Questions To Ask Your Corporate Catering Service
Dallas, TX - Whether this is the first of the special events you’ve planned for your company or the fiftieth, there are specific questions you should ask of the corporate catering service when you’re trying to choose the right one. Asking the right questions can make the difference between having truly special events and having a complete disaster.
Here are some of the basic corporate catering questions, as well as what to look for in an answer:
May I have a list of references? References are key when choosing a provider. You need to be able to talk to people that have used the caterer, and find out what their experience was like. Make sure you actually call a few of them, and get a good idea of what to expect at your event.
Do you cater multiple events at the same time? This tells you whether the corporate catering service will be focused only on your special events, or whether it may have other priorities at the time of your event. Scheduling multiple events at once shouldn’t automatically disqualify a caterer, but it is something you should be aware of.
How much is the corporate catering service, and is there a refundable deposit? You have a budget to work with, and cost is certainly going to be a factor in your decision. Remember, of course, that you get what you pay for. The least expensive service is often that way for a reason.
Can you meet at the special event site to create a floor plan? The layout of your event is pivotal to its success. Making sure that the caterer can conform to your needs in this regard is key. If they’re not willing to work with you in this way, it can indicate that they really don’t have the time, resources, or desire to earn and keep your business.
Do you have a business license, liability insurance and a health department permit? You need to insure that you’re working with a legal entity that is able to perform corporate catering services. You also need to make sure your company is safe in terms of liability, as well. Make sure to follow any of your company’s specific policies when it comes to hiring vendors, as well.
How many staff, and of what type, will be at the event? Knowing how many chefs, waiters and other staff will be on hand ahead of time helps you know whether the company has sufficient resources for your event.
How much time will you need for set up? This is an important question, as well. If your event is being held in a facility not owned by your company, you need to be able to have enough time to get things ready for your event, and to get things cleaned up afterwards.
Do you remove the trash when you leave? Disposal of trash is an important question, especially for larger events. If the venue doesn’t provide for trash disposal, you’ll need to see if the catering company can.
Biographical Info: Phillip Crum is the Chief Idea Officer of Sir Speedy Walnut Hill located at 2414 Arbuckle Court Dallas, TX 75229, and is committed to the idea of helping small business owners do a better job of finding their next customer or client. He also runs a local search marketing firm, MarketingMeasure and employs those additional capabilities in the overall marketing services menu of offerings. Phillip can be reached at 214-213-7445, or pcrum@MarketingMeasure.com.