I know this is not worth my time

So basically $7.50 x 40 = $300.00

Her budget is $7.50 per person. I sell a tri tip sandwich alone for $7.49 and with 2 sides for 9.99. What was the price on your tri tip sandwiches at the vending event that she saw? That should be her clue.

Here is the problem---she will find someone to do it at her price. They will cook ball tips or chuck roast or bottom round and call it tri tip. It happens every day.

The right thing to do is what you did---the only other thing would have been to tell her what you could do for $7.50---but cooking for only 40 people there is not much you can do for that price with 2 sides and a drink. How much is a Big Mac supersized meal?

grillfella said:

We were vselling tri tip sandwiches for $5.00 bucks no sides. You are right on the money there is not much I can do for that price. Heck subway is $7 with a drink and chips, by the way she wanted me to cook it on site.

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Ok, so first - Raise your vending price a bit to weed out some of this.

When I get inquiries like this, I really shake my head. My basic response to the "price only" folks is to look in the Pennysaver or Craigslist and find a low budget caterer who is not licensed, insured or Serv safe certified and works out of their garage. I also tell them to check their homeowners insurance to make sure they have coverage too.

You did right .... charge for your time and expenses. Also get a menu and charges per head for pick-up and on-site. This will allow people to understand quickly your charges. Remember, people that want something for nothing NEVER make good Customers.

$5 a sandwich? Even is a small town, that is not enough. My nephews Little League did $6.00 a sandwich at cost and sold for $8.00. The guy that sold them the tri-tip and rolls said that he could not go lower than $6 per and still make his costs plus a small profit.

Tell them to look at your pre-set menu prices and knock off the gratuity. I stopped getting these calls after a year!:twisted: