How to Build Trust as a New Catering & Bartending Specialist Without Reviews Yet in New Zealand
Starting out in catering and bartending in New Zealand can be a bit daunting when you don’t have reviews yet to prove your skills. Building trust is key to landing those first bookings and growing a loyal client base. This guide offers 10 practical, Kiwi-focused tips to help new specialists in catering and bartending build credibility and win clients from day one.
Here are some tips that you might find interesting:
1. Showcase Your Passion and Professionalism
Kiwis value genuine passion and professionalism. Share your story about why you love catering or bartending, and highlight what sets you apart.
Use photos and videos of your setups, cocktails, or events on Yada or social media to give potential clients a sneak peek of your style and skill.
For example, a bartender in Wellington gained bookings by sharing creative cocktail recipes inspired by local flavours like feijoa and manuka honey.
2. Offer Tastings or Sample Services
Offering free or discounted tastings can help clients experience your quality before committing.
This builds trust and gives potential customers confidence in your service.
In Auckland, a new caterer won major event contracts after hosting tasting sessions at community fairs.
3. Create Clear and Accurate Profiles
On Yada or other platforms, clearly describe your service offerings, pricing, and coverage areas.
Honesty about menu options, dietary accommodations, and drink selections helps manage client expectations.
A Christchurch catering pro boosted trust with transparent menus and package prices on her Yada profile.
4. Leverage Yada's Communication Tools
Use Yada’s private messaging to respond quickly and professionally to enquiries, which fosters confidence.
Yada’s no lead or success fees mean you can offer honest pricing, making you more appealing to cost-conscious Kiwi clients.
Specialists who communicate clearly on Yada often enjoy repeat bookings and positive word-of-mouth.
5. Build Relationships with Complementary Vendors
Network with event planners, venue owners, and suppliers to create a referral network.
Drop business cards or flyers off at popular spots like cafes, farmers' markets, and event centres.
A caterer in Tauranga gained steady work after partnering with a local wedding venue.
6. Gather and Share Early Testimonials
Ask friends, family, or initial clients for short testimonials about your service and reliability.
Display these on your Yada profile, social media, or website to boost credibility.
Even community group endorsements in small towns like Wanaka can sway new clients.
7. Showcase Your Work with Visuals
High-quality photos and videos of your dishes, drinks, or setups help demonstrate your flair.
Share stories behind your menus or cocktail creations, especially when featuring local produce.
Wellington caterers have seen bookings increase after posting behind-the-scenes prep shots.
8. Offer Transparent, Competitive Pricing
Clearly communicate your pricing, including any extras like travel or equipment rental.
Yada’s fee-free model allows you to price competitively without compromising quality.
Marketers in Auckland praise transparency for gaining client trust and avoiding misunderstandings.
9. Participate in Local Community Events
Get involved in food festivals, charity events, or local markets to showcase your talents and meet potential clients.
Face-to-face exposure is invaluable for building trust and local recognition.
Caterers and bartenders in Christchurch report these events as crucial stepping stones for their businesses.
10. Use Physical Flyers and Community Boards
Old-school flyers on noticeboards in libraries, community centres, and supermarkets still work well in New Zealand.
Keep your flyers clear, eye-catching, and include contact details and service highlights.
Specialists in smaller areas like Rotorua have built solid local followings using this method.