Are You Doing Catering Proposal Letters the Right Way?

catering_plate |Culinary Business Strategy Blog
Photo Credit: Picoplato via Wikimedia Commons

By Deagon B Williams

As a chef I was always way more focused on the food for a catering job rather than a catering proposal letter. And frankly, I thought it was a useless waste of time.  I was wrong. I’ve learned that in fact, a catering proposal letter sets the parameters for the whole catering relationship. It’s very important.

Here’s the basic information that is needed in a catering proposal letter: names, dates, times (arrival, serving, departure) guest count, and of course the menu along with the quantity of food to be served. Make sure that all the pertinent details of the event are covered in the letter. This ensures that both you and the client are on the same page about all the particulars.

I have found that it is especially important to cover the terms for the job in the proposal. Specify when final details will be confirmed- as in when the final guest count is due, and when deposits and final payments will happen. Be sure to clarify what form of payment you accept. But the menu really is the main attraction so keep that front and center.

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