Preparing dishes for a large number of guests for an event such as a wedding, banquet, cocktail party, or conference is a real strategic challenge that also requires creativity and diplomacy. Are you ready to face it? Use these tips.
Orientation on customer’s needs is a key
It is not a surprise that the more quality caterers take care of the clients, the higher they get evaluated. But what exactly should you pay attention to?
- Create a personal offer
A good customer interview is fundamental to success. Be prepared for the meeting. Have a list of questions with you, so you don’t forget anything. The basic information you should get is: the number of guests, their age and gender, the nature of the event, the place where it will be held, its duration and, of course, the budget.
- Provide various menu choices
Ask if the client knows anything about possible allergies or food intolerances of the guests. If he doesn’t have this information, find out if he wants some vegetarian or gluten-free dishes to be prepared just in case. From experience, we know that it’s better to have different food options in smaller amounts than one big meat table.
- Offer tasting events
It might be difficult for the clients to make up their minds just by seeing the dishes on the menu or checking the photos. The task gets so much easier if you allow them to taste the samples of the dishes. This way they can rate not only the taste, but also the presentation of the dishes.
Invest in marketing
Be sure that you’re not the only new york catering company. To stand out among the competitors, you must have an effective marketing strategy.
- Use social media
The easiest and most effective way to bring your customers’ awareness is by using social media. It is a powerful tool that can lead hundreds of new clients to you, as well as give them the possibility to leave feedback. Use your social media account to create promo codes, special offers, and bonuses for your followers. It is proven that the catering companies that are active on social media are more likely to attract clients.
- Get creative with your marketing
As the technologies develop, also the marketing strategies change. Define your target audience, check where you can attract the attention the most, and go ahead with the ads. Use your own writing style, colors, details in your ads to create your own brand. Do not be afraid to make jokes. People love having fun, and isn’t this exactly why they throw an event?
- Don’t lose out on walk-in customers
No marketing strategy is as effective as word of mouth. Make sure that your clients are satisfied and they will do the advertisement for you by telling their friends and family about how great you were. Word of mouth has the power of trust, which is lacking in cold marketing. That is why it is so important to reward the clients for working with you and make sure they leave with a good aftertaste.
