SC - Bidding for Feast

[Diana L Skaggs]

I just submitted my first bid for a feast.  I wasn't chosen, and I was
blown away by the menu that was submitted.  Especially the price.  Now,
maybe I've been working from incorrect assumptions.  So, I'm asking how
things are done in your area.

What happens if you underbid the costs of the feast?  Who pays the overage?

Does your group cover the cost of the non-paying feasters (you know Royalty
and their entourage)? Or do you figure your budget on paying feasters, and
try to feed everyone for that price?

Do you plan to feed the servers and kitchen help for free, or do you
charge? What about meals while you're cooking feast? Bring a sack lunch?

How do you plan for price fluctuations in ingredient costs? 

Are cleaning supplies part of the cost process, or is that handled by
someone else?

Is the feast expected to "make money" for the event?  (i.e. budget set at
$5 per head, but charged $7.50 for feast) 

I know we've talked about some of these issues before, but it's been
awhile.  I'll be looking at the florigithingy whilst I await your replies.  

Liadan (Leanna or Liadnan - I'll settle on a name one of these days)