Am I out of line?

Looks good to me. YMMV based on region and competition. That would fly where I'm at. I try to bid a whole package and not too many ala cart options.

We never break pricing down. It's either meat only at $10/$12 a pound or packages.

GOOD sides????? If you are in the business to make money with a good product, never compromise your quality. GOOD sides should be always.

Jacked UP BBQ said:

GOOD sides????? If you are in the business to make money with a good product, never compromise your quality. GOOD sides should be always.

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I fully agree with this statement. Every gig you do is a "job interview" for the next job...you are serving potential clients with every sandwich and side dish. Don't offer them an option for marginal sides or you may be judged as a whole as being average.

Prices look about right though to answer your question.

for what you just said your giving them i charge 15 a person.. so i think your cheap...

I can't help you on the pricing but the observation about the "GOOD" sides was right. How about offering Southern Style Sides and charge a little more for your Trademark Sides or Signature Sides?

I haven't even gotten started yet, so my thoughts are probably not worth much on this issue, but here goes.

It sounds like a frustrating problem with competitors offering garbage sides and undercutting you, but that seems like the sort of thing that'll work itself out. If you are giving them quality at an honest price, you should position yourself as the BBQ caterer for those interested in a bit higher quality. If people want boiled potatoes and green beans, more power to 'em. If they are interested in treating their guests right, that's what you are there for.

Seems like it would be better to be thought of on the higher side of the scale on price and quality early than the opposite. Being thought of as a guy with a lower quality product seems like it would be a hard thing to come back from.

Finding some phrasing that doesn't make cheap sides sound "bad" seems like something worth pursuing.

I'll be right in line with your pricing when I get going. For now, I'm planning on $9/person for Pork BBQ, 2 sides plus slaw, buns, and sauce delivered. I plan on including slaw with all Pork BBQ orders because I think a good red slaw just goes well with Pork BBQ. My slaw feels like more of a topping than a side (I'll probably just buy the mayo-based slaw for those that want it, to make the HD a little happier). If they go with homemade mac'n cheese and beans, I think I can get it done for right around $3.50 per person. Maybe I'm out of my mind, but I'm still working on it.

PollardsVision said:

Seems like it would be better to be thought of on the higher side of the scale on price and quality early than the opposite. Being thought of as a guy with a lower quality product seems like it would be a hard thing to come back from.

Finding some phrasing that doesn't make cheap sides sound "bad" seems like something worth pursuing.

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If you had a basic price for a "Standard" plate, and a price to the side for a "Ramped Up" plate - avoiding the word good in association with sides...
You could always explain "Ramped Up" in the bid perhaps?

Yep, you need to show people why your "good" sides are worth the upgrade. For example,

Our "Signature Sides" are a perfect way to add that "little something" to a special occasion. Our Signature mac & cheese is made from scratch with real cheese, tender macaroni, and is slow cooked to perfection in the old time Virginia tradition. It's not from a can and is never frozen. It's made with the highest quality ingredients. Special occasions call for special attention. That's what you get with our BBQ and that's what you get with our very own signature sides.


Besides, isn't it cheaper to make mac & cheese from scratch than to use frozen?

I think your cheap. any restaurant will charge $8.00+ for a meal you eat at their place. your overhead is also there plus your time to deliver, fuel, wear on you car, fuel for smoker. I don't see why you are pricing to be cheaper than a restaurant. And maybe I am way out of line in pricing because i figure 1/2 pound per person.

boshizzle said:

yep, you need to show people why your "good" sides are worth the upgrade. For example,

our "signature sides" are a perfect way to add that "little something" to a special occasion. Our signature mac & cheese is made from scratch with real cheese, tender macaroni, and is slow cooked to perfection in the old time virginia tradition. It's not from a can and is never frozen. It's made with the highest quality ingredients. Special occasions call for special attention. That's what you get with our bbq and that's what you get with our very own signature sides.


Besides, isn't it cheaper to make mac & cheese from scratch than to use frozen?

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brilliant---

HBMTN said:

That is unless you think dumped out of a can is good :-D

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That depends on how many teeth you have left.:heh:

I've quit offering the option of canned beens, carton potato salad, etc. If the client is going with someone else to save a buck that's their choice. I want repeat business from clients who will pay a fair price for top quality products. Better meat, fresh sides, nicer serving ware. I have to give a lot of credit to my wife who demands that we put our best on the table every time. I think the outlay of more labor and slightly higher food cost now will pay big dividends long term.

I offer the same size sammy, slaw, beans, rootbeer, and a cookie for 10.99...looks good from here! :thumb:

HBMTN said:

That is unless you think dumped out of a can is good :-D

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Some people do. When my son graduated from college we had a lot of people over for a BBQ. We served baked beans as one of the sides. There was a person raving about the beans. They had to have the recipe. Since there were so many people and the only ones cooking and serving were my wife and I, we just heated four large cans of Ukrop (grocery store) brand baked beans. I told the lady that my baked bean recipe was a secret but I would share it wither her.

1.) Drive to the nearest Ukrops.
2.) Buy 4 cans of Ukrops baked beans.
3.) At home, open the cans and pour them in a pot.
4.) Heat them until they are hot, stirring occasionally.
5.) Serve.

HBMTN said:

Just to clarify, I don't say regular or good sides to potential clients I advertise them a s standard sides or upgrade to our signature homemade sides. I was only say good to you all meaning the difference between dumped out of a can and quality good home cooked sides. That is unless you think dumped out of a can is good :-D

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Still implies the cheaper ones are not "homemade". I offer numerous sides, some require a $1 upgrade fee either because they cost more or require more work to prepare.

You meal pricing is cheap, sandwich price seems expensive unless it is heavyon the meat.

Congrats on the free press. How did you get it - press release?