Does serving delicious food to a crowd of partygoers sound like a dream? Do you want to take your love of desserts to weddings and other special events? If so, becoming a professional caterer could be the right career path for you.
Sure, you could search your local job listings to find a catering position, but wouldnât it be great to be your own boss? If creating your own menu and serving up delicious food and beverages at events interests you, why not start your own catering business?
Maybe itâs been a lifelong dream to operate your own catering business. Or maybe you just love to cook and want to turn it into a career. Whether youâve already taken steps to launch your own business or you donât know quite where to start, this post is for you.
In this article, weâre going to explore exactly what it takes to start and fund your own catering business. Weâll start by discussing how to create a business plan and why a plan is a necessity for a successful business. Then, weâll delve into the expenses youâll encounter and how you can cover those costs. Weâll also talk about choosing your business structure, building your web presence, and advertising methods that can bring in new customers.
Ready to go? Letâs get started on your path to entrepreneurship!
Create Your Business Plan
Starting a business without a detailed business plan is similar to taking a cross-country trip without a GPS or a map. In short, itâs not a wise move. Your business plan should not only include details about your business in the present — your management team and your mission statement, for example– but it should also serve as an outline for how your business will hit future targets.
Your business plan acts as a blueprint, outlining how your company will become successful and profitable. For that reason, your business plan wonât look exactly like the plan of another business — even one within the same industry. However, even though details may vary, there are a few common sections that can be found in all business plans. Those include:
- Executive Summary: Describes the content of the business plan
- Overview: Includes background of the business, legal structure, and other key details
- Industry Analysis: Overview of the industry, including the size, nature, and any current trends
- Competitive Analysis: Overview of your competition
- Marketing: An outline of your marketing strategy and how youâll reach customers
- Operations Plan: Description of the operations of your business
- Management: Bios and skills of your management team
- Financials: An overview of current and future revenues
Your business plan not only helps you hit your goals, but itâs also critical when it’s time to obtain financing. Banks, nonprofit lenders, and even some alternative lenders may require a business plan as part of a loan application, especially for startup loans.
Pick Your Niche
While it may be tempting to try to cater for every event in your area, youâre going to stretch yourself thin ⦠and likely set yourself up for failure. Instead of trying to offer services to everyone, pick a niche.
You may already have an idea in mind. For example, maybe itâs always been your dream to be a wedding caterer. Be sure to also consider the type of food you like to make. If you prefer to make salads, sandwiches, and other lighter fare, consider catering for business or school functions, luncheons, and other daytime events. If you prefer to serve fancier entrees, consider catering for weddings and special events.
Another step to take before selecting your niche is to do some market research in your local area. Where are there gaps in catering availability? What niche is overcrowded with the competition? You may find that there a large number of wedding caterers already in your area. Unless you can bring something new to the table (being the only caterer to serve Southern-style barbecue, for example), you might want to consider filling a different customer need.
There are a wide variety of catering niches to consider, including:
- Weddings
- Corporate Events
- Adult Parties
- School Events
- Childrenâs Parties
- Festivals
- Sports Events
With an idea of your niche and the type of food you need to prepare, you can move into the next step: planning your menu.
Create Your Menu
Once you have a niche in mind, youâll be able to narrow down your menu choices. Let’s face it — if youâre planning to focus on childrenâs parties or school functions, you wonât exactly need filet mignon on the menu.
You also want to consider what type of food youâre experienced at making. While you can certainly test out new ideas in the future, you want to put your best foot forward when starting out. You also want to offer a variety of options while keeping your menu at a manageable size. Having a menu with too many items or items that contain ingredients that are difficult to source could cause unnecessary stress for you and your clients.
Itâs also important to remember those with dietary restrictions. Consider adding a few options to your menu that are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free to help expand your customer base.
Performing a test run or two can help you further improve your menu. Once you have your menu in place, test it out on a few friends and family members. Get their honest feedback on where you excel, as well as where you fall flat. Tweak recipes as needed, change techniques to become more efficient, and be honest with yourself about what works and what doesnât. Then, alter your menu accordingly.
Source Your Ingredients
After you create your menu, youâll have a better idea of the ingredients needed to prepare your food. When you first get your business off the ground, you may be able to get the ingredients you need by purchasing from a wholesale club in your area. However, as your business grows larger and you have more events to cater, youâll want to purchase your ingredients from other sources.
