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5 Crucial Tips for Vendors Partnering with Caterers

Written by Dianna Candido


Set your collaboration up for long-term success.

You know what it takes to partner with other vendors and clients. You have to be on point, professional, and on top of event details at all times.


When you partner with other vendors, you rely on each of your partners to do the work they’ve committed to for each project. While that’s what anyone would expect from their partner vendor, if you can go one step further you’ll foster a more memorable experience with your partner vendors. 


The more solidly you can make an impression, the better for both you and them — it’s mutually beneficial to find a vendor partner where things flow without a hitch.


If you’re newer to the event industry, expanding your clientele, or just want to brush up on how to be a better partner for the caterers you work with, this article will give you the tips you need to foster a solid relationship and gain more regular partner projects.


5 Tips For Partnering with Caterers Successfully

Caterers are dealing with just as much as you. Possibly more. If you can make their lives and their event easier, they’re going to remember. To stand out as a reliable vendor they can partner with on repeat, keep these tips in mind.


  1. Honor the contract.

Always, always, always, honor your contract. That means providing exactly what you promised down to the finest detail. Don’t let little things get overlooked, and make sure you deliver what you both agreed on.


  1. Exude professionalism.

Don’t just do the bare minimum. In our opinion, honoring your contract is an obvious place to start. But make sure that not only do you do what you say you will, but make sure that you communicate effectively throughout the process, show up on time to meetings and the event, be prompt with all communication and the delivery or hosting processes.


  1. Listen and provide relevant solutions.

They’re experts in their field, just like you are an expert in yours. There may be unexpected opportunities for you to step in during the course of your partnership. 


If your caterer needs something you can provide, offer your insight or support if it’s appropriate. Putting your head down and doing the bare minimum isn’t going to foster a strong relationship. Instead, go the extra step and listen closely to come up with solutions (within your zone) to help create a smooth event and collaboration.


  1. Mind your attitude.

Unfortunately, this one still needs to be said. Attitude matters. If you show up with a positive “can do it” attitude, the whole partnership will go easier. Your caterer is busy thinking about food timing and flow, the menu, their client, their team, and all the details that go into their day. The last thing they want to worry about is dealing with a vendor who woke up on the wrong side of the bed. That goes for you and your team.


  1. Be flexible.

Right along with having a good attitude, is to try and be as flexible as possible. Set in your ways? Be prepared for that to detract from your value. 


Don’t forget that partnering with a caterer (and any vendor, for that matter) means that “collaboration” is a key word. Collaborate — don’t “boss.” Find common ground, provide solutions, and be ready to adjust to help the caterer do their job. The easier you make things for the caterer, the more appreciated you are.



There you have it. Caterers have a lot on their plate (pun intended), and it’s your job as a vendor partner to make that plate a little less overwhelming. Your support frees them up to concentrate on the high level tasks they need to provide their clients with an exceptional experience. 


The more you do, the more they can show up for their clients.


 

Are you looking for vendor collaboration?

If you’re a vendor looking for collaborative partnerships from other vendors, reach out! We love our preferred vendors, and we’re happy to connect them with other vendors. The event industry is vast — but it can also be tight knit. The more we support each other, the more we can provide exceptional experiences for our clients and each other.



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