Most catering problems come from questions nobody asked until the contract was signed: surprise service charges, a missing permit, not enough staff or food. Take these questions to every corporate caterer you talk to, compare the answers side by side, and get the important ones in writing.
When to book: people usually book corporate and office caterers about 1–7 days ahead.
The Questions
- What is the price per person, and is there a minimum order?
- Do you offer individually boxed and labeled meals?
- What is the delivery window, and do you set up?
- Can you invoice the company or set up a recurring order?
- How are allergens labeled?
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Tips
- Individually labeled boxed lunches make dietary needs easy for large meetings.
- Recurring weekly orders often get a lower per-person price.
Before You Sign
- Get the date, service times, menu, portions, staff count, total price and payment schedule in writing.
- Read the cancellation, headcount-change and refund terms.
- Check that the business name on the contract matches the one you researched.
- Pay deposits by credit card where possible, for buyer protection.