5 Legal Must-Haves to Survive the Summer Catering Rush

Summer is coming, and for caterers and street food vendors, that means non-stop bookings, festivals, and customers queuing up for your delicious food. But while you’re busy prepping menus and sorting stock, don’t forget the legal bits that can save you from stress, unpaid invoices, and messy disputes.

Here are five legal must-haves every catering business needs before the summer madness kicks in:

1. Clear Terms and Conditions (Because “It’ll Be Fine” Never Works)

We get it – you’re busy, and legal jargon isn’t exactly your idea of fun. But without clear terms and conditions, you’re leaving yourself wide open to problems. Your terms should cover deposits, cancellation policies, payment deadlines, and exactly what your service includes (and doesn’t include!). Trust us, it’s much easier to point to your terms when a client tries to cancel last minute than to argue it out over email.

2. Deposit and Payment Terms That Actually Get You Paid

Ever had a client “forget” to pay you after a big event? It’s frustrating (and all too common). Take deposits upfront – no deposit, no booking. And don’t be shy about chasing payments. Your payment terms should spell out when and how you’ll be paid, and what happens if a client doesn’t cough up on time. A late payment clause with interest charges can work wonders for speeding things up. Alternatively, get paid in full before the event!

3. Supplier Agreements That Won’t Leave You in the Lurch

Nothing throws a spanner in the works like a supplier who doesn’t deliver on time or sends you unsatisfactory produce. A solid supplier agreement sets out delivery times, quality standards, and what happens if something goes wrong. Without it, you could end up stuck with dodgy ingredients and no legal leg to stand on.

4. A Cancellations Policy That Protects You from Last-Minute Dropouts

Summer is peak time for no-shows and last-minute cancellations. Your cancellation policy should cover when clients can cancel, how much notice they need to give, and whether they lose their deposit if they pull out. Without a clear policy, you could end up out of pocket with a fridge full of unused ingredients.

5. A Backup Plan for Unpaid Invoices (Because It Happens)

Even with the best planning, some clients just won’t pay up. Make sure you know your legal options if you need to chase a debt. Sometimes a well-worded letter from McKenzie Legal & HR is all it takes to get that payment through.

Pro Tip: Your Legal Prep is Just as Important as Your Food Prep

In catering, solid prep means smooth service – and the same goes for your legal paperwork. Don’t wait until something goes wrong – let me review your terms of business or a contract for FREE* as an NCASS member. It’s quick, painless, and could save you thousands down the line.

Or book your free 30-minute consultation today and let’s get everything in its place before the summer rush! Contact us at www.mckenzielegalandhr.co.uk or email us at [email protected].
*This only applies to one document

You can find out more about the NCASS partnership with McKenzie Legal & HR here.