Starting a Home Catering Business

What you need to know about this business

• The start-up cost for a catering service is $6500 to $80,000 depending on whether you have to put in a licensed kitchen.
• Price guidelines are usually a set price per person with the following factored in:
• The cost of food
• The cost of paper products
• The cost of preparation
• The cost of running the business
• Any rental fee or commission you have to pay party or event planners
• Income potential is $45,000 to $100,000 per year depending on the size of the events you cater.
• You will spend half your time at home on planning and preparation, and the other half of your time overseeing each party and marketing the business.

How you can market this business

• Advertise in the business directory
• Rent a booth at bridal shows
• Place classified ads in local publications
• Encourage word-of-month referrals from satisfied customers
• Create online identity via social networking media like Facebook and Twitter
• Blog about your events and the menu

Home Business Equipment Requirement

• A professional kitchen (you can rent one if necessary) and necessary culinary equipment
• You need plenty of trays and other means of transporting and presenting foods.
• A van or SUV for transportation
• Phone and answering service
• A computer with event planning and organizing software

Target Market

• Individuals wanting the following events catered
• Weddings
• Retirement parties
• Graduation parties
• Small dinner parties
• Religious and anniversary celebrations

For more information