Niche Business

Niche Business Idea | Vegetarian Catering Business

Niche Business Description

Catering is a popular business. Starting a niche catering business will guarantee you a segment of the market. Presently there are more than 50,000 catering businesses in the US alone. Carving a niche in this market can be profitable as it will make you stand out from the competition. Starting a vegetarian catering business will be slightly more profitable than most catering businesses simply because you have cut one major cost, the cost of meat.

A caterer purchases, prepares, delivers, and serves food for special events. If you have the cooking know-how, some good business and communication skills, you can start an enjoyable enterprise.

To Get Started With Your Business

The first thing you will need to do is check with your local state health department to find out what licenses, permits, or certifications you will need to operate your business. If you will be preparing the food, you will probably need to get your own kitchen inspected and certified or you will need a certified commercial kitchen to work from.

Access to a commercial kitchen can become expensive in overhead costs. You might get around this buy renting a certified kitchen for your events.

Business Supplies Needed

Startup costs could easily reach $5,000 to $20,000.00 depending on how well you budget. You will need a variety of supplies for your business including but not limited to:
pots and pans
cooking and serving utensils
delivery and service tools
source of food

Other Business Costs

Other costs could include insurance payments, legal fees, licensing fees, inspection fees, marketing materials, advertising costs, travel expenses, hired help, etc.

Marketing Your Business

Your customers would include individuals who like to give parties, companies needing to feed employees or giving corporate parties, groups and associations for meetings or seminars or conventions. You could even market to film crews when in your area. To be successful you will have to devote a lot of time to marketing your business by meeting potential clients on a speculative basis. Try to stay away from traditional menus and explore new exotic menus.

Don't forget that social catering involves weekend and evening work so be prepared to give up those times when needed. It's also a seasonal business and can require much longer hours during holidays.

Show Me the Money

Your potential earnings are unlimited. Traditionally a caterer can make anywhere from 40,000.00 to 100,000.00 per year depending on their clients. Average fees run from $750.00 to $15,000.00 per event depending on the number of people being served and how.

Catering Business SIC Code: 5812-12

Happy Catering!

Rebecca Game has been an entrepreneur for over 30 years and is the Founder of Digital Women®, an online community for women in business providing business resources and tools including loans for women, grants for women and business networking tools.
http://www.digital-women.com

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