SMS Benchmarks for Catering Services

SMS benchmarks give catering services teams a clearer view of how guests respond to event updates and promotions. In this guide, we explore the core SMS performance metrics shaping communication outcomes in this space.

Average Response Rate

The average response rate in catering services is 18 to 28 percent, reflecting how often clients reply when they receive SMS messages about menus, headcounts, and event details.

This range shows how engaged guests are with the planning conversation and how smoothly communication flows between coordinators, venues, and hosts.

Response rate describes the percentage of delivered texts that receive a reply from recipients.

It is calculated by dividing the number of responses by the total number of successfully delivered messages, then multiplying by 100.

In catering services this metric signals whether messages are timely, clear, and relevant to clients who are juggling schedules and preferences.

Healthy response rates support accurate guest counts, better inventory planning, and fewer last minute surprises during service.

Average Opt-Out Rate

The average opt-out rate is 0.5–1.2 percent for catering services, a range that reflects how guests react to event focused messaging.

An opt-out rate captures the portion of contacts who reply STOP or otherwise remove their consent to receive texts from your catering business.

It is calculated by dividing the number of opted-out recipients by the volume of successfully delivered SMS messages, then converting that figure into a percentage.

For catering services, tracking opt-out rate helps reveal whether menu reveals, headcount reminders, and timing updates feel relevant or intrusive to planners and guests.

By monitoring this metric, caterers can make sure communication stays welcome, timely, and respectful of client preferences throughout the event journey.

Average Click-Through Rate

The average click-through rate in accommodation and food services is 9–15% and shows how frequently guests engage with links inside text messages in catering services.

CTR captures the percentage of delivered SMS that lead to at least one visit on a tracked page or menu link.

To find it, divide the number of link visits by the number of texts successfully delivered, then multiply by 100.

In catering services, a strong click-through rate hints that updates about menus, event packages, tasting schedules, and order confirmations feel relevant, which helps teams make sure every message speaks to what clients actually need.

Average Conversion Rate

The average conversion rate is 1.0–2.0% in catering services, which shows how many people take the next step after receiving a text about menus, tasting events, or booking options.

This small percentage reflects how often interest turns into a confirmed catering inquiry, deposit, or finalized event.

Conversion rate is calculated by dividing the number of successful outcomes, such as signed contracts or paid bookings, by the total number of sms messages delivered.

In catering services, this metric matters because it reveals how clearly messages communicate portions, pricing, and availability.

By watching conversion rate, teams can make sure each text supports smoother planning, better guest experiences, and healthier event pipelines.

Average Delivery Rate

The average delivery rate for catering services is 98–99%, which means nearly every text message actually reaches the customer as intended.

This level of reliability supports smooth coordination around menus, guest counts, dietary needs, and delivery timing.

Delivery rate is calculated by taking the number of messages that successfully arrive on mobile devices and dividing by all texts sent, while removing those that bounce because of invalid numbers or carrier filtering.

In catering services, this metric matters because teams depend on timely SMS to confirm bookings, update delivery windows, manage last minute changes, and communicate with on site staff during events.

Average Open Rate

The average open rate is 98%, which means guests almost always read text messages related to catering services bookings and event details.

This level of attention is especially valuable when menus, dietary updates, or timing changes need to reach people fast.

Open rate describes the percentage of delivered texts that recipients actually open and view.

You calculate open rate by taking the count of opened messages, dividing it by the number of messages successfully delivered, then multiplying that result by 100.

For catering services, a strong open rate helps make sure guests see menu confirmations, headcount checks, or last minute schedule notices in time to keep events coordinated and stress free.

Average Time to Read

The average time to read an SMS in catering services is 3 minutes.

Time to read describes how long it takes recipients to open and view a text once it has been successfully delivered.

This value is calculated by tracking the time gap between message delivery and the first open across many texts, then averaging those results.

It matters in catering services because faster reading supports timely menu changes, allergen clarifications, delivery coordination, staff scheduling, and last minute event adjustments.

By watching this metric, teams can make sure information arrives when it is most useful for planners, guests, and on site staff.

Average Response Time

The average response time for catering services is 90 seconds, which reflects how quickly customers usually reply once they receive a text message.

