It is part of the "game." I just did one hte weekend before last. Although, I did get the gig, it can be a crapshoot.
You can charge $50 and refund, if they use your services. I quit charging, because my success rate has vastly improved due Yelp, Project Wedding and other interweb services. I am also finding with the services people ar booking without the tasting too!
Here is a thread:
http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=84371