topic Re: I Need Some Input On What Is A Fair Rate in Community Chat

I Need Some Input On What Is A Fair Rate

funinthesun — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 00:38:39 GMT

We are trying to have some meals delivered to my parents three times a week. We tried a couple of programs, meals on wheels etc..., but they didn't really like it. So, we think we have found a person to deliver some homemade meals. What do you think is a fair rate for three meals a week?

Basically, they can deliver whenever, it doesn't have to be right at dinner time. It will be enough food for 2-3 people. We don't want alot of leftovers. A main dish and a side and they would have to buy the food to make.

What is reasonable, but also not going to break the bank for my parents. They could even make three meals and deliver them all at once for them to bake during the week.

Re: I Need Some Input On What Is A Fair Rate

foundinlv — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 00:58:13 GMT

$150.00

Re: I Need Some Input On What Is A Fair Rate

homedecor1 — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 01:00:40 GMT

I used to own a business called "dinners to go" each entree included a meat/chicken etc with a potatoe or some other side & vegetable inc. a small dessert. portioned out based on client. I also did stuffed cabbage, peppers & pot roast, soups. A menu was available Sunday of the week before - I had about 35 clients weekly Most of them a lived in my immediate area. the dinner price for them was 8.50. my other clients were working Moms and professionals. Their fee was higher of course as they needed full dinner size or family dinners. I did a lot of older clients who really didn't eat much so I would make sure they could freeze 1/2 portion. if they had a spouse usually they would choose 2nd selection (different choice)to do same. I delivered on Sundays & Wednesdays - these meals were better than meals on wheels and always had a pasta selection & fish every other week. I still do it here as there are not to many places to eat close to here and lots of older people who no longer cook. Sitting here planning next weeks meals.

Re: I Need Some Input On What Is A Fair Rate

Melania — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 01:15:14 GMT

On 10/8/2014 homedecor1 said: I used to own a business called "dinners to go" each entree included a meat/chicken etc with a potatoe or some other side & vegetable inc. a small dessert. portioned out based on client. I also did stuffed cabbage, peppers & pot roast, soups. A menu was available Sunday of the week before - I had about 35 clients weekly Most of them a lived in my immediate area. the dinner price for them was 8.50. my other clients were working Moms and professionals. Their fee was higher of course as they needed full dinner size or family dinners. I did a lot of older clients who really didn't eat much so I would make sure they could freeze 1/2 portion. if they had a spouse usually they would choose 2nd selection (different choice)to do same. I delivered on Sundays & Wednesdays - these meals were better than meals on wheels and always had a pasta selection & fish every other week. I still do it here as there are not to many places to eat close to here and lots of older people who no longer cook. Sitting here planning next weeks meals.

Does that cover the cost of the food you have buy to prepare it?

That seems like a good rate.

Re: I Need Some Input On What Is A Fair Rate

funinthesun — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 01:17:09 GMT

8.50 a meal is a very reasonable rate. You live close?? lol.

They actually wouldn't need a dessert. just a main dish and side would do for them. I can't remember what the other programs cost. I know they aren't $150 a week. That seems a bit high to me.

Re: I Need Some Input On What Is A Fair Rate

foundinlv — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 01:18:57 GMT

On 10/8/2014 funinthesun said:
8.50 a meal is a very reasonable rate. You live close?? lol.

They actually wouldn't need a dessert. just a main dish and side would do for them. I can't remember what the other programs cost. I know they aren't $150 a week. That seems a bit high to me.

I don't buy my stepmom meat or poultry that has antibiotics or hormones in it and I only buy organic veggies. So, yes everything is more expensive.

Re: I Need Some Input On What Is A Fair Rate

Say Nay — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 01:24:55 GMT

Completely prepared or do they want the ingredients to cook their meals?

Re: I Need Some Input On What Is A Fair Rate

funinthesun — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 01:27:12 GMT

On 10/8/2014 MomTo2Dogs said:
Completely prepared or do they want the ingredients to cook their meals?

completely prepared. all they need to do is bake it or whatever.

Re: I Need Some Input On What Is A Fair Rate

Marianne1 — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 01:30:58 GMT

I see you are in Colorado, but I don't know where.

i googled "home delivery meals prepared colorado" and this is one I found (I only looked at this one, since I don't know where you are, or where your parents are...but if you google changing the location, maybe you will find something similar)

Anyway, here is the one in Denver:

https://order.goodfoodcolorado.com/menu_display.php?categoryid=34556&categoryname=Individual%20Meal%20Creations

The individual meals include sides, and they run about around $10.

