From Zero to Fully Booked: How NZ Catering & Bartending Specialists Get Their First 10 Clients
Launching a catering or bartending service in New Zealand can be a deliciously rewarding venture, but getting those first 10 clients often feels like a major hurdle. The good news? With a mix of smart strategies that match Kiwi culture and hospitality vibes, you can build your client list quickly and sustainably. Here are 10 practical tips to kickstart your catering and bartending business.
Here are some tips that you might find interesting:
1. Leverage Your Personal Network First
Your family, friends, and local connections are your greatest early advocates. Offering your services at discounted rates or for free at small gatherings is a great way to gain testimonials and referrals.
A Wellington-based bartender credits his first regular clients to friends’ events where he showcased his skills and built word of mouth.
Weirdly enough, these humble beginnings can snowball into solid bookings as personal recommendations travel fast in tight Kiwi communities.
2. Dive into Local Facebook Groups and Communities
Groups like “Auckland Events”, “Christchurch Foodies,” and community hubs on Facebook see event organisers seek trustworthy caterers and bartenders often.
Share scrumptious snapshots of your spreads or cocktail mixes, along with tips to engage and build genuine connections-not pushy ads.
Neighbourly is also a great place to get discovered by locals needing catering and bartending help.
3. Build a Simple, Mobile-Friendly Website
A clean website showcasing your menus, event styles, pricing, and testimonials reinforces your professionalism.
Kiwi platforms like Wix or Google Sites offer quick, affordable ways to create mobile-optimised sites that look sharp on any device.
Feature images from local events and mention popular NZ ingredients you use to connect with local clientele.
4. List Yourself on Yada and Niche NZ Directories
Yada helps you reach local clients without pesky lead or success fees, making it easier to get noticed as you start out.
The platform’s rating system ensures trustworthy caterers and bartenders stand out on merit.
Don’t overlook listings on TradeMe and food industry directories to increase your visibility.
5. Offer Tasty Introductory Deals
First-time client discounts, tasting sessions, or bundled packages are a great way to lower the barrier to trying your service.
A Tauranga caterer jumped from zero to busy by offering free welcome platters at community events.
Think of it as inviting locals to sample your offerings with minimal risk.
6. Network with Event Planners and Venues
Form relationships with wedding coordinators, corporate event managers, and local venues who can send clients your way.
Drop off business cards, offer to cater at charity events, or partner on promotional gigs.
In Christchurch, such partnerships have led to regular bookings at popular local venues.
7. Showcase Glowing Client Testimonials
Ask happy clients for reviews and permission to share photos of your work-social proof is key in New Zealand markets.
Display testimonials on your website, Yada profile, and social media to help new clients feel confident.
A Dunedin bartender settled her reputation by showcasing heartfelt reviews from local wedding parties.
8. Share Behind-the-Scenes and Recipe Tips
Post quick cocktail recipes, kitchen hacks, or event prep videos on Instagram or Facebook.
This informal content keeps your audience engaged and positions you as a passionate and approachable expert.
A Nelson barista found that sharing unique NZ-inspired drinks sparked interest and bookings.
9. Advertise Locally with Flyers and Vehicle Branding
Flyers at community centres, farmers’ markets, and libraries are effective for connecting with offline audiences.
Car magnets or branded t-shirts provide ongoing visibility when you’re out delivering or catering.
Smaller towns like Timaru see surprisingly good results from simple, low-cost advertising.
10. Stay Organised and Communicate Clearly
Using scheduling apps and invoicing software keeps your bookings steady and clients happy.
Prompt communication and professionalism turn first-time clients into loyal customers and referrers.
A Tauranga caterer highlights organisation as their key to going from zero to fully booked.