Posted by Sam Sears, CEC on October 08, 19100 at 14:29:54 :
In Reply to: Help! They are asking me to travel. posted by Lennas Catering on October 07, 19100 at 15:00:53 :
: I have a small catering service built on word of mouth referrals. I have been blessed to cater events for a large local radio station. Therefore, I have had several concert/backstage entertainment events. Even though meeting the ego and special need requests for some artists can never be included in the cost, the money is fairly good. Now I have been given the opportunity to cater an event in another state (approximately 250 miles away). They will provide me with a small portable kitchen. I will most likely be responsible for a Friday Night cast & crew dinner, late night snacks, Saturday breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night sancks & beverages.
: Can anyone help me determine a fee for traveling and a fee to pay my staff for traveling? Should I expect the production company to make our overnight hotel arrangements? Would it be better to contact food distributors in the state that I am going to or should I purchase and prep here at home?
: I am really over my head but I do not want to loose the opportunity or take it and end up making no money because of inexperience.
: Thanks Lenna
Dear Lenna, My firm & I cater several "long distance" events & this is how we would handle your situation, first Travel time @ pervailing staffing rates/hour, client pays for all staff time, except sleeping, staff is advised that they are on the clock & working the whole time, except sleeping, the client secures sleeping rooms (double/double's so staff can share rooms), get confirmation Number from hotel/motel, all incidentals (meal stipends & one phone call/day/employee, included in room charges), obtain a valid food service permit from the state you are going to & the local permit also if applicable, I personnaly would prep everything I could at my facility so I could take advantage of established credit that I have, but have a credit card for purchases on site, rent a refrigerated truck to transport all foods, be advised when you cross state lines you will need a US DOT #, these are easy to get & no cost, just fill out a form, contact your state department of transportation for the form...most commercial truck rental companies, will take a "applied for" US DOT #, as sufficient....pls email if you have any more specific questions.....sam sears, cec