ll definitely have a memorable catering. The right choice will make it a pleasant memory. Let Rivers Edge help you make your picnic a huge success. You just need to follow one easy step:
Pick up the phone and call us at (503) 761-0314. Or email, [email protected]
I look forward to personally working with you on your successful picnic.
Very Truly Yours,
Ian M. Carter
Rivers Edge Catering
P.S. – Rivers Edge is the only local caterer with a 120% Guarantee. We guarantee your full service catering will have the best barbecue you have ever eaten, and you will not run out of food. If you feel the barbecue did not live up to your expectations, and we ran out of food…You have the right to demand a 100% refund plus a 20% credit for your next catered event. GUARANTEED!
