Graduation season can be a very busy time for caterers.  There are many different steps you can take to maximize your profits during this time.  As a caterer, taking advantage of busy seasons is what drives your bottom line.  With high schools and colleges finishing up their semesters, it’s important that you are prepared to take on the extra business and that you leave a lasting impression on your customers to create repeat business.  Catering is driven largely by word of mouth advertising.  Ensuring that each event you serve is well thought out and goes off without a hitch is critical to the survival of your business.

Getting the Word Out

Although word of mouth advertising is going to get you repeat business, it is important that you utilize every marketing channel you have to make sure graduation parties are aware of your company.  Many schools offer paid advertising in their school newsletter and on their websites.  This is a great way to get your brand in front of the parents that will be paying for these parties.  Sporting events that are being held close to graduation time is also a great opportunity to distribute flyers and even free samples to spread awareness of your brand. 

Specialized Inventory

Creating novelty items related to graduation is a great way to make your company stand out from the competition.  Having cakes that are decorated and personalized to the graduates school colors and names is a great touch and can provide a lifetime of memories.  Keep in mind, your items could be in pictures that are sent to hundreds of people and are looked at for years.  It is vital that your food looks it’s best in order to create business from family and friends for years to come.

Packaging and Presentation

Since most graduation parties will take place during warm weather, you will want to make sure your food is kept fresh and at ideal temperatures so it does not spoil.  This may require you to take additional measures with transportation and packaging.  You want your product to always be at its freshest.  All it takes is one item that has turned to create havoc for your company and hurt your reputation.  This is a very important day in the lives of the graduate and their families.  It is important that your product lives up to expectations and does not cause a hiccup in the celebration.

Menus

Graduation season may be a good time to revamp your menu and to offer foods that fit a wide variety of tastes.  Graduation parties often involve a varying range of age groups.  You will want to ensure that you offer items that will be of interest to kids as well as elderly customers in order to cover all your bases.  Many people suffer from food allergies.  You’ll want to make sure that you offer items that will allow everyone to enjoy your product.  You’ll also want to avoid cross contamination as many allergies can be set off just by certain foods being prepared alongside each other.

Increased Staff / Scheduling

Since most graduation parties will be taking place around the same time, it may be necessary to increase your staff and expand on your current staff’s hours.  This is a critical step.  The last thing you want to do during peak times is turn away business because you are too busy.  Hiring temporary staff for these types of events can be a good way to stay on top of things.  Make sure you are hiring reliable people for these positions as you do not want to risk your reputation just to add an additional party to your schedule.  It is also important that you plan out your parties as far in advance as possible and remain organized so each event gets the proper attention.

Be Financially Prepared

Busy catering seasons can require an uptick in inventory and staff.  Sometimes this will require cash up front that your company may not have available.  Consider a merchant cash advance from Quikstone Capital Solutions to grow your catering business. Download our free catering investment guide  - 3 Ways to stay Ahead of Your Catering Competition.