How much deposit do caterers take?
Published caterer terms most often ask for 25% to 50% of the estimated total to book the date. Some take a flat booking fee, such as $500, and a larger payment closer to the event. Bigger or custom events usually justify the higher end.
A common payment schedule
A typical schedule has three parts: the deposit at booking, a second payment one to two months out, and the balance with the final headcount. Published terms put the final payment and guaranteed headcount anywhere from two weeks to 45 days before the event.
Cancellations and refunds
Refunds are usually tiered by notice. A common pattern refunds most of the deposit if the client cancels a month or more out, refunds part of it closer in, and keeps the deposit for late cancellations. Write the tiers into the contract the client signs, with dates, not just percentages.
Final headcount and changes
Set a headcount deadline and say what happens after it: guests can be added if the kitchen can handle it, but the count does not go down. This protects the food you have already ordered.
Collecting deposits without chasing
Send the quote, contract and deposit link together so the client can sign and pay in one step. On Cenvi, the deposit and every milestone payment are scheduled when the booking is made, and payments land in your own Stripe account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a catering deposit refundable?
It depends on the contract. Many caterers make the deposit non-refundable inside a set window, such as 30 days, and partly refundable before that.
When is the final catering payment due?
Usually with the final headcount, between two weeks and 45 days before the event.
Should the deposit be a percentage or a flat fee?
A percentage scales with the job and is most common. A flat booking fee is simpler for small drop-off orders.
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