As a caterer is it ok to decline taking a party?

I am a small catering operation. My hubby and I. If it is a big party I bring in my brother and sister in law. I work fulltime elsewhere and catering is my passion. Anyway, I sometimes decline accepting a party. It has only happened 3 times in the past 3 years. But I always feel guilty about it. The reason are varied but basically it is because I don't "feel good" about the party. The first time is because they wanted me to collect the money at the door. The second was because they wanted me to drive %26gt;1 hour one way three times in one day for all three meals. And the third was last night because the client was not prepared. to make a long story short. She kept putting off calling me back. sometimes waiting weeks to call. I finally made other plans for that day.



Is is wrong of me to turn down parties? My hubby wants me to take everyone that I can but sometimes I don't think that it is in our best interest to work them. But I still feel guilty.As a caterer is it ok to decline taking a party?
Yes, absolutely it is o.k. to turn down a party. You are trying to run a business, and you must be cost-effective. For that matter, you don't have to give a reason why, just tell them that you don't think you'll be able to give them what they want on the scale that they want it.



Your ultimate job is to make money at your passion, and there is nothing wrong with this. I grow very weary with the 'wealth haters' in this country who frown upon anyone's open desire to make a profit, as if it is somehow evil. What rubbish!



Collecting money at the event you turned down may have made you look tacky--thus potentially harming future business, OR, it may have taken an extra person to collect money at the event and that would have eaten into your profits.



You have to include the cost of your travel and time too. Your time costs something, and to eat the cost of making 6 one hour trips in a day, would have significantly eaten into your profits. Unless this was a cateree that would have made great contacts and referrals that would have made up the trouble and cost of delivering the far-flung meals, then it wasn't worth it to take the job.



As for the lady who wouldn't call you back in a timely manner, she was wasting your time, and your time is money b/c there could have been other clients to serve that day. Good for you for not caving. Making a profit off of your passion and talents is the best situation for all. You will burn out if you are not financially rewarded for your work at some point. Don't threaten the joy your work gives you by undercutting your profits.
I once had a guy that wanted me to have caviar and chicken wings at the same dinner and then told me he had a budget of two hundred buck for 30 people..(dontknow where he buys his caviar)...so yes..sometimes its ok:-)As a caterer is it ok to decline taking a party?
i think its ok, if u dont feel, but the same time i think u should not refuse them...
keep the parties going as long as you want
No is it not wrong.

I too cater on the side.

It is very difficult to please everyone and sometimes you just have to look out for your best interests.

Follow your gut feeling......it is usually correct!
of course its okay, its ur business and u hav the right to accept or decline. u may b looking for clients, but surely they shud b selling themselves to u to get ur service.



have faith in urself - if u dont want to do it for whatever reason, then thats what you shud do...



hope u get it all sorted x
You have to consider what is best for your business. Is it in your companies best interest to overextend and over commit yourself, causing your service to be less than stellar? It is always ok to say, "I'm sorry, we are booked for that day, do you have any flexibility in your schedule?"

People respect "no", if it's communicated right.
If you don't think you could provide the best level of service or if you think it's an event you'd best not be associated with turn them down. You as a business have the right to refuse service to anyone, and you don't have to feel bad/guilty.
Yes.
not at all!!!! do not feel guilty.good luck in your business!!!!
not at all it is your business and you maike the rules
don't feel guility...you don't want to waste all the money on the food for nothing.
You have to do whast in the best interest of the business not whats best interest for feelings being hurt.If the person was giving you the run around I say move on make other plans.She will learn next time she cant dilly dally around.

You are handling it fine and dont be initmidated by others.Be respectful when you do it and explain why that way they will know its inappropriate also.
No it isnt wrong, and i have never heard of a caterer having to collect money at the door, for what to pay u what u deserve. that is wrong, if they are too busy to call u back in a appropriate amount of time then they are looking for other caterers and u dont have to do their party. dont feel guilty and make sure that they dont trash your name to other clients as well. keep the business up and good luck...
Yes, it is OK, especially if it is not in your best interests. But again, you are supposed to cater to their needs. Go with your gut instinct...if it doesn't feel right and it is not in your best interests, say no.