Posted by Carl Jones on May 20, 19101 at 03:00:36 :
In Reply to: Re: pricing by the platter posted by Claudia's Kitchen on May 19, 19101 at 13:44:42 :
: Exactly. However, in this case this is the first time out with this guy and he is one of the top decorators in the country; could mean future work. I don't like this kind of pricing either, but I don't feel I can take a tough line with this particular client. (yet) So - how to do it? If I triple my estimated costs on that tenderloin for example, including garnishes it would be $150 a platter. Doesn't that sound astronomical? I'd love to make it work so that it is the same ($40 pp which was a steal of a deal anyway) or even more. I don't want him think he is saving money. Also, with this kind of pricing, I still need to demand a date certain for numbers, whether it is platters or people.
I have to agree with Sam, as usual. You are in a quandry. I would very nicely tell him that most professional caterers do not work that way. Reason: We take the burden of having enough food for your event. We know our costs and we know how much people tend to consume. The fact that we have "extra" food is for US, not him. We are protecting OUR reputation, therefore, we cannot sell by the platter. Remind him that grocery stores price this way and they give some hairbrained number like "serves 25- 35" Remind him that everything is based upon the combination of items...
As Mike Roman taught me and I teach others.. When you lose control of the event, get OUT of the event.... If you don't take control on the front end of this relationship, you will be destined to be his punk and he will screw you at will.... Figuratively, of course....
Sometimes the best business response is to stick to your guns and even pass on the job, "We would love to cater your event and would give you an incredible event as we are known for, but since you are uncomfortable with our pricing, it may be best if we just pass on the job at this time, Thanks SO much for thinking of us!, Buh Bye!!"
Can't tell you how many people apologized to me and accepted our original bid! Be very careful, YOu have to be professional, confident and very friendly for this to work! Any tones of arrogance may backfire...
Hope this helps.
Carl