Hiring a caterer for your organization can be a fun opportunity to consider different meal options, aesthetics, and even culinary styles. But it can also be a daunting task with so many factors to consider. First, you’ll need to define your own needs – whether for a one-off party or seminar, an ongoing series of events, or even long-term on-site food services. You may want to gather information to create a set of approved vendors that are available as needed. You’ll also need to think about food and meals themselves, including menu options and staffing. Then you’ll need to find a provider whose services and experience match what you’re looking for.
When it comes time to get going on your next catering RFI or RFP, Popcorn RFP is here to help! Our straightforward software takes the guesswork out of RFx creation so that you can concentrate on the details that are pertinent to your organization. We guide you through the process step-by-step from the basics about your organization, to the nitty-gritty of references, pricing, and safety requirements. Whether you’re working on your RFx individually or as part of a team, our interface gets you to a published document faster and easier than ever.
Catering services vary tremendously in their experience and capacity. Finding the best service for you starts with defining your needs at a high level. Check out how we help in practice!
First we ask about your overarching goals – whether that means meeting the day-to-day lunch needs of everyone in your organization, providing diverse food options at regular events, or improving nutritional offerings compared to existing food available on site.
Next, Popcorn RFP encourages you to get into the details: how many people need to be served? How often? What kinds of meals are you looking for? Do you need staffing, utensils, or other add-ons?
When it comes to hiring caterers, the issue of facilities is all important. Will you be able to provide the space needed to prepare and assemble meals? Or do you need caterers to take care of this step and deliver food ready-to-eat? By prompting you to consider these details up front, Popcorn RFP helps ensure that you find the best provider for your needs on your first try.
Of course when it comes to catering, food preferences are critical. Depending on your aims, you may be fine with one meal served to all with minor variations, or you may require a diverse menu of options including gluten-free, vegan, and allergen specifications.
Popcorn RFP helps you define your needs clearly up front, and ask the questions that get you the answers that you most need to make an informed choice about a provider. Finding the right caterer with experience working with similar organizations, numbers of people, and in similar kinds of contexts means getting the best value for your money. Our specially designed RFI and RFP kernels for catering services allow you to match your specific needs with the basics of all catering purchases.
At Popcorn RFP, we make the purchasing process faster, smarter, and more collaborative – reducing frustration and saving your organization time and money. Get started anytime with a free trial, and you’ll be on your way to happy, well-fed staff!
