If you're looking to kit out your catering business, whether it's a small caféor a restaurant with 150 covers, you'll want a one-stop shop supplier who has plenty of experience to help you make the right choice and of course, a wide selection. Here's our guide on what to look for before committing your budget.

Product Range

Running any type of catering business requires high-quality appliances which provide value for money and are long-lasting. Any decent catering equipment supplier should have a wide range of products in order to supply all you need for kitting your business out. From cutlery, glassware and saucepans to optics and glassware, you'll want a wholesaler who has quality products at the best prices and as importantly, a wide selection.

Sourcing your equipment from a single supplier should save you money, as they are likely to give offers and discounts when ordering a large amount of equipment.

Setting up a catering business is stressful enough without having to worry about whether you're getting the right products for your needs. Decent catering equipment suppliers should be able to make your life easier and have experience of supplying to all types of businesses, including restaurants, bars, hotels and cafes, in fact their experience can be vital for your requirements.

Partnering with a supplier who can spot your needs and provide the right equipment and support at competitive prices is vital for the success of your business.

Customer Service

Not only do you want a supplier with the best products, you need to know they are well established and have a reputation for good customer support. Their sales team should be professional and able to offer advice and deal with any queries quickly, as you want peace of mind.

Look for customer reviews and testimonials from other restaurateurs who have dealt with them. Recommendations from peers within the industry are essential, as word-of-mouth is one of the best ways of finding the right supplier.

An experienced supplier will have extensive product knowledge and be able to give expert guidance on what will suit your business and how best to use it. Getting it right first time is essential in saving your budget and cutting costs.

If you're a start-up, you might want to look for a supplier that offers finance options for quality appliance equipment. Once you're up and running and your revenue stream increases, you can pay off the balance.

Installation

A good tip is to look for a supplier who can help you install the equipment and also offers repair and maintenance long-term support, as this will ensure a smooth operation which allows you time to focus on satisfying your customers.

Other things to consider when choosing a catering equipment supplier include delivery charges, warranties, return polices and availability of parts. Don't simply go for a supplier who offers the lowest prices, you need to balance the quality of equipment and services provided at the most affordable price. Do your research so that you can be confident you have found the right supplier to work with to meet the needs of your business.