Catering services are everywhere, making it quite overwhelming when it comes time to hire a business for your event or occasion. On the flip side, learning some facts about how caterers calculate the prices of their services will help you narrow down the options, and additionally help you match the proper service to your particular budget. Continue reading to learn the top 3 pricing methods caterers use for their services, and how they differ from one another.

Overall Cost of Catering

The kind of pricing system a catering company uses will not necessarily make one company more affordable than the other. The overall cost of your catering will rely on several factors, primarily the size and scope of your event, and the additional services you choose to accommodate your catered foods. On the contrary, the type of pricing system can provide sets of benefits when it comes to convenience, efficiency, and transparency.

Understanding where the expenses of your services are coming from is an enormous incentive for clients in regards to hiring a catering company. So even though the pricing system isn't going to make one company less costly than another, certain pricing systems will make it more comfortable for clients who want to know how their final invoice came to be.

Top 3 Pricing Systems Employed by Caterers:

Tiered - Tiered pricing can be very popular due to its efficiency, but can sometimes cause confusion on what is included and what's not. Within this pricing model, clients choose a amount of catering according to the range of guests. It's somewhat like a pre-set package that includes the kinds of services and food they desire. For larger parties, a higher tier is likely used, which may include more food as well as more service. However, smaller parties would likely use a smaller or first level tier.

Fixed - Like a menu at a sit down restaurant, many caterers work with a fixed price menu selection. This is a easy and also clear method of pricing, providing exact descriptions and portions with set prices that don't change as outlined by size, scope, or personal preference. This pricing model is often utilized for restaurants that have catering divisions, and, independently owned catering companies. Clients enjoy this model because it is simple to understand and feels honest.

Custom - Custom pricing is not as common since it tends to involve client/company negotiating, but it really is utilized in the catering industry sometimes, particularly for weddings. With this estimating model, clients and coordinators sit down and design a custom catering menu in accordance to guest count, food preferences, and services required. During the meeting, both catering coordinator and client discuss the most effective prices for everything.

Regardless of pricing model, a qualified catering company should be able to deliver outstanding results, delicious food, and professional service, all at a reasonable and honest price. To make sure that you get the top price on your catered event, simply choose a company which has experience, integrity, and talent.

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