You can get fresh produce from local farmers. Start building these relationships by visiting your local farmersâ market. You can also build relationships with restaurant suppliers and food service vendors to purchase bulk ingredients at reduced prices.
Calculate Startup Costs
In many states, you will be unable to use a residential kitchen to prepare your food. If you plan to cater from home, you must contact the health department in your area to find out more about the regulations of home-based catering businesses, including inspection and permit requirements.
In most cases, youâll need to rent space for your kitchen. There are two ways to go about this.
The first is renting your own commercial space. This is the more expensive option but is a necessity if you plan to cater full time.
If you only plan to cater events occasionally or on weekends, you may be able to rent a commercial kitchen for a few hours on the days when you need it. This is a more affordable option since you wonât have to invest in equipment, but itâs not ideal for full-time caterers.
If you arenât renting space in a kitchen thatâs already stocked, youâll also need industrial equipment that is used to prepare your food. Some of the items youâll need include:
- Commercial Ovens
- Stoves
- Deep Fryers
- Sinks
- Refrigerators
- Walk-In Freezers
- Mixers & Blenders
- Pots & Pans
- Knives
- Cooking Utensils & Tools
- Storage Containers
- Dishwasher
Youâll also need equipment that youâll bring on-site for serving and keeping food at the optimum temperature, including:
- Serving Dishes & Trays
- Serving Utensils
- Chafing Dishes
- Carving Stations
- Grills
- Heat Lamps
- Soup Kettles
- Beverage Dispensers
- Coffee Station
An additional cost to add to your list is a catering van. This van will be used to transport your food and equipment to venues. You may save money initially by purchasing a used vehicle. However, you need to ensure that you know the complete history of the vehicle. You may also incur additional costs if your used vehicle needs repairs soon after purchasing it.
Some caterers also provide table settings, glassware, and utensils, but this adds to your initial investment. You may also provide additional items for your events, including chairs and/or chair covers, tablecloths, and centerpieces, but again, this will add to your startup costs.
Before starting your business, sit down and make a list of your total expenses. You can tailor the list to your own business. For example, if you donât serve fried food, you wonât have to invest in deep fryers. If you specialize in only desserts, you may have pastry tools, cake displays and stands, and bakeware sets on your list.
Once youâve made your list, start shopping around to get an idea of costs. Check out prices online or visit local commercial kitchen equipment and supply stores. Once you have an idea of how much funding you need, itâs a smart idea to add about 30% to those costs to prepare for the unexpected. For example, if youâve priced everything at $100,000, apply for a loan of $130,000 to make sure all of your bases are covered.
Register Your Business
Before you begin catering to clients, you need to register your business with federal, state, and local agencies.
First, you need to think of a business name. Brainstorm ideas to find a name thatâs catchy and is a reflection of your brand. When youâve come up with a great name, check your Secretary of Stateâs website to ensure that this name is not already being used by another business.
Next, you will need to select your business structure. This is an important step because your business structure determines how your business is taxed and your personal liability for debts incurred by the business. The types of business structures include:
Sole Proprietorship
This business is owned and operated by one person. This is the easiest business structure and does not require registration. Setting up a sole proprietorship is easy. However, this structure does not provide you with any protection against the debts and liabilities of your business.
General Partnership
This type of legal structure is made for businesses with two or more owners. These are the easiest to create, have a low cost of operation, and the fewest requirements. No state filing is required for a general partnership.
Limited Partnership
This is another type of structure for businesses with more than one owner. General partners in a limited partnership have unlimited liability. The remaining partners â limited partners â have limited liability. In most cases, the personal assets of limited partners are protected from being used to satisfy the liabilities and debts of the business.
Limited Liability Partnership
This type of structure is designed for professional service businesses. Personal assets of any partner canât be used to cover the debts and liabilities of the business. However, all partners in an LLP are liable for their own acts, such as medical malpractice.
Limited Liability Company
An LLC is separate from its owners. This type of legal structure protects owners from personal liability without the higher tax rates and stricter requirements of corporations.
Corporation
Owners in a corporation are protected from personal liability for the debts of the business. Corporations are the most difficult to set up. However, it is necessary to choose this business structure if you plan to sell stock or raise large amounts of capital in the future.
The type of business structure you choose for your catering business will vary based on the number of owners and your plans for the future. Consult with an accountant or attorney to learn more about your options and which is best for you.
