How to Tip a Caterer
Event planning can be stressful enough without worrying about whether to tip the vendors. While tipping is always optional, you may want to fit it into your budget in case the caterer is the best part of your party.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
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1
Peruse your catering contract to find out where your money is going. Many event service providers include a gratuity charge within the bill, and you shouldn't feel the need to extend an additional tip. If the service was outstanding or the caterer exceeded your expectations, feel free to be generous.
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2
Ask the caterer if she will accept a tip for her services. In some cases, caterers who own their own business would prefer not to be tipped. Rather than risking an insult, thank her verbally and find out if it's appropriate to offer gratuity.
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3
Place a cash tip in an envelope to give to your caterer at the end of the event. It is a good idea to put all vendor tips in envelopes and label them appropriately so you avoid the last-minute stress of tipping decisions. If a vendor or caterer fails to meet your expectations, you can always adjust the envelope amount before passing it on.
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4
Send a thank-you note to an excellent caterer after your event has passed, and offer to be included on her reference list. Some service providers even save notes of thanks to show potential clients at a later date.
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5
Find out if the catering servers receive any of the agreed-upon gratuity. If the contractually added amount does not cover the serving staff, be prepared to give them each an envelope with $10 to $15 after they've cleaned up.
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Tips & Warnings
Put some thought into your tips when you plan your event budget. There is nothing more uncomfortable than wondering at the last minute whether you should offer a tip, or deciding to tip and finding yourself without cash.
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Comments
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what is to be said for a handful of businesses that one employee has worked for cannot be assumed for all. our staff is more than compensated for the time they put in to an event; in fact, much effort and time is exerted to ensure the gratuity and service fee charged to a guest are enough to compensate the staff for their services. the point is NOT to base your judgement on any individual's past experiences--the client/host business relationship should have enough solid ground to stand on that details about the cost can be examined and explained.
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After being in the food business for many years and NIFI certified. I have been a catering server in Ca. I was treated well by ownership and received many tips. I moved to Nashville and after working here for several companies, yes they will charge the client a service charge but the SERVERS do not get it and are treated more like slave labor. They are NOT treated well and will not get a tip unless you personally give it to them! Here managers are promoted on basis of being able to drive a catering truck not based on food safety and catering knowledge. Just FYI but I no longer serve.
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SALISTRA
Dec 11, 2008
I have a question about catering. Our office is planning a holiday luncheon for 100 people. We have a catering just preparing the food and delivering it. He is charging us for the food plus a delivery fee which is very fair. Some feel we should tip him as well. He is just delivering the food and leaving. This is a Buffet-style office party with no servers or attendants involved. I personally feel in this type of situation, you wouldn't tip. We are paying him cash. Do you feel we should tip and if so, how much? -
SALISTRA
Dec 11, 2008
I have a question about catering. Our office is planning a holiday luncheon for 100 people. We have a catering just preparing the food and delivering it. He is charging us for the food plus a delivery fee which is very fair. Some feel we should tip him as well. He is just delivering the food and leaving. This is a Buffet-style office party with no servers or attendants involved. I personally feel in this type of situation, you wouldn't tip. We are paying him cash. Do you feel we should tip and if so, how much?
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Catlyn
Dec 08, 2008
Wow! I can not beleive you would recommend $10-$15 as a tip for the attendents. "Martha123" is so correct. I am an attendent and have to lift, haul, clean, ensure food safety, etc...we do it all. We haul thru rain, snow, up and down stairs and elevators. Think about it. And then we have to look good and ensure food quality and safety. The attendent fee charged the client is usually $20 an hour. As an attendent I do not get that. I get $13 an hour which is not near enough for what we do. My small company that employees me does not include a tip. They sometimes charge a service fee which we do not get either. Please, please, please find out if a tip is included and how much your attendents are actually getting!
