I am meeting with a potential caterer to plan a buffet dinner, what questions do I ask?

I know what we are looking for in a meal, but are there questions that I may be forgetting? Has anyone wished they had asked certain questions?



Any advice or comments you can give me would be great!

Thanks!I am meeting with a potential caterer to plan a buffet dinner, what questions do I ask?
These questions are geared more for if it is an in-house caterer, rather than an outside source.



1) How long will the buffet be open?

2) When do they restock food options? When the food is completely gone, halfway gone, 3/4 gone...?

3) What kinds of beverages do they offer?

4) How flexible are they in changes?

5) Do they provide waiter-attended service (someone to take care of the buffet table during the dinner). How much extra does it cost?

6) Will they be setting the buffet table? What options do you have in linens and decorations?

7) Will they be setting the guest tables/providing silverware, tableware, and linens? If so, what options do you have for color, style, etc?
I pretty much agree with the others. The most important thing, however, is to make sure you've googled their name and read through any online reviews. These days, almost everyone gets rated at places like yahoo, yelp, etc. and this is where you'll get your best info.



In fact, it can even help with the questions you ask. For example, if a lot of reviewers complain that the fettuccini was disgusting because it was cold, you could point this out and ask if they're aware of this complaint and what they've done to remedy it.



And if the reviews appear to come from credible reviewers and they're all good, you may not have to worry so much about a lot of questions, since they clearly know what they're doing.I am meeting with a potential caterer to plan a buffet dinner, what questions do I ask?
how much do I need for x people. how many servers are you providing. if you are not familiar with the caterer's reputation get references from previous customers. Do you take cash or credit. Now, or at he time of the event. Is tipping of servers customary. Do you have backup personnel, if someone is sick, quits, gets fired, or goes on vacation. are you FULLY insured.(fire, theft, liability, no show)
Be sure to ask about the staff they will have present before during and after. Also, exactly how will the serving tables be set up. Exactly when will they arrive to set up. Don't be afraid to ask about every stinkin' detail. You shouldn't have to be concerned about anything on your day.
Don't forget to ask about clean up .