Is it proper to tip a caterer...read the whole question below:?!
Is it proper to tip a caterer...read the whole question below:?
She arrived with a helper with everything needed, set it all up, helped serve my quests appetizers and drinks and dinner. Stayed throughout the dinner party to serve dessert then cleaned it all up. She charges about $50 a head (we had 12 quests) . My husband says no but I think we should have slipped her some cash last night. I can still add it to the payment I give to her when I get the bill.
Answers:
I have a rule , I never tip owners and neither should you. It is her responsibility to price out the job properly to insure that she makes a fair profit ,not yours. If you feel the need to tip some one, tip her helper.
If the caterer performed his job as stated in the contract no tip is required, if they did above and beyond the contract then a compensation is in order. Just as if they didn't do what the contract states you would want a partial refund of services not rendered
If a service charge was part of the bill, tipping is not required. If the caterer and her helper went above and beyond what her bill covered, then a tip would be nice.
I would say that a tip would be appropriate, unless one is already added to the bill. But, as the other people said, if the service they provided really was better than what you expected then you may want to add more than what may already be charged.
Also keep in mind, if you entertain often and will rehire this caterer, tipping them well is a good way to ensure that the service will continue to be taht good.
Go ahead and tip if feel the need. I work at place where we rent out the hall. Usually the cost for catering is for food and for the time to prepare. But not included is dealing with drunks, dealing with irritating guest and not mention the average time to prepare is about a 14 hour day.
I have done catering for many years and never expect a tip when I do receive one it is always greatly appreciated and lets me know that I did a good job!
send me the money