How would you hand this?

I have a date on my schedule that I was trying to keep open for something that I would like to do. I have turned down several events for this date that were for groups of 50 to 100. I have been contacted to do a catering for a group of 500 people on this date. I would definatly do an event of this size over my current plans, however when I research this event for past years it appears that the attendance is more like 150 people give or take.

I have to talk to them this afternoon, would it be unprofessional for me to tell them I was not interested in doing the event for less than 350 people? My concern is that they will book me and say 500 now and that will turn into 150 when all is done.

I guess it is a good problem to have but I am getting to where I could book every weekend in BBQ season (and pretty much am) but there are a few I would like to keep to myself BUT would be willing to give them up for events of 500 if you know what I mean.

I usually have set per person prices and they are good for 50 people or more. I would normally get my final head count and payment 10 days before event.

Is it ok to tell client that the minimum I will cater for on this date is 350?

Yes all good suggestions above and I practice all of what you all have said. But I'm not sure I was able to make clear what I was asking. Basically I was wanting to know if it were unprofessional for me to tell a client that I did not want to do the event if they could not guarantee a minimum of 350 guest on this particular date.

I have spoke to the gentleman and he has guaranteed me 500 and said upon final count prior to event there may be as many as 650 so it looks like I will be doing it if they want me to do it and they talk like they do.

Thanks everyone

Hi Gooose53, I'm sure it is me not asking the question correct but I am not worried about getting paid what I would like to know is if people think it is or is not professional for me to tell a client that on a particual date I am not interested in catering an event unless it is for 350 people or more.

The thing is on most any other dates I will cater for 50 people or more. But this one date I would turn a group of 100 away. So should I A) Cater by the guidelines of any other date or B) Tell clients that I am availible to cater the particular date for groups of 350 or larger only?

Would option B be considered unprofessional? One half of me thinks I should cater for any size group or none at all dates and one half says it is ok to require large groups only on a date of special interest and I just am wondering what others think.