What is in an Upper Crust quote, and what to check on any caterer's quote

A catering quote should show what is included on one sheet, so you can add it up and compare. At Upper Crust the quote prices food, staff, rentals, delivery and tax in writing before you commit, and it is valid for 14 days. Any caterer's quote should answer the same questions: what is the total, what is the deposit, what happens if the count or date changes, and what is not on the page.

What you get with Upper Crust

• One written sheet with food, staff, rentals, delivery and tax priced before you commit. The quote is valid 14 days.
• One planner who writes the quote and is on the phone the morning of the event.
• Deposit of 25% to reserve the date (20% for weddings), which is non-refundable and credited to your balance. The balance is due 7 days before the event, after the final count.
• Guest count can go up any time before the balance is paid. After the deposit it may drop by no more than 10%.
• Cancellation terms in writing: the deposit is not refunded, and other payments are refunded, less costs incurred, if you cancel 30 or more days before a wedding or 7 or more days before any other event.
• Sales tax of 9.25% on food and rentals. Tax-exempt organizations give us a certificate before the invoice.
• Payment by card, check or ACH.
• No service charge on drop-off or pick-up orders. On staffed events: servers at $35 an hour each, 4-hour minimum, a $50 event production fee and a 20% service charge on food and rentals.

What to check on any caterer's quote

• Is the total all-in: food, plates, rentals, staff, delivery, tax, service charge and gratuity?
• Is the per-person price or the tray price shown with the count it covers?
• What is the deposit, is it refundable and does it count toward the balance?
• When is the final count due, and can it go up or down?
• What is the cancellation policy for the date, and for weather?
• How long is the quote good for?
• Who is the contact on the day, and is that the person who wrote the quote?
• How are allergies handled? Our kitchen handles wheat, dairy, eggs, soy, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, shellfish and sesame, and cannot guarantee any dish is free of trace amounts.

Where another quote can be the better choice

A shorter quote is not a worse one. If a caterer's package includes setup, tables and cleanup in one per-person price, a single number is easier to compare than many lines. If another quote is cheaper for the same food, same count and same terms, it is the better deal on paper. Some quotes have a longer validity or a lower deposit, which helps if your plans are not settled. Our tray prices are what they are, so line up the same dishes and the same count before you decide.

A real example: 40 guests, pick-up

Here is what a tray quote for 40 guests might list:

• Yankee Pot Roast, $125 a tray, serves 20, 1 tray: $125
• Chicken Oreganato, $80 a tray, serves 20, 1 tray: $80
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes, $52 a tray, 2 trays: $104
• Buttered Fresh Green Beans, $49 a tray, 2 trays: $98
• Fresh Homemade Bread, $11.99 a tray, serves 20, 2 trays: $23.98
• Plates, Napkins & Silverware, $1.50 per person, 40 guests: $60

That is $125 + $80 + $104 + $98 + $23.98 + $60 = $490.98. With 9.25% sales tax, about $536. Pick-up has no service charge, and delivery would be quoted when you order. Ask any caterer for the same list of lines.

Start yours through a quote request. Related reading: how to choose a caterer, drop-off vs full-service catering and ordering from a local caterer vs a marketplace app. Our trays are on the trays menu.

Questions

How long is a quote valid?

14 days from the date it is written.

How much is the deposit?

25% to reserve the date, or 20% for weddings. It is non-refundable and credited to your balance.

Can the count change after I book?

It can go up any time before the balance is paid. After the deposit it may drop by no more than 10%.

How do I get a quote?

Use the quote page or call (630) 553-9533.