The first step in operating a catering business is starting it up.
You might consider getting a franchise so that you can reap the benefits that the franchise may already have such as a good reputation.
You also get help in training management and free advertising because in most cases for a franchise people should already know and hear about the company.
However for a franchise, every year you must give a certain percentage of your sales and revenue to the franchisor and you must follow their standards and rules.
If you decide that you do not want to do those things and that a franchise is not your thing.
Then you may want to start your own company, but you must remember that marketing, advertising and good public relations is key to help the success of a catering company.
Depending on how big your market is, things that you may want to consider are either flyers, advertisements in the newspaper, television radio and even on the internet.
Just remember that a satisfied customer is advertising right there because they will be sure to tell their friends and family about their pleasant experience.
Also if your company has a website make sure to have hours of operation, telephone numbers, fax numbers, and any other information that maybe valuable to the customers.
Preparing menus and setting the right prices is the next step, things to consider are operating expenses as well as competitor's pricing.
Licenses and regulations should also be considered, they are the rules that all business need to follow and comply with.
It is mandatory for the entrepreneur to contact the municipality that is involved as well as the provincial and federal governments.
Other things that are a must are insurance which varies from business to business, accounting, furnishings, equipment, cost control to control, inventory and costs.
Education and training is always important to make sure that your employees are up to par and know exactly what they are doing.