Types of catering services to start

The catering service industry is huge and there are many different types of catering services for you to start, but you have to decide on your particular niche. Sandwiches is just one idea.

Think of what kind of sandwiches you will be working with. Will they be ordinary school sandwiches with different fillings or will they be open gourmet sandwich on a French loaf with all the trimmings to go with them. You should make each sandwich appealing so that no one sandwich is better, but that the customer will want to try different types.

Market the sandwiches to different businesses. You can offer a few samples of your best sellers at lunch time. There is a big chance they will be coming back for more.

Variation is important. If you are catering for functions some events will have a tighter budget than others and you will have to be more creative. Use different types of breads. There are so many different breads you can buy. You can even make your own, although this is time consuming it is worth the effort. Using different cheeses and other fillings for closed sandwiches and different preserves and garnishes for open sandwiches is also important.

Presentation is equally important. If it is a function you are catering for then make sure you plate the sandwiches well. If you are selling them privately or at a company make sure they are packaged and labelled presentably.

Make sure your standard is always high. For example don’t leave sandwiches standing in the open as you are making the rest of them for the next hour. They will dry out. Put a damp cloth on the bread and work hygienically. You don’t want to lose customers because of your working conditions. Also make sure you have equipment that is of high standard. It doesn’t have to be the best from a celebrity chef in France, but make sure your knives are sharp and, pans are non-stick and you have enough utensils.

Private catering services and selling from a home-based catering business are just two of the options, but there are countless others. These are probably the cheaper options. Starting your own sandwich shop or deli is another idea. Any shop costs money when starting out, but selling sandwiches will always be stable, especially if you are situated in the business district within the vicinity of companies and businesses.

The sandwich business is highly profitable, making over £3 billion in Britain alone. Let’s face it, who doesn’t love a fresh slice of bread with their favorite filling. Of course you will be competing with other shops, supermarkets and canteens, but competition is a part of business.

Another cheaper option can be to sell sandwiches using a van. Buying a van would be your biggest expense, but there are second-hand vans that are still in good condition. Make sure proper market research is done before venturing into this project. You would be delivery sandwiches to the same places regularly. You could also send out free samples to different areas. The advantage of this method is careful thought doesn’t have to be made when planning the location because you will have the transport to get there. Make sure you have ample space in your home and it is well equipped.

Think about the costs as you start up your business. You will know when a supplier is taking you for a ride. Do research. Try new suppliers. Roast your own meat such as turkey and beef and use that as filling instead of buying every time, which works out a lot cheaper. Always look for new, creative recipes. You can do a lot with a tight budget and most of all enjoy what you do!

The amount of catering services that are available sometimes just blows your mind away. There is almost something for everyone. You don't have to stick to one particular area. Weather you decide to choose a small catering business or a larger one there is always potential for growth.

Here are a few examples:

• Coffee Carts

Mobile catering services are becoming more popular. I thought selling coffee is a nice idea. You could stop outside a busy office block in the winter months before people are going to work. Kids love their hot chocolate. Specializing in coffee is also popular. Not many people don't love coffee.

• Finger food catering

Here you could include sandwiches, but I would focus on smarter corporate events. Chefs who are breaking out of the industry usually branch out into this sector, but it's easy enough to get the hang of.

• Outside caterers

This could include different fast food stalls, you could open a sandwich shop, a sushi bar or an ice-cream shop.

• BBQ catering services
  

This will make you quite a lot of money. You don't need to make a large investment. Big companies are always looking for caterers to look after them for a corporate event.

• Cuisine catering service
  

You would meet with the client and work out a menu with them according the event. It could be a corporate event, a wedding or a private party