If you are planning to hire a professional catering company for your special event, you will have to sign a service agreement, which is essentially a contract with the caterers. Although these create a legally-binding relationship between caterer and client, there is nothing to be intimidated about, especially if you prepare yourself by researching what to expect in the terms and conditions of the contract.
Continue below to learn the most common elements of a catering contract, plus which Georgia caterers to trust for superior service that fits the budget.
General Information Included in a Catering Contract
Understanding what to expect from a catering contract will help you feel more confident in signing on that dotted line. Once you sign a catering service agreement, you are responsible for your part in the process from start to finish, and so are the caterers. A catering contract benefits both company and client by clearly detailing the role and responsibilities of each. The contract helps serve as a single source of accountability when something like a dispute or error arises.
In a standard catering service agreement, you should find detailed information regarding:
Menu and Services
The catering agreement should clearly specify all food, beverages, and services to be provided. This includes all menu items, substitutions and alternatives, type of service style, and additional materials and services to be provided, like linens, tables, cutlery, cleanup, and more. It should also describe procedures for leftover consumables, staffing affairs, and similar administrative matters.
Payment Arrangements and Fees
On top of any base prices, all other fees and payment arrangements should be detailed in a catering contract. Fees should include everything from food and beverage procurement to hourly staff wages, cleanup and breakdown fees, and even coverage for additional, unexpected guests that attend at the last minute. In addition to monetary obligations, payment methods and schedules should also be detailed in the contract.
Basic Terms and Conditions
Like all contracts, a catering service agreement will also cover the basic terms and conditions between both parties. This includes fundamental information like the names and contact information of the client and catering company, date and time of event, and venue location, as well as additional specifications on matters like insurance, health and safety regulations, cancellations, postponements, contract breaches, and deadlines for menu and service changes.
Are you interested in learning more about having your upcoming event catered? Contact Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 to speak with a friendly and experienced Peachtree City catering service manager, today. We also serve the Newnan, Raymond, Sharpsburg, Woodsmoke, Wood Valley Estates, Arnco Mills, Fayetteville, Whitesburg, Chattahoochee Hills, and Palmetto areas.
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