Community Chat

[homedecor1]

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.

[occasionalrain]

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?

[Anniecamp]

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.

[funinthesun]

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

[feline groovy]

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?

[feline groovy]

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.

[bells4me]

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

[Pickwickpapers]

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.

[Kachina624]

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.

[foundinlv]

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.