Work out what a spare weekday is worth
If you’re trying to fill midweek catering dates, start with payroll, food, travel and the time needed for shopping, preparation and cleanup. A small local drop-off can be profitable if it fits the route. A larger job that needs another shift and a late collection can tie up more capacity than it fills.
Set a minimum margin and define when you can take work. Track whether the demand is mainly lunchtimes, evenings or setup on an adjoining day. If a quick-turnaround weekday enquiry would make your weekend bookings harder to deliver, leave the date free.
Offer a package you can repeat
Office lunches, training days, local meetings, weekday venue events and small celebrations are practical starting points. Choose one package with a clear minimum, a short menu, a limited delivery area and a cutoff for changes. Make it easy for an organiser to ask for the same order again.
Add something useful for a weekday buyer before you discount. Timed arrival, individually labelled lunches or a simpler approval process can matter more than a small price reduction. Explain exactly what that package includes so you can quote it quickly.
Build a short list of recurring buyers and venues
Reach out through appropriate business channels to coworking venues, training providers, conference teams and workplaces in your delivery area. Show the package that fits them and ask about their usual dates and guest numbers. A useful relationship can bring regular work without repeatedly advertising a discount.
Keep your calendar and service area up to date. Compare income and total time for each format at the end of the month. Keep the packages with predictable costs and remove the ones that consistently need exceptions.
Use Workavelle for spare dates
Join Workavelle free during launch and choose suitable event briefs for the days and locations you can cover. It’s a way to add another enquiry source alongside regular clients. Set your own price and agree the booking directly with the organiser.
Create your free Workavelle supplier account
Decide whether another catering event fits your diary
Get more corporate catering clients
Prepared with AI assistance. These are general planning ideas; confirm availability, requirements and arrangements with your chosen caterer.