Re: I Need Some Input On What Is A Fair Rate

lolakimono — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 01:35:23 GMT

I would base my guesstimate on what it would cost to order take out three times a week for two-three people (adding in a delivery charge to the cost).

Re: I Need Some Input On What Is A Fair Rate

homedecor1 — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 01:40:23 GMT

On 10/8/2014 Melania2 said:
On 10/8/2014 homedecor1 said: I used to own a business called "dinners to go" each entree included a meat/chicken etc with a potatoe or some other side & vegetable inc. a small dessert. portioned out based on client. I also did stuffed cabbage, peppers & pot roast, soups. A menu was available Sunday of the week before - I had about 35 clients weekly Most of them a lived in my immediate area. the dinner price for them was 8.50. my other clients were working Moms and professionals. Their fee was higher of course as they needed full dinner size or family dinners. I did a lot of older clients who really didn't eat much so I would make sure they could freeze 1/2 portion. if they had a spouse usually they would choose 2nd selection (different choice)to do same. I delivered on Sundays & Wednesdays - these meals were better than meals on wheels and always had a pasta selection & fish every other week. I still do it here as there are not to many places to eat close to here and lots of older people who no longer cook. Sitting here planning next weeks meals.

Does that cover the cost of the food you have buy to prepare it?

That seems like a good rate.

yes I bought all the food if I knew a client only wants organic then I would note this. I did lunches too but not that often. nothing I made came from a box /jar everything was homemade and fresh. I cooked the same way for my family so I enjoyed cooking and making a extra was no problem. weekends my house always smelled great and 8.50/meal I think is still reasonable (portions aren't that big for an older person I find they don't eat like we do). I would just make sure your parents enjoy the food ordered (taste) before signing a contract.

Re: I Need Some Input On What Is A Fair Rate

occasionalrain — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 02:35:26 GMT

I can't think anything less than $90 a week which would be a bargain to have someone shop, prepare the food, and then deliver it.

What does this person want to charge?

Re: I Need Some Input On What Is A Fair Rate

Anniecamp — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 02:44:34 GMT

I would think it varies by state, but the person you hire to do this may very well need a food license to do this for you. The charge may also need sales tax charge, and would be considered income tax for the person doing it.

Re: I Need Some Input On What Is A Fair Rate

funinthesun — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 02:45:38 GMT

We don't know yet what they want to charge. I think this is a new thing for them as well. Since this is new for us, using an individual, we are just trying to get a ball park

Re: I Need Some Input On What Is A Fair Rate

feline groovy — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 02:52:29 GMT

On 10/8/2014 homedecor1 said: I used to own a business called "dinners to go" each entree included a meat/chicken etc with a potatoe or some other side & vegetable inc. a small dessert. portioned out based on client. I also did stuffed cabbage, peppers & pot roast, soups. A menu was available Sunday of the week before - I had about 35 clients weekly Most of them a lived in my immediate area. the dinner price for them was 8.50. my other clients were working Moms and professionals. Their fee was higher of course as they needed full dinner size or family dinners. I did a lot of older clients who really didn't eat much so I would make sure they could freeze 1/2 portion. if they had a spouse usually they would choose 2nd selection (different choice)to do same. I delivered on Sundays & Wednesdays - these meals were better than meals on wheels and always had a pasta selection & fish every other week. I still do it here as there are not to many places to eat close to here and lots of older people who no longer cook. Sitting here planning next weeks meals.

Did that include gas and wear n' tear on your car?

Re: I Need Some Input On What Is A Fair Rate

feline groovy — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 02:53:40 GMT

On 10/8/2014 lolakimono said:
I would base my guesstimate on what it would cost to order take out three times a week for two-three people (adding in a delivery charge to the cost).

Yep, and a tip.

Re: I Need Some Input On What Is A Fair Rate

bells4me — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 03:16:26 GMT

Depends on if they want lobster or chicken. Cost of food plus $20 a meal for prep & delivery.

Re: I Need Some Input On What Is A Fair Rate

Pickwickpapers — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 06:11:48 GMT

For a single meal and delivery plus containers $8.50 each sound very reasonable for completely homemade meals...........that doesn't include tax that would be collected on meals prepared in a B & M cafe.

Re: I Need Some Input On What Is A Fair Rate

Kachina624 — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 06:41:31 GMT

Have you inspected the kitchen where these meals will be prepared? I never, ever buy food from an unfamiliar kitchen, like bake sales for instance.

Re: I Need Some Input On What Is A Fair Rate

foundinlv — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 07:10:04 GMT

On 10/8/2014 kachina624 said: Have you inspected the kitchen where these meals will be prepared? I never, ever buy food from an unfamiliar kitchen, like bake sales for instance.

Exactly and also they should be licensed, inspected and graded.