After you choose your business structure, you will need to register with the state where you will operate. You can register through your stateâs Secretary of State website. Application and fee requirements vary by state. If you plan to offer services in more than one state, you will need to register with each state.
Another important step in registering your business is obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. This is a necessary step if your business will have employees now or in the future.
Get Permits & Licenses
After registering your business, itâs time to apply for the permits that you need to legally operate your business. Itâs necessary to do this early in the game, as it may take weeks or even months to receive your required permits.
State and local laws surrounding permit and license requirements vary. Some of the permits and licenses you may need to legally operate your business include:
- Business Licenses
- Health Permits
- Food-Handling Licenses
- Liquor Licenses
You can contact the local health department, the state Alcoholic Beverage Control board, and other state and local agencies to learn more about the licenses required in your area, how to apply, and any applicable fees.
When working with food, you also face inspections from your local health department. The temperature of prepared and stored food, waste disposal, and the safety and condition of your cooking equipment are just a few of the things that will be inspected periodically.
Get Business Insurance
Protecting your catering business is important, and thereâs no better way to protect yourself and your business than with business insurance. As a caterer, there are multiple insurance options to consider.
General liability insurance protects you from lawsuits that occur during events. This type of insurance covers physical injuries, property damage, and even damage to your reputation.
Another type of insurance to consider is errors and omission insurance, also known as E&O insurance. This insurance protects you from lawsuits that may be filed if a mistake is made. For example, if a client warns of an allergen and you include an ingredient that triggers an allergic reaction, this insurance would protect you from a potential lawsuit.
Property insurance should also be a consideration. This insurance protects your equipment, fixtures, and other property from damage or theft.
If you have employees, you will also need workerâs compensation insurance. This covers medical costs and lost wages from employees when they are injured or become sick. This also protects your business from lawsuits as a result of injuries.
If your business serves alcohol, you may also be required to carry liquor liability insurance, which protects your company from alcohol-related lawsuits.
Insurance requirements vary by state. Talk to your local insurance agent to find out more about the laws in your state and to create a personalized insurance policy for your new catering business.
Seek Business Funding
Weâve already reviewed many of the costs youâll encounter when opening your own catering business. Now, itâs time to determine how to pay for those costs. Whether you have money in the bank or your bank account is looking a little slim, there are financing options available for you. Start your search with these options.
Personal Savings
If youâve been putting away money into a savings account, now may be the perfect time to withdraw your funds. The great thing about personal savings is that you wonât take on debt with a lender. This means no payments, fees, or interest. The downside, though, is that if your business goes downhill, it may take your savings with it.
Friends & Family
Consider taking a loan from a friend or family member thatâs willing to invest in a potentially lucrative new opportunity. Prepare your presentation, have your business plan in hand, and explain why your opportunity is worth investing in.
If you come to a mutual agreement, make sure to get everything in writing. It also goes without saying that this friend or family member should be treated like any other lender. That means paying back your loan as scheduled.
Instead of a loan, you may consider equity financing. In this scenario, your friend or family member would own part of your business. The major benefit is that you wouldnât have to immediately start making loan payments. However, you would give over some ownership (and a slice of your future profits) and control over your business if you go this route. Undecided? Learn more about the pros and cons of debt vs. equity financing.
ROBS
If you have a retirement account, you may be able to leverage these funds for your new venture. Normally, if you withdraw before you reach a certain age, an early withdrawal penalty and income tax penalties apply. However, you can avoid these costs through a rollover as business startups (ROBS) plan.
A ROBS plan allows you to use your retirement funds for starting or expanding your business. Four steps are required to access your funds. First, a C-corporation is created. The next step is to create a retirement plan for the new C-corp. Then, you can roll over funds from your existing retirement account into your newly created plan. Finally, you will use these funds to purchase stock in your C-corporation, giving you access to the capital you need for your new business.
The process isnât complicated, but there are rules you have to follow to ensure you maintain compliance. To take the guesswork out of ROBS, many aspiring business owners work with a ROBS provider. For a fee, ROBS providers will set up your ROBS account for you and will maintain it to ensure everything is done by the book.
Using your ROBS is a great way to fund startup costs. Other than a setup fee and a monthly maintenance fee charged by your ROBS provider, you do not pay additional fees. After all, youâre using your own money. However, if your business fails, you put your retirement funds at risk.
Recommended Option: Guidant Financial
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Guidant Financial can help you roll over your retirement funds into capital you can use for your catering business. In about three weeks, you can have the funds you need to start or grow your business with Guidant Financialâs ROBS plans.
