Two Tips New Caterers Should Follow When Ordering Their Supplies

Here are two tips that all new caterers should keep in mind when ordering their supplies from companies that offer event catering supply services.

They should avoid bulk-ordering paper cups, plates and napkins if they don't have the right storage space in which to keep them

Businesses that offer event catering supply services will sometimes offer discounts to caterers who buy their supplies in bulk. However, whilst budget-conscious new caterers might be eager to avail of these discounts, they should be cautious about which items they bulk-order if their venture is so new, that they do not yet have the means to store this large number of items in a safe place (such as a storage unit, for instance). They should, for example, only order the number of paper cups, napkins and plates that they need for the next couple of catering gigs they have booked.

The reason for this is that paper-based catering supplies can, for example, slacken and become unusable if stored in a damp or humid environment. They are also likely to grow mould in such conditions. As such, if a new caterer needs time to establish their business before they can afford to rent, for example, a climate-controlled storage unit in which to stow their bulk-ordered supplies, they should avoid doing this, as it could result in them wasting their money. Instead, they should only bulk-order the types of items that are robust enough to be stored in less-than-ideal (but still hygienic) conditions; some examples of this might be tinned and jarred ingredients.

They should consider setting up standing orders for items that they use for regular catering gigs

If a new caterer manages to secure some regular catering gigs (such as providing the food and drink for a monthly local networking event, for example), they should consider contacting the event catering supply company and asking them if they can set up a standing order for the supplies that they'll need for these gigs. This will eliminate the chances of, for example, the caterer forgetting to order some essential item (such as a specific type of seasoning or flour they use to make the bread for this event) and then realising shortly before one of these gigs that they're missing this item.

It will also reduce their mental workload which, for a new caterer, who will need to adjust to handling many different responsibilities, including everything from ordering their catering supplies and coming up with menu ideas, to marketing their business and organising menu sampling meetings, could be extremely helpful and might stop them from getting overwhelmed.