Discussion Forums
for the
Personal Chef Industry

Hi all,
I am a newbie who is still in the investigational phase of switching careers to become a personal chef. I don't have professional training, but do have a passion for cooking and am really looking forward to learning more.

I recently purchased the Professional Personal Chef book which I'm still reading through (excellent book so far!). I have a question though about pricing... I understand benefits of the simple fixed price model and see the advantages of a service fee + groceries approach. However, with the fixed price plan, it doesn't seem fair to charge the same for a client who wants mostly vegetarian dishes as a client who wants mostly gourmet meat dishes. On the other hand, the overhead of keeping track of all groceries and generating invoices for clients detailing all the grocery costs seems a little much. Would an entrée pricing model be the best of both worlds? Does anyone use this approach? $x per serving of this dish vs. $y per serving of another dish.
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
-Mike-

hi Mike,
Welcome to the forums, and the wonderful world of the PC.

You'll have to decide what pricing model works best for you---but here's my take on the idea that it's unfair to charge the same for vegetarian plans as for meat based diets: Given the number of ingredients and complexity of preparation that typically are involved in a vegetarian menu, the cost is justified. It's much easier to roast/grill/saute' a cut of meat, add an appropriate sauce and side and call it done. Vegetarian dishes are often very complex and/or contain unique ingredients.

Portland is a great food town (I went to school there and still miss it) so folks are attuned to recognizing quality and quality service as well.

Good luck,
Jessica
Local Flavor PCS
Baltimore Maryland

ps...I'm a vegetarian. My pricing is based on the package, not the cuisine

That is one of the great things about this biz, You can work it however ya like. Talk to some others from ya area and see how they do it. I charge for the groceries, but not for the service. I cook for those who need the service(shut-ins and Folks who for health reasone need the service,but for fixed incomes or no incomes can not afford the service)to me that is the best pay. I am retired and work 2 other jobs to pay the bills, but I love to cook and see others enjoy the meal, ya I am nuts, but it works for me.

Hi TallGuyNW,
I am new to the PC business too and I am here in the Portland area---(well Forest Grove...)
I'm excited and having a blast getting ready to launch my business. With all the local farmers markets opening this is going to be awesome!
If you would like to talk shop or swap some ideas drop me a line and I will give you my e-mail!
Enjoy the Sun (as you know it won't last hahah)

Have a great day
LorrieP

Mike:

Welcome to the PC world!!!

Having done this for several years and cooking some very complex vegetarian food, we are with Jessica and feel that the cost involved in all-inclusive is indeed justified.

The book is indeed, fantastic. Even after this long we read through our copy and found it to be a great refresher course.

Best of luck and don't be a stranger.

Christine

Hi all,
Thanks to all of you for spending the time to respond to my question. I admit that vegetarian food is one of my weak spots, but now that you all brought up how complex and time consuming they can be, I agree that a fixed price plan is fair.
Thanks again!
-Mike-

P.S. LorrieP - I'm actually in Aloha. I put Portland in my bio because if I had Aloha there, people would ask where in Hawaii I live I'm definitely interested in emailing you. I'm not near as ready as it sounds like you are. As a Guest though, I can't PM you, but my email address is: TallGuyXP@yahoo.com

TallGuyNW,
Thats great your in Aloha! we're just a few miles apart!!!
Look for my email
here's mine to make it fair
Lorrie@Involved.com

don't worry about just starting out...success comes to those who dot the i's and cross the t's.
and have a great network of friends to help.
Talk to you soon
LorrieP