Caterers and event planners should fine tune and adjust their prices and what they plan to sell to you, if they want your business.
Here are some things for you to think about:
1. Make, "If I don't need it, I'm not buying it", your motto. Only you know what your budget will afford, so don't allow yourself to get talked into things you don't need. Caterers or event planners that truly care about pleasing you will look out for your wallet and leave a lasting impression for doing it. Remember that everything is subject to change, so if you're not satisfied with your first quote, ask if there is any room for negotiation.
2. Ask for "labor re-tooling". Food costs aren't as easy to change, unless your menu is changed - yet, labor costs can be changed quite a bit when an event is produced with a smaller staff positioned to execute it. Simple changes, like changing from sit-down service to buffet service can alter the price substantially.
3. While in the negotiation process, ask for something at no charge. Or, ask if it's possible to receive something at an added value; for example, if you refer "X" number of family members or friends and any of them book an event, then becoming paying customers, if it's possible to knock a percentage off of your bill.
4. Communicate honestly with your perspective caterer or event planner. Don't be intimated by the process. Share any concerns that you have about what they're planning for you. Ask lots of questions. If you hosting an eco-friendly or "green" event, be sure to ask that plenty of attention is focused on eliminating waste. Keep in mind that having a small staff is a way of being eco-friendly, too.
5. Look for a caterer or event planner that specializes in your particular desired party niche; i.e., corporate events, weddings, venue or off-premise events, and large or small events. When you hire a company that specializes in large events (serving 1000 guests for example), their level of expertise and experience in serving large groups should be prove to be invaluable, no matter how many guests you invite.
6. Because catering is a major purchase for most people and companies, and because a large amount of money is often spent without actually knowing if what you'll get is what you're being promised - consider asking the caterer or event planner to share some of their client testimonials with you, if none are available in their brochure or on their website.
7. Ask the caterer that your considering (for hire) if they're planning to lower any of your kitchen labor costs by purchasing labor saving food items from a warehouse shopping club; i.e., Costco or Sam's Club. This could help to reduce your bottom line quite a bit because warehouse store prices remain pretty consistent.
To achieve the best results, find a creative caterer or event planner - one that can creatively offer you cash saving advantages that get what you want, the way that you want it, cost effectively.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_c.png?x-id=2fc4ef1a-a3d3-4e45-908d-120a53f74b78)