Response time is the span between the moment a message reaches a customer and the moment their first reply is recorded.

It is calculated by taking this gap in seconds for every conversation and then finding the overall average across all interactions.

In catering services, response time matters because rapid exchanges help clarify guest counts, menu changes, and delivery details.

A shorter response window helps staff make sure timing, quantities, and special requests stay accurate throughout the event.

Average Bounce Rate

The average bounce rate is 1–2% in catering services, a sign that only a tiny share of SMS updates never reach recipients.

This figure points to reliable data quality and steady delivery performance across guest and client messaging.

Bounce rate is calculated by taking the undelivered text messages, dividing them by the full volume sent, then expressing that as a percentage.

In catering services, this metric matters because dependable texts keep clients informed about menu confirmations, timing updates, and last minute changes.

A consistently low bounce rate helps keep contact lists accurate, so communication around events, staffing, and logistics stays efficient.

Why Are SMS Metrics Important?

Sms metrics play a crucial role for businesses in catering services because they show how well they connect with clients who depend on clear and timely coordination.

Whether confirming event details, sharing menus, or sending last minute updates, strong sms performance helps make sure important information is delivered when it matters most.

Metrics such as delivery rate, open rate, and response rate reveal how attentive clients are, while conversion and click through rates indicate how effectively messages lead to actions like confirming headcounts or finalizing payments.

By tracking these numbers, catering services can refine their communication, reduce misunderstandings, and support smoother events for clients and guests.

Overview of Catering Services

Catering services operate in a fast paced environment where clear communication directly affects event quality and client satisfaction.

Clients expect quick updates on availability, menu details, and timing, often while managing shifting plans.

Traditional channels can be slow or overlooked, creating gaps that risk misunderstandings, delays, or missed expectations.

SMS offers near universal reach and extremely high engagement rates, making it easier for teams and clients to stay aligned in real time.

Messages are typically read within minutes, which supports rapid coordination and reduces operational friction.

By using SMS, catering services can make sure communication is timely, reliable, and well suited to the mobile first habits of modern customers.

SMS Use Cases in Catering Services

SMS is invaluable for catering services because it delivers instant, trackable messages that keep clients and on-site teams aligned during fast-moving event windows.

Timely confirmations of final guest counts and menu selections via text help reduce mistakes and allow kitchen teams to scale preparations accurately.

Day-of logistics texts with precise delivery windows and parking or loading instructions improve driver routing and speed up setup on venue arrival.

Automated staff alerts about schedule changes, station assignments, and allergy notes keep front and back-of-house teams coordinated without phone tag.

Client-facing updates on dietary substitutions, arrival delays, and quick payment links improve satisfaction and shorten billing cycles.

Post-event surveys and image requests collected by SMS speed feedback loops and support faster repeat bookings.

FAQs About SMS Benchmarks for Catering Services

How can catering services use SMS to manage event bookings more smoothly?

Catering teams can send SMS messages to confirm event dates, menu choices, and guest counts so details are clear for everyone. This helps reduce last minute confusion and makes sure both the client and the staff stay aligned.

Caterers can also use SMS to request quick approvals for changes such as timing adjustments or menu substitutions. This speeds up decision making and keeps events running on schedule.

What kind of SMS reminders are most useful for catering clients before an event?

Catering services can send SMS reminders about final headcounts, dietary restrictions, and delivery or setup times. This gives clients a simple way to double check important details without needing a phone call.

Messages can also remind clients about payment deadlines or venue access instructions. Clear reminders help prevent delays on the event day and make sure everything is ready when the catering team arrives.

How can SMS help catering staff coordinate on the day of an event?

Catering managers can use SMS to update staff about arrival times, loading zones, and room locations. This is especially helpful when teams are working across multiple venues or large spaces.

If unexpected changes happen, like a room switch or schedule shift, SMS lets managers reach everyone quickly. Fast communication keeps service smooth and helps staff handle surprises calmly.

What SMS practices help catering services give a more personal client experience?

Catering services can personalize SMS messages with client names, event types, and key details like themes or special requests. This shows clients that the team is paying attention to their specific event.

They can also follow up by SMS after the event to thank clients and invite feedback. This simple contact builds stronger relationships and makes clients more likely to return.