Pricing for Johns' Custom BBQ

[John W]

Well its' happened again the word of mouth has gotten out and a local Air Ambulace service wants me to give them a price on feeding folks for an open house. I've kinda got a price set for a known amoout of people but they don't know if they will have 100 or 500 show up for lunch. Should I charge them Cost plus a set fee. For instance cost of supplies plus $250.00 -300.00 for the day or should I go with a percentage increase of the supplies. Like 2 to 4 times the cost of supplies. If you guys have ever seen a bunch of Paramedics, firefighters and EMTs' eat well then you know when they say open house With free BBQ it will nuts around the BBQ pit. They were wanting burgers and dogs with some ribs and brisket, So I thought I'd shoot them a price that is fair I'd do the cooking and let them purchase the meat through my supplier. They do provide their service to the ambulance district I work for so it's like feeding family in our backyard. Anyone doing it this way or do you guys control everything. What is our time worth on a deal like this? Would it be best just to shoot them a price per lb of each and go on with it. :roll: Any suggestions will be greatly appericated. Thanks. My personal e-mail is Medicwink616@aol.com phone number 417-335-0616

Remember It's all about the back yard ( family time ) 8) :?

[texasbill]

Hey John sounds like you will have your hands full that day. My idea on this would be to charge them a flat fee for your time, let them buy all of the meat and supplies, and then you are out of the guessing game. You ask what our time is worth in a deal like this. Well, you will be using your pit and your experience and there is just not alot of guys out there that can handle cooking for a crowd like this. Again, it is almost like family and I know that I will volunteer my pit and time for special occasions on cooks. That is what we do as BBQ'ers who enjoy cooking.

I know this is just not much help but do what you think is best. You never know what will come out of the people that eat your Q so that is something to consider also. This is great advertising that you just can't buy.

Bill Cannon
Texas BBQ Rub

[Dirty Ron]

I agree with Bill. The only thing I would take into account, is the food that is being cooked. Burgers & hot dog type only requires a couple of hours, but add brisket & ribs - a lot more time (including prep work involved).

I think $20 - 25 per hour would be fair, and they can purchase what food they need.

Good luck, let us know how it turns out.

[John W]

Bill thanks for the quick reply :D The first wedding I did for a guy I work with his daughter where he supplied the meat the second day I had my Gator Entertainer. This is where this job comes from several of the flight people were there So free cooks for family does work. These folks demand that I charge them a fair price. There is the reason for the questions. I need to order some of your rub as well is that through the Web site? Ritch threw a small sample in well it's gone.... :evil: People liked it :P Thanks again you guys are awesome.......

[Big Rob]

Hey John W.................Good Luck Man!

[redneck cooker]

JOHN, WHEN I CATER I HAVE TWO DIFFERENT WAYS TO CHARGE FOR SERVICES. 1ST I GET A LIST OF EVERYTHING THEY WANT, I BUY EVERYTHING, COOK, SET-UP AND CLEAN-UP AND CHARGE BUY THE PLATE. THE 2ND WAY IS THEY BIY EVERYTHING, I COOK AND SERVE AND CHAGRE A FLAT RATE PER HOUR OR DAY DEPENDING, TO COVER MY LABOR. (IE: TIME, WOOD, ETC.) i CATER ALOT OF RODEO EVENTS, AND I HAVE LEARNED THAT SMALL EVENT (UP TO 100 PEOPLE) THEY LIKE TO PAY BUY THE PLATE, LARGER EVENTS LIKE THE FLAT RATE. IF YOU CHARGE BUY THE PLATE THE FOOD IS YOURS, SO I CAN SELL Q BY THE POUND FOR PEOPLE TO TAKE WITH THEM. MAKING MORE PROFIT. EITHER WAY WORKS WELL FOR ME!!! :lol: :lol: :lol: GOOD LUCK, Q BROTHER!!

[texasbill]

Hey John:
Well you can order via the site or call me for larger orders. My phone number is 281-240-7110. Sorry I did not get to talk with you much yesterday as I had someone in the office. Tax work, sorry.

Bill Cannon
Texas BBQ Rub