Sending food hampers this Christmas

Posted on: 4 December 2020

Event caterers will often experience a myriad of problems when hiring suppliers. Sometimes, the supplier will deliver supplies late or provide low-quality supplies. Read this guide for some expert tips on how to choose an event catering supplier for your catering business.

The Supplier's Reputation

Restaurant and catering directories will have a list of food and catering suppliers in your locality. Conduct some internet research or contact other food catering companies to identify reputable suppliers. Some of your concerns when evaluating the quality of the event catering supplies company should include: 

• What is the company's specialisation? A company that deals with restaurant and bar supplies may not have catering supplies.
• Does the company have a physical location? It is a sure way to avoid online scammers.
• Will the company allow you to sample food products before purchase? It helps you ascertain the quality of the foods provided.
• How does the company relate to its clients? Consider companies that have 24-hour support and friendly staff. Reputable companies will have a reasonable and effective dispute resolution mechanism.

Available Products and Services

The company should offer a wide variety of products. For instance, when buying kitchen equipment, you will want to know the material used, the type of insulation and whether the equipment comes with a warranty. Be ready to spend a little more on quality equipment as it will significantly ease the catering process. Some catering suppliers will also have equipment for hire. For instance, if you have a large event that you did not anticipate, the company could hire out essential supplies such as food warmers, commercial carts, portable sinks and buffet stations. 

Quality of Food

Food is a vital element in catering. Poor quality foods will make you lose the trust of your clients. Below are some tips to help you examine the quality of foods provided by the supplier:

• Check the source of the food. For instance, some imported foods could contain dangerous chemicals.
• Inquire about the supplier's storage procedures. For example, foods refrigerated for long might lose their taste and colour.
• Make sure the supplier stores foods at appropriate temperatures.
• Visit the supplier's premises and observe the hygiene standards observed when handling foods. For instance, staff should have appropriate clothing, and foods must be labelled and cleaned. Besides, raw and cooked foods should be stored separately. 

Pricing

The supplier should have a reasonable pricing strategy. Typically, he or she should have wholesale prices since you will be buying in bulk. When purchasing online, ask about shipping prices and the seller's return policy. Additionally, inquire whether the supplier can extend credit to long term customers.

When choosing an event catering supplier, check his or her reputation, the available products, quality of food and the pricing policy. If your event catering supply is running low, talk to a supplier in your area.