Before booking a caterer or negotiating with catering companies for corporate catering, etc., it is essential to have a good understandng of what is included in the price. Some catering equipment and catering supplies may be considered extras and outside the catering agreement. Use the following checklist for a comprehensive list of components.
CHECKLIST
1) Their specialty area
2) Length of time in business
3) Payment terms
4) Is the deposit refundable?
5) Is a contract for services provided?
6) Can the catering companies provide 3 references?
7) What do they guarantee?
8) Can they provide pictures of the food on the catering menu?
9) When can I sample the food?
10) Maximum number of people they have catered for in the pass.
11) Have they worked at a similar venue before?
12) Do they have other jobs on the same day?
13) Is the catering menu flexible?
14) How wide is the range of vegetarian options?
15) As part of the catering supplies, do they provide linen, crockery and cutlery as standard, or is this an extra charge?
16) Can they provide a bar if needed?
17) If applicable, where will they do the washing up?
18) How do they arrange the tables/can you specify?
19) How many staff will they supply? Check the ratio of staff to server.
20) Do their staff wear a uniforms?
21) How much do they charge per person for overtime?
22) How and where will they prepare and serve the food?
23) What cooking equipment do they have?
24) If applicable, how many fridges will they need?
25) If applicable, when will they remove cooking aparatus and other catering equipment?
26) How much time will they need to prepare food before the meal is served?
27) Do they have the relevant food handler's certificate?
28) Can they show you an insurance certificate?
29) What are their electricity power requirements for coffee urns, warming ovens, etc.?
2) Length of time in business
