Who is responsible for buying ingredients for a cooking show?

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses the responsibilities of hosts regarding ingredient procurement for cooking shows, with various participants sharing their personal experiences and approaches to this aspect of hosting.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses uncertainty about how to inform their host that she is responsible for buying the ingredients, noting a previous experience where a director's host handled this.
  • Another participant mentions that hosts are expected to buy ingredients and explains that this is part of the host benefits, including an additional $15 in free product value.
  • Several users share their methods for communicating ingredient needs, such as providing a shopping list or discussing ingredients during recipe selection.
  • One participant shares their experience of offering to do the shopping themselves for a $15 fee, noting that this approach has been well-received by hosts.
  • Another participant mentions splitting the ingredient costs with the host and bringing personal items for demonstration purposes.
  • One participant describes bringing additional ingredients as a courtesy for hosts who may be financially struggling.
  • Another participant discusses the practice of reminding hosts to use their recipe as a shopping list and occasionally bringing ingredients for repeat hosts.
  • One participant outlines a proactive approach of emailing hosts a list of ingredients and offering to assist with any difficulties in sourcing them.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best way to handle ingredient procurement, with some participants emphasizing the host's responsibility while others share personal practices of assisting hosts or bringing ingredients themselves. No clear consensus emerges on a single approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants share varied experiences based on their relationships with hosts and their individual business practices, reflecting a range of strategies for managing ingredient responsibilities.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for insights on managing host expectations regarding ingredient procurement may find the shared experiences relevant.

WLMcCoy
Messages
694
How do I let my host know that she is that one that is supposed to buy the ingredients? I think she assumes that I bring the ingredients, and she wants me to make 2 different recipes. I just started selling & the show I went to as a 'training' show, my director's host bought the ingredients? Aren't the hosts supposed to buy them? Also, this host is a friend of my fiance, so I hate to upset her.
 
Yes, the hosts are supposed to buy ingredients. On your first host coaching call, you explain that part of the host benefits includes an extra $15 in free product value for providing the ingredients and hosting the show in her home.
 
I include a shopping list of all the recipes I'm making for this season. I ask her to choose a recipe and at that time I talk to her about the ingredients and specific things depending on the recipe she chooses.
 
I tell the host about the $15 that is added to all cooking shows to cover the cost of food. I let them know, if they want, I will do all the shopping and they can just pay me the $15 at the show. It is a little extra work for me especially with my FT job, but I pick up everything for the show when I do my regular shopping. This is something my director does and since I have started, I have never had anyone say no. I think they are happy they don't have to worry about doing the shopping. If the recipe isn't quite $15, I will pick up a bag of mini candy bars or something to make up for the difference. A little something extra for the guests, then I just leave the rest for the host when I leave.
 
I actually split the ingredients with my host and it is in the host packet that I give them with the recipe selection.

I happen to like to bring my own garlic so to speak so that I always have the perfect one to demo with -
 
I bring my own garlic and usually an apple and a lemon if they aren't being used in the recipe so I demo the wedger and the sprinkles, and citrus press and micorplane grater. :p I also sometimes bring pecans to demo the chopper and then take the chopped pecans home and throw them in the freezer.:chef: For the month of June, to increase my bookings I am offering to bring the dessert and usually do something inexpensive. I think it has helped me get a couple of extra bookings.
 
I tell the hostess to use her recipe as her shopping list. There are occasions that I will bring the food as a courtesy to repeat hostesses.
 
It depends on the host for me. If I know they are struggling financially, I will bring some ingredients that I think they won't have on hand. So far, I haven't had anyone say they couldn't provide the ingredients.
 
WLMcCoy said:
How do I let my host know that she is that one that is supposed to buy the ingredients? I think she assumes that I bring the ingredients, and she wants me to make 2 different recipes. I just started selling & the show I went to as a 'training' show, my director's host bought the ingredients? Aren't the hosts supposed to buy them? Also, this host is a friend of my fiance, so I hate to upset her.

Most hosts know they will need to bring the ingredients when they have a show, but just in case, after the host picks a recipe I usually tell her I will email her a list of ingredients, and if she has a problem finding anything just to give me a call. I also tell her I will give her a call the night before her show to make sure she found EVERYTHING. Also, if the recipe calls for something i have in my garden (cilantro, basil, tomato) or something expensive (grated parmesan) that i normally keep in the house then I will mark that off the list or tell the host that I will be bringing those items to help her out. I have not had any problems with this approach, and no one ever seemse offended to provide the ingredients. Hope this helps!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is responsible for buying ingredients for a cooking show?

The host of the cooking show is typically responsible for purchasing the ingredients needed for the recipes being demonstrated. However, the consultant can provide a detailed list of what is required.

Can the consultant help with ingredient selection?

Yes, the consultant can assist the host in selecting the right ingredients based on the recipes planned for the cooking show. They often provide guidance on where to purchase them and any substitutions that may be necessary.

What if the host has dietary restrictions?

If the host or guests have dietary restrictions, it's important for the host to communicate this to the consultant ahead of time. The consultant can then suggest alternative recipes or ingredients that accommodate those needs.

Are there any costs associated with the ingredients?

Yes, the host is usually responsible for covering the costs of the ingredients. It's a good idea for the host to budget for this expense when planning the cooking show.

Can guests contribute to the ingredient costs?

Guests can certainly contribute to the ingredient costs if the host is comfortable with that arrangement. This can be a great way to share the expenses and make the event more collaborative.

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