To qualify, you must have a retirement account worth at least $50,000. Most retirement plans qualify, including:
- 401(k)
- 403(b)
- Traditional IRA
- TSP
- SEP
- Keogh
There are no credit score, time in business, or annual revenue requirements to qualify. However, you must have a business to fund, and you also must be an employee of that business in order to set up your ROBS plan.
Since youâre using your own funds, you donât have to worry about monthly loan payments. However, you will have to pay a one-time setup fee of $4,995 followed by a maintenance fee of $139 per month to maintain your account.
In addition to ROBS plans, Guidant Financial also offers additional small business loan options including Small Business Administration loans and unsecured business loans.
Equipment Financing
As we discussed earlier, there is a lot of expensive equipment needed to start your catering business, from a catering vehicle to commercial kitchen equipment. A financing option to consider when you need new equipment is equipment financing.
With equipment financing, you can take possession of the equipment you need without paying the full cost up front. Instead, youâll pay a down payment (typically 10% to 20% of the purchase price), then repay a lender in smaller, more affordable payments over time.
There are two main types of equipment financing to consider: equipment loans and equipment leases. With a loan, youâll make a small down payment, then put the equipment into use immediately. Youâll make regular payments to the lender that are applied to the principal balance as well as interest and fees. Once youâve repaid the loan as agreed, the equipment is yours to keep, sell, or trade.
The other type of equipment financing is an equipment lease. Youâll also pay a down payment and regular payments. However, at the end of your lease, you return the equipment. At this time, you can sign another lease for new equipment. This is a better option if you plan to upgrade your equipment frequently, although this option can be more expensive over the long term.
With equipment financing, you typically do not have to put up collateral. Instead, the equipment being financed is the collateral and can be seized by the lender if you donât make your payments as agreed.
Recommended Option: Lendio
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Lendioâs network of over 75 lenders can provide you with up to $5 million to finance your equipment. Loan terms are between 1 to 5 years with rates starting at 7.5% for the most qualified borrowers. With some lenders, you can get your funding in as little as 24 hours. Some applicants may even qualify for 0% down financing.
To qualify for equipment financing, you must meet the following requirements:
- At least $50,000 in annual revenue
- Personal credit score of 650 or above
- Time in business of at least 12 months
If you have credit challenges, you may still qualify provided you have proof of solid cash flow and revenue for at least 3 months.
The funds can be used to purchase the equipment you need for your catering business, including but not limited to commercial kitchen equipment, office furniture and fixtures, software, appliances, and commercial vehicles.
If you donât qualify for equipment financing through Lendioâs network, you can shop around for other financing options. Through Lendio, you can apply for financial products including SBA loans, business credit cards, lines of credit, and startup loans.
Lines Of Credit
Running your own catering business comes with its challenges. Some challenges are expected — rushing around to cater a big wedding, for example — while others come when you least expect it. Whether itâs a slow season that has impacted your incoming cash flow, equipment that needs repairs, or an unforeseen emergency, even the most successful business face the unexpected.
For these times, itâs great to have a backup plan, like a flexible line of credit. A line of credit is different from a traditional loan because you donât receive one lump sum that you immediately start repaying. Instead, a lender assigns you a credit limit — much like a credit card — and you can withdraw money from your line as needed.
Your line of credit is ready to use whenever you need it. You donât have to immediately draw funds if thereâs no need, and most lenders donât charge fees if you donât use your line of credit. When you do use your line of credit, youâll repay your balance plus any fees and interest charged by the lender. Since this is a revolving form of credit, funds will be replenished and available to use again as you pay off your balance.
Recommended Option: Fundbox
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Fundbox offers lines of credit that can be used for any business purpose. One of the standout features of Fundbox is that the lender looks at the performance of your business — not just your credit score. Even if youâve been turned down by other lenders in the past, you may still qualify for a Fundbox line of credit.
Through Fundbox, you may qualify for up to $100,000. Once approved, you can immediately make draws on your account. Repayment terms are 12 or 24 weeks, and rates start at just 4.66% of the draw amount. Weekly repayments are automatically deducted from your business checking account. There are no prepayment penalties, all remaining fees are waived if you pay off early, and there are never any fees if you donât make a draw.
