Home Based Business Personal Chef

A home based business as a personal chef prepares meals for multiple individuals or families. The food is usually prepared in the client's home.

The number of meals prepared is dependent on the need of each client. Some clients may only want meals prepared once a month, while others may prefer to have meals prepared every two weeks.

The personal chef shops for the grociers, prepares the meals, and packages them so they can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer until needed.

Clients for this home based business are two career couples, singles pursuing a career, and senior citizens. This is a growth business. However, it is important that you do market research in your local community to find the best target area.

An initial consultation with your prospective client will provide the information needed to customize your client's meals. Develop a questionnaire for this initial visit. Have the client complete it or conduct an interview with the client.

As a personal chef you can specialize in the type of meals you provide: diabetic, weight loss, vegetarian, and so on.

After working long hours, most people take the easy way out for meal preparation. They stop at a fast food restaurant for take-out or pop a frozen dinner in the microwave.

However, the personal chef can be the answer. This home based business can be profitable and successful if you develop a good business plan and understand the needs of your target market.

What does it take for this business?

You should have some experience in cooking, such as working for a caterer or restaurant. You need to have good organizational skills and be able to work with people of various backgrounds and personalities. You need a knowledge of nutrition. Professional training and certification is an asset in this business.

What do I need to operate this business?

You should set up a separate space for your home based business office. The start-up costs for this home based business range from $8000 to $15,000 depending on whether you have any of the equipment or supplies needed. After you have decided what services you plan to offer, you need to determine what equipment and software you will need to operate your business.

Basic Equipment and Supplies:

Cooking equipment
Computer
Printer
Fax
Cookbooks
Recipes
Recipe software
Business cards, brochures, and stationery
Contact management software

You can review resources for this home based business here.

What services do I provide?

Menus customized for each client
Grocery shopping
Preparation of meals in the client's home
A variety of choices for meals

What are my potential earnings?

Annual income ranges from $30,000 to $100,000. If you are a certified chef, your potential earnings could be $100,000 + annually depending on the number of clients.

How much do I charge for my services?

Typical rates include a registration fee to cover the purchase of storage materials plus a monthly fee for the number of meals. Registration fees range from $50 to $75. Monthly fees range from $280 to $300 a month depending on the number of servings for each meal and the number of meals per month. You can charge an additional fee for special diets. Included in your monthly charge is the cost of the groceries to prepare the meal.

How do I bill for my services?

You should contract with your client for the number of meals to be prepared. You present your client with an itemized bill for the cost of the groceries, as well as your charges for the preparation of the meal.

How do I market my business?

Offline

List your services in the Yellow Pages.
Issue a press release to your local and community newspapers.
Purchase classified ads in your local and community newspapers.
Write an article for the food section of your local and community newspapers.
Network with professional organizations in your community. Create attractive brochures with your menus and pictures of special items you prepare and pass them out.
Make presentations at local community college or adult evening classes.
Prepare a meal for a special occasion or event at a senior citizen center.
Advertise in trade journals.
Have a grand opening party for your business and invite local people from local businesses and professional organizations as well as family and friends.

Online

Create an informative and attractive Web site listing your services with your menu and pictures of dishes you prepare.
List your Web site in online directories.
Issue an online press release.
Link your Web site to related businesses.
Link your Web site to local Web sites in your community.
List your Web site in directories that serve the food industry.
Publish client testimonials on your Web site.

If you currently work as a chef in a restaurant and want to start your own home based business, this could be the opportunity for you. You can review resources for this home based business here.