Tableware, table linen, staff: what is included in a caterer's quote?
Delivery, tableware, tablecloths, service, equipment, collection: what is included or charged separately in a corporate caterer's quote, and the lines to check before signing.
Two caterers' quotes at the same price per person can cover very different things. There is no common rule: some caterers include tableware and table linen, others charge for them per person, others again offer them for hire. Here are the lines to check, and what a quote from L'Écrin Traiteur includes.
The lines to check on a caterer's quote
| Item | Often included? | The question to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery | Rarely | What flat fee for my address? At an exact time or within a time slot? |
| Cups, napkins, cutlery | Often | Disposable or reusable? |
| Real tableware, glasses | Varies | Included, charged per person, or hired? Washing included? |
| Table linen | Varies | How many tablecloths, at what price? Some charge €1 excl. VAT per person. |
| Service staff | Rarely | How many people, how many hours, setting up and packing away included? |
| Furniture (high tables, tables) | Rarely | Hired separately: how many, delivered when, collected when? |
| Equipment collection | Varies | Who collects the platters and thermos flasks, and when? |
| Drinks | Varies | Included in the package or à la carte? |
What is included at L'Écrin Traiteur
- Disposable cups, napkins, plates and cutlery, at no extra cost.
- A plated, ready-to-serve presentation, on boards.
- For live cooking stations: setting up and dismantling included.
What is charged separately
| Item | Price excl. VAT |
|---|---|
| Delivery in Paris and nearby towns, from 6:30 am | €29 |
| Collection of reusable tableware or equipment | €19 |
| Maître d'hôtel, 6-hour service | €250 |
| Tableware, glassware, table linen | on quote, hired from Options |
| Furniture (high tables, tables) | on quote, through a partner hire company |
| Flower arrangements | on quote, by a partner florist |
| Drinks | à la carte: thermos of coffee or tea €19.50, Alain Milliat juices from €9.50 per litre |
Platters, display stands and thermos flasks we lend are returned clean within 72 hours, or we collect them with the "collection" line.
The terms to read before signing
- Minimum order: €50 excl. VAT with us, with no minimum number of people.
- Changes: until 2 pm the day before.
- Cancellation: free of charge up to 2 working days before delivery, before 10 am; after that, the order remains payable.
- Delivery: 30-minute tolerance on the agreed time slot; any problem must be reported within 2 hours.
- Payment: bank transfer or card, company invoice with VAT.
Everything is detailed in our terms and conditions of sale and on the prices page.
Sources
- Caterers' practices: Traiteur Lebot (tableware and table linen included) and Orami (table linen €1 excl. VAT per person), accessed 17 October 2026.
- L'Écrin Traiteur terms: terms and conditions and prices, as of 17 October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is tableware included in a caterer's quote?
It depends on the caterer. At L'Écrin Traiteur, disposable cups, napkins, plates and cutlery are included; porcelain, glasses and tablecloths are hired from Options, on quote.
Are service staff included in the caterer's price?
Rarely. At L'Écrin Traiteur, a maître d'hôtel costs €250 excl. VAT for a 6-hour service.
Can you cancel a catering order?
At L'Écrin Traiteur, free of charge up to 2 working days before delivery, before 10 am. After that, the order remains payable.
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