To qualify, you must meet the following minimum requirements:
- At least $50,000 in annual revenue
- Holder of a business checking account
- At least 2 months of activity in accounting software OR at least 3 months of transactions in a business bank account
Business Credit Card
Another source of financing thatâs great for covering unexpected expenses is a business credit card. A business credit card works just like your personal card. You can use your card online and in stores to make purchases anywhere credit cards are accepted. When you use your card, the lender charges interest on the borrowed portion of funds. If you donât use your card, you arenât required to pay interest. However, annual fees and other charges may apply.
Business credit cards are great for emergencies or for quickly resolving cash flow issues. You can also use your credit card for recurring expenses, such as gas for your catering van. If you go this route, apply for a low-interest rewards card that gives you cash back or other perks just for using your card.
Recommended Option: Chase Ink Business Cash
Chase Ink Business Cash
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Purchase APR: 15.49% – 21.49%, Variable |
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With Chase Ink Business Cash, you can earn rewards just for using your card to pay for your business expenses. Using this card gets you 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services. You can earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 used at gas stations and restaurants. These offers renew each year on your account anniversary. For all other purchases, you can earn unlimited 1% cash back.
New cardmembers can take advantage of a $500 cash back bonus offer when $3,000 is spent within 3 months of opening an account. This card also comes with additional benefits including purchase protection, extended warranty protection, and free employee cards.
There is no annual fee for the Ink Business Cash credit card, and it comes with a 0% introductory APR for the first 12 months. After the introductory period, the card has a variable APR of 15.49% to 21.49%.
This card is recommended for borrowers with good to excellent credit scores.
Vendor Financing
As a caterer, youâll establish relationships with vendors. Youâll purchase your ingredients, supplies, and other necessary items from these vendors. Many times, youâll purchase these items up front. Other times, however, you may need a little help in the form of vendor financing.
With vendor financing, a lender will pay your vendors up front so you can get the supplies necessary for running your business. Youâll then be able to spread your purchase out over several smaller payments. Like other financial products, youâll pay fees and/or interest for the convenience. While the cost of borrowing may be higher than making a purchase up front, the extra expense may be well worth the cost if youâre in a financial bind.
Recommended Option: Behalf
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You can pay your vendors immediately without putting up the money up front by working with Behalf. Through Behalf, you can get up to $50,000 to pay your vendors. Then, you have up to 6 months to repay the lender.
Monthly fees start at 1% of the borrowing amount and are based on your creditworthiness. There are no origination fees, membership fees, or other hidden costs to borrow from Behalf.
There are no time in business, annual revenue, or credit score requirements to qualify. However, Behalf will perform a hard pull on your credit once you submit your application.
Personal Loans For Business
You have a solid credit score, but small business lenders wonât even give you a second glance. What gives?
Many small business loans have time in business and annual revenue requirements. This is fine when your business is already operating, but what do you do when you need a loan before you even open your doors? Try applying for a personal loan for business.
As a startup, you may find it challenging to qualify for a small business loan. However, you can use your own personal credit score and income to qualify for a personal loan that is used for business expenses.
These loans donât have time in business, annual revenue, or business credit score requirements, so you can qualify even if youâve not yet catered a single event. Personal loans are available for a wide range of credit scores. However, having a high credit score can help you qualify for the best interest rates and terms.
Recommended Option: LendingPoint
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LendingPoint specializes in personal loans, offering qualified borrowers $2,000 to $25,000. Rates range from 9.99% to 35.99% with repayment terms of 24 to 48 months. An origination fee of 0% to 6% of the borrowing amount may apply. Payments are made twice per month.
You can quickly and easily qualify for a LendingPoint personal loan. To receive an offer in just minutes, you need:
- Proof of employment & income
- Bank statements
- Voided check
- Driverâs license or government-issued ID
To qualify for a loan, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a social security number
- Have at least $20,000 in annual income
- Have a verifiable bank account
- Live in a state serviced by LendingPoint
- Have a credit score of at least 585
Choose The Right Software
From keeping track of events to accepting credit cards, the right software can help you do it all. As a caterer, there are several types of software you should consider investing in to keep operations running efficiently.
Accounting Software
This software allows you to perform functions such as tracking expenses, sending invoices to clients, managing payroll, and keeping up with inventory. With accounting software, you can keep up with your financials and run reports, which is especially helpful when youâre seeking financing from a bank or traditional lender. Accounting software also makes it easier for your business when tax time rolls around.
