Catering Sales person?

[jbass]

Do any of you use a sales person to bring in more catering business?

[qfanatic01]

I am looking to add a catering person, they would not only work sales but also help with packing and delivery to start and any other shifts needing coverage until we build it up to a point where they are busy without extras. I would offer a % as compensation for fielding catering calls off the clock and motivate them to look for new customers. My experience with sales staff is, if they don't have to live with what they create they will put you through hell.
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The lessons are in the customer's criticism. They aren't always right. The rewards are their satisfaction.

[RodinBangkok]

We went from small vending to small commercial charcuterie, then added catering, and other ventures from then on out. As things grew it was very apparent that the catering, to be done correctly, had to have not only sales, but a coordinator. When your dealing with a variety of different types of events this person becomes more and more important. Especially in the area of weddings, and we now do a lot of specialized catered upscale birthday parties. These types of events require someone to deal with themes, color combinations, and special requests for food. They do all the leg work on those type items, and interface with the food folks on what can and cannot be done. This position has helped us greatly in getting additional business, especially with theme type events. If you have such a person on board and are willing and capable of expanding your offerings, this can be a good money maker. I've found the more flexible you can be, and having an understanding face in front of the customer providing that buffer it makes it a lot easier. I'm the type that would probably say no can't do that, but with the interface person they will say let me check, then they will try and sell me on it or offer small changes. If I was that interface person the answer would not be as flexible, probably more like yes or no. Plus I have no interest in worrying about table drop and throw colors, or teddy bear theme birthdays, etc, so having the right person doing this function really makes it a seller for us.
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Rod