Start a Catering Business from Home
by M.C.
Are you looking for information on how to start a catering business? Each year
hundreds of thousands of dollars are spent on catered parties. Having a catered
affair has become a sign of affluence, a way to promote business and a solution
to the work-a-day mother. Caterers cover events ranging from lunches, cocktail
parties, dinner meetings, birthday parties, graduation parties, wedding
receptions, intimate candlelight dinners for two and even breakfast in bed.
Catered events have become a growing trend for people of wealth, growing
businesses and even the average family. It is an entrepreneurial business that
can earn up to $150,000 per year especially in a large city. If a caterer can
only work part-time, in a small town, they can still earn an extra $15,000 per
year. The opportunities for growth and profit are limitless. There are several
simple steps that every caterer-to-be should follow.
First one has to make the decision to start their own catering business. Once
the decision is made a Catering Company Plan should be formed. There are many
differences between purchasing a previously owned catering business to starting
one from scratch. If you choose to start a catering business from scratch your
first step is to apply for a license to operate as a caterer.
Anyone can purchase a catering license at their local Health Department. The
Health Department will then inspect and check to be sure that you have the
capacity to operate in an area where food will be cooked. The legal requirements
include a business license (as previously mentioned), a certificate of
occupancy, a fictitious business name and a tax license.
Now, after you have completed the legal requirements the next step is to become
your own employer, set up a work plan, learn the basics of sales tax, and gain
knowledge in the areas of payroll and bookkeeping. A successful catering
business is run by a successful mind.
Your business is beginning to take shape, at least on paper. To create the
business visually one has to purchase the cooking utensils, chairs and tables.
Many caterers find decorative props helpful and as a bonus they are considered
an added feature that sets you apart from others. Also, you have to have a
separate place for the food operation, the preparation and cooking. After you
have worked out all of these details you can begin promoting your new business.
This is such an exciting time to learn how to start a catering business. It is
when you decide your market and your product. You decide whether you want to
concentrate on parties, receptions, conferences, dinners, or a combination of
these options. To help make your decision research other caterers in your area.
Find out what they specialize in. As you complete this step you can begin your
menu planning and your advertising. Before you know it your catering business
has taken off and you are your own successful boss. Soon people will be asking
for you to cater all of their special affairs.
The Starting a Catering Business Start-Up Guide Kit is a step-by-step guide
which provides a collection of valuable sound advice and practical guidance for
starting your own successful catering business. Get more information here:
How To Start A Catering Business
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