New to accounting? Download our free eBook, The Beginner’s Guide to Accounting.
Catering Software
There are specific software programs designed to help caterers manage all aspects of their businesses. Features include invoicing, billing, employee scheduling, event bookings, and other tools to keep your catering business on track.
Payment Processing Software
Not all of your clients will have cash, especially when theyâre paying off large bills for their catering expenses. To make payments easier for your clients, invest in payment processing software. This software acts as the communicator between your bank and your customerâs bank, allowing you to accept debit cards, credit cards, and other methods of payment. Most payment processing software comes with monthly subscription fees, and some companies even offer free hardware that makes it easier than ever to accept multiple forms of payment.
Hire Employees
When you first start your business, you may be a one-man operation until you start bringing in revenue. However, you will eventually need to hire employees if you want to grow and scale. If youâre like many caterers, you may opt to hire an employee or two right from the start.
Employees that you may hire for your business — either now or in the future — include:
- Chef: Your chef will be in charge of preparing the food. For large events, consider hiring sou chefs for additional assistance.
- Servers: Bring food and drinks to guests
- Bartenders: Serve alcoholic beverages to guests
- Busboys: Responsible for clearing off tables
- Host/Hostess: Help guests find their seats
- Event Planner: Meets with the client to discuss details about the event
- Supervisor: Ensures that other staff members are doing their jobs efficiently
Until your business grows and brings in revenue, you may opt to hire just a few staff members, such as a chef and a server. As your business gains more customers and becomes profitable, you can add additional employees to your staff.
Do your research to get an idea of the average pay range in your area for each position. Itâs also important to remember that other expenses come with hiring staff, including workmanâs compensation insurance, training costs, and benefits.
To find employees for your business, ask friends, family members, and colleagues for referrals. You may also post a job advertisement on online job boards. You can even contact local temporary agencies to find the help you need.
Bolster Your Web Presence
Your plans for a catering business are coming together, so now itâs time to start thinking about how youâre going to bring in clients. Thereâs no better place to start than the internet.
Just think about it. If youâre looking for a local company to work with, where is one of the first places you look? The internet, of course.
You can quickly build your web presence with these easy steps.
Launch Your Social Media Profiles
Social media is a great way to reach new customers, and best of all, setting up your profiles is free! Create business pages on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and/or Pinterest. Make sure to include critical details such as your contact information, service areas, and types of events catered. You can build up your profiles to include information such as menus, pricing lists, and photos of your food and past events.
An added bonus on social media is that you can communicate with potential customers through comments or direct messaging.
As you begin to grow your business, you can later invest in social media ads, but in the beginning, focus on getting your profiles up and running.
Want to get the most out of your social media profiles? Check out our Guide to Social Media Marketing.
Build Your Website
In addition to your social media profiles, you also need to build a website. This doesnât have to be overly complicated. In fact, there are lots of website builders that make it easy to choose a template, customize your font and colors, and drag and drop images, text boxes, and tools — no design experience required.
Make sure that the design of your website reflects your branding. You also want to include important details, including the name of your business and contact details. You can also add additional features and information, including a live chat option, photo galleries, and reviews and testimonials.
Advertise Your Business
Boosting your web presence is a great start to advertising your business, but make sure that you donât stop there. There are several ways that you can advertise your business — both online and off.
Fliers
Pass out or hang flyers advertising your catering services throughout your area. Make sure that you understand the regulations in your area surrounding posting and/or distributing flyers.
Online Ads
Purchase ad space on Facebook, pay-per-click ads on search engines, or even post advertisements on local online forums and social media groups.
Newspaper Ads
This is an oldie but goodie: pay for ad space in your local newspaper.
Attend Wedding Shows
Many cities and towns have bridal shows where vendors can advertise their services. Research events in your area, rent booth space, and advertise your business in-person to newly engaged couples.
Wedding & Event Websites
Submit your business information to wedding and event websites to draw in new customers.
Word-Of-Mouth
Word-of-mouth advertising is the best form of advertising. Ask your past customers for testimonials and reviews, and always make sure to go above and beyond to provide exceptional service.
Final Thoughts
Starting your own catering business is exciting but venturing out on your own can also be a little scary, especially if you lack business experience. However, you can be on track to owning and operating a successful catering business with careful planning, preparation, and strategic borrowing. Good luck!
The post How To Start And Fund A Catering Business: The Step-By-Step Guide appeared first on Merchant Maverick.
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