Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Here's What Some Caterers Put In Their Contract/Agreements

THESE ARE JUST SAMPLES OF PARTS OF CONTRACTS USED BY SOME CATERERS... THEY ARE EXAMPLES OF PARTS OF A CONTRACT, NOT A WHOLE AND COMPLETE CONTRACT. IF YOU LIKE ANY OF THEM, RUN THEM BY YOUR ATTORNEY BEFORE USING THEM.

1. EXAMPLE OF COPY FOR CUSTOMER COUNT SECTIONS OF A CONTRACT/AGREEMENT
A. The number of persons listed on this contract shall be guaranteed by the customer, even if the number of guests served is lower than the guarantee given.

B. All costs are based on the guarantee given. However, a customer may reduce the given guarantee by up to 10%, as long as the customer notifies ABC Catering of the reduction more than 72 hours before the event.

C. Caterer has extensive experience in determining and preparing the correct amount for each menu item for the guaranteed group size. It is our custom to prepare enough extra to cover groups that eat above normal amounts of foods. However, in no case, are we required to have extra food for numbers higher than the guarantee given.

D. Customer agrees that they will pay additional, at the agreed per guest price, for any guests that increase the guarantee... even if the food is available.

E. If the final guest count is 10% greater than the guarantee, an additional 10% service charge will be paid by customer to cover the extra burden placed on the staff at the event by being shorthanded.

F. Customer agrees that the caterer will retain all foods and beverages, remaining at the conclusion of the event, that have been brought by the caterer.

G. The final count, or guarantee, is due 7 business days in advance of the event. Following the final count, the number may not be lowered, but may be raised. A 15% surcharge may be added to cover additional last minute expenses of getting the added food and beverages for the additional guests.

2. EXAMPLE OF COPY FOR CANCELLATION SECTIONS OF A CONTRACT/AGREEMENT
A. Customer understands that once a contract is signed, the caterer may decline other profit-making opportunities for that day. Accordingly, the client will be responsible for the entire contract cost even if the event is cancelled.

B. Customer understands that as the event date comes closer, the caterer has hired event staff, purchased foods and beverages, and contracted for kitchen labor. Accordingly, the client will be responsible for the entire contract cost even if the event is cancelled.

C. If the client notifies the caterer in ample time, the caterer will make every effort to rebook the date or lower the amount of the loss. In this case, these savings will be passed along to the client.

D. If the client’s guest count drops more than 50% from original guarantee, the caterer has the right to cancel the contract unless a higher price is negotiated to offset the loss of profit.

E. In the event that a client cancels the function with not less than 2 weeks prior to the date, 50% of the deposit will be retained by the caterer. If the event is cancelled with less than 1 week notice, the client will be responsible for the entire amount due.

3. EXAMPLE OF COPY FOR DAMAGE TO CATERERS STUFF SECTIONS OF A CONTRACT/AGREEMENT
A. Customer understands that all property brought to the event location, including but not limited to all serving equipment, floral arrangements, skirting and linens, non-floral centerpieces, and all other property belonging to caterer, shall be removed by caterer at conclusion of the event.

B. In the event that any of the caterer’s property delivered to the event location is broken, stolen, or missing, whether due to actions of customer, their own staff, or guests, the customer will be responsible for replacement cost of any such property. In the event that such loss is due to the caterer, the client will not be liable for replacement.

C. Client understands that all of the caterer’s property will be removed at the end of the event. If the customer requires, or asks, for any of this property to be left behind, the client shall be charged an appropriate fee for use of this property.

REMEMBER: GET AN ATTORNEY’S APPROVAL BEFORE USING!

1 comment:

  1. Food plays a major role in making an event successful. It is also necessary to select the best food option and catering service. It is better to hire finger food catering for parties and birthdays. Anyway, I really enjoyed reading your post so informative.

    Business Caterers Sacramento

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