This is why I have my flat rate....
I try to let them set the amounts although I will guide them to the best of my ability. I feel like you pretty much need to find your daily rate and stick to it as a minimum. I price myself where I just drop off the food and where I actually cater the event for the duration. That means two prices. I also do not try to be the cheapest, I feel I can charge what the market will bear and I will stick to it or better.
I would say to the customer. The standard is two ribs per person and knowing that not everyone will eat ribs, I will also make them aware of that fact. I will also let them know that I can still meet those numbers if they choose. That said, the way I make my ribs, they are very time consuming and require attention.
After the ribs, the brisket and pulled pork are just set it and forget it other than when I foil. Chicken is where you also can get into a jam.... I like to serve chicken fresh therefore you need to ensure proper timing is adhered to. If the chicken will be sitting, stick to thighs if possible.
I would probably prepare one leg quarter per person.
One brisket flat per 10 people. I have nothing against packers, but flats are a whole lot less mess.
One pork butt per 15 people.
The beans and sauce are about right..... You can always bring extra and use them only if needed. Beans heat up pretty darn quick. I would probably go with Head Country sauce it runs about $11 a gallon now. Use half of it straight and add some honey to the other half... or mustard.
All that said..... Provide the customers with those numbers and let them decide how much of each to prepare. I will always provide an extra brisket and butt (@$30)which takes no additional time, but does require additional space.
The customer provides me with the amount of food needed after I provide them with these suggested amounts. I will caculate those costs and add my flat rate. Keep in mind these amounts will also allow the customer to use these provided figures to compare me to the competition (oranges to oranges so to speak) and I am confident enough in my sales ability and my track record that I normally get the jobs that I want and many I don't want. For the most part the customer will only make a few calls for prices and if he or she makes 50 calls you aren't gonna get the job anyway and if you do......you probably will not want it in the end.
My guess is that many of the folks here at this site cater as a side job. You need to remember that most of the competition probably does this for a living and there is no sense trying to compete and low bidding which lowers the market plus leaves no room for error plus ruins their livelyhood.
As usual I am rambling on......
Of course this is probably a freebie...
Good luck on this event.
