Posted by Carl Jones on September 25, 19100 at 18:16:28 :
In Reply to: Re: You aren't legal? posted by Brenda on September 23, 19100 at 20:21:33 :
: No I'm not legal. Sorry I got you upset. I do have insurance and pay my taxes for the last 11 years (I will check the policy and if that's not enough I would get a personal umbrella policy to cover myself) I can't tell you how many caterers (whether it is right or wrong) that I have encountered in 3 different states that I have lived in who caterered from their homes. (Doctor's wives, home ec teacher, secretaries, exec. wife -- doesn't make it right, but it does happen.) I really don't want to be forced to go out and rent space because, frankly my business is only sporadic. I do a few business luncheons and my specialty is cocktail parties and sweets. I have had a food safety course and of course that doesn't matter I guess if I'm catering without a license. But I do know how to handle food properly and safely. There are so many people in my area that either do baking of cakes/desserts or caterers like myself who cater out of their homes. I know of two that actually belong to the Chamber of Commerce. All of my jobs I get by word of mouth. I haven't advertised in papers etc. because I do work out of my home. I don't want to step on anyone's toes, but I don't think I'm a threat to any of the big caterering outfits (although, I've been told my appetizers beat them all)
: I don't think I have failed at all. After 11 years, I'm still doing this. But like I said, on a small scale and don't really want to get any bigger.
: I'm sorry I have admitted to this, now I will probably never get a response from anyone.
We don't mind talking to illegal caterers on here. We like to encourage you to get legal. You don't upset me. You are just not playing fair. You personally would be absolutely no threat to my professional catering business. BUT, collectively, YOU as an industry of illegal caterers DO damage professional caterers. If I had only one illegal caterer in my town it would be no problem, but the problem is that there are more illegals than legals... All out there underpricing due to ignorance more than competitiveness..... You sould like the exception to the rule. You know your stuff!.. That's great, but you will still be messed up when you get caught.
Check with your insurance. I believe you are wasting your money paying premiums, because I highly doubt they will pay a claim once they find out you are without a foodservice permit. Remember, insurance companies have entire depts dedicated to figuring out how NOT to pay your claim.... (loss prevention dept)
Happy to be talking to you... no anger here...
Carl