SC - Re: Bidding for Feast

[Ann]

>>Here a Feast is expected to make SOME profit, or at least break even.... I
 think a $2.50 profit per head might be considered excessive in some
quarters
though. Of course, some of that could be the "wiggle room" I was talking
about too I guess... but I don't think I've ever made as much as a dollar
fifty more than what we put into it. I'm sure someone in the local group on
the list will let me know if it's otherwise <G>. Remember, YMMV depending on
the Kingdom and the local group dynamics.

Corwyn >>

No Corwyn, I don't remember ever getting gouged at one of your feasts and I
hope no one will ever make that claim for one of mine.  I've never lost
money on any of the feasts I've cooked, but I've never served less than what
I thought was a fair feast for the price.  This weekend I was head cook for
our Baronial Birthday, which the Queen attended.  I cooked for 80 people @
$5/head,  with the assumption that the 8 at High Table would be gratis {i.e.
total food budget was $5 x 72 = $360}.  I served lamb, pork, chicken & bacon
pasties, etc. at the feast, and threw in morning coffee for all, for $309.
So, I turned a $51 "profit" for the Barony, or about 70 cents per person.  I
didn't hear anyone complaining that they didn't get their monies worth;
everyone left stuffed.  I wouldn't have served the same feast if the fee had
been $6-7; for the extra money they would have gotten more "spiff."
There's nothing wrong with coming in under budget, but feast shouldn't
counted on as a money-maker.  Some events around here you get bread, cheese,
and stew for $5.  To me, that's overcharging, because it's certainly not
costing that much to prepare it.  Either knock the price down or put a
little more effort into the planning and offer more value for the money.

John le Burguillun
Barony of Nottinghill Coill
Atlantia