5 Little Changes That’ll Make a Big Difference With Your Catering Function

If you want to give your catering business the edge it needs to compete with other providers in your area, you should provide perks that other catering companies don’t. Whether it’s an upgrade on service or a completely novel freebie that no one else is giving out, anything that makes your business unique will draw more clients in and give you a leg up over the competition.

Start with these 5 small tweaks that will give your catering business the advantage it needs to wow clients and draw more business your way.

Professional website

The first impression always matters, and in most cases, your website provides the first impression that future clients have of you. This is the reason why it is almost important to have a professional and sleek website that showcases everything that is good about your business. Use professional photos, real testimonials from past clients, and ensure that your website is easy to navigate. Make your website a good source for catering tips and advice too. Useful content will always be king, so don’t forget to update your site with practical tips for choosing the right menus, caterers, and even free recipes that potential clients will find useful. Finally, make sure that you are easy to reach from your website. A contact form and readily-visible contact information on your home page can make it easier for potential clients to book you. Even if site visitors don’t end up booking on their first visit, they’ll definitely be bookmarking your website for future use.

Professional uniforms

How you and your staff look on the day of the event speaks volumes about the kind of service and food you provide. Uniforms worn by well-trained staff give out the ultimate professional vibe and ensure that you are living up to the image that your client is paying for. Uniforms also make the catering team visually appealing to the eye and make members of your staff easy to identify. This allows your team to be readily recognisable and available to guests when they are needed.

Varied and Flexible menus

Catering services that offer menus tailored specifically to the desires of the client often come out on top. This is because flexibility and variety are important features, especially for clients who want their dishes to reflect their personal style, heritage, backgrounds, traditions, tastes and preferences. Listen to the customer and always make sure that you are covering all bases in terms of food preferences, dietary restrictions for the guests, presentation preferences, and other important details to make their experience just that much better. Flexibility can also go a long way towards expanding your customer base. For example, if you offer vegetarian, pescatarian, or kosher menus; this will put you on the map as the go-to provider for any client irrespective of their preferences or background. It ensures the client feels valued, respected and that you’re adaptable and willing to work to their vision.

Freebies

Historically, freebies have always been an effective solution in obtaining new business from clients. Whether this is extra plates, free take-home bags, anything free can be an attractive benefit that will have clients choosing your service over the competitor. Just make sure that you provide the same quality of service for your freebies as you would do for the rest of your service.

A departing gift

Thank you notes and gifts add a personal touch to any event and help cement your relationship with clients. Building relationships is crucial for creating your list of return clients. The simple note thanking your client for choosing your service can help you build that loyal base. If your clients know that they have a personal connection with you, they are likely to follow through with their booking and keep your business card for any future work. For example, thank you notes or baskets could come with a packet of sweets or a personalised bottle of wine to the client’s taste. Whatever you choose to bless the client with, the gesture itself will always help you stand out from the competition and make the client feel truly valued.

These are just 5 small tweaks that you can do with your catering function to make it more professional and memorable. Aside from offering quality and mouth-watering food, the details in presentation matter most, and in some cases, they can mean the difference between a one-time client and a client who will return time and time again, and perhaps share the word about your business for years to come. In a sea of catering providers in Brisbane, being professional while putting a strong emphasis on personalisation can go a long way towards creating a service that your clients will appreciate.

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