Catering Service Terms and Conditions

What a good one includes

• A clear schedule outlining the non-refundable booking deposit required to secure the date, alongside deadlines for the remaining balance.
• A strict cutoff date for the final guest count, after which numbers cannot be decreased and any increases will incur additional per-head fees.
• A tiered refund policy that details what percentage of the total fee is retained depending on how close to the event date the cancellation occurs.
• A clear clause stating the deadline for submitting dietary restrictions and releasing your business from liability for undeclared food allergies.
• Specific requirements regarding venue access times, kitchen facility expectations, and who is responsible for broken glassware or rented equipment.
• A liability waiver stating that the caterer is not responsible for foodborne illnesses resulting from guests consuming leftovers taken home after the event.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Accepting verbal changes to guest counts or dietary needs instead of requiring all modifications in writing.
• Failing to define a strict cutoff date for final menu adjustments, which can lead to last-minute ingredient sourcing scrambles and lost profits.
• Omitting a specific clause that addresses who pays for venue delays, power outages, or inadequate kitchen setups that affect food preparation.
• Not stating clearly that the booking deposit is non-refundable, leaving your business vulnerable to lost income if a client cancels late.

Frequently asked questions