Questions to ask a caterer before signing

Price, quantities, delivery, dietary needs, allergens, insurance, payment, cancellation: the questions to ask a corporate caterer before signing, and L'Écrin's answers.

Caterers' quotes are hard to compare from one supplier to the next: one includes delivery, the other does not; one counts 2 pastries per person, the other 1. Here are the questions to ask before signing, grouped by theme, with L'Écrin Traiteur's answers for comparison.

1. Price: what is included?

Is the price excl. VAT or incl. VAT, per person or in total?
Is delivery included? And equipment collection?
Are tableware, table linen and staff included or charged separately?

At L'Écrin: prices excl. VAT published on the prices page, delivery €29 excl. VAT in Paris and nearby towns, disposable cups, napkins and cutlery included. The detail is in our guide what is included in a caterer's quote.

2. Quantities: how much per person?

How many canapés, pastries, drinks per person?
Does the quote allow a margin for last-minute guests?

At L'Écrin: 2 mini pastries per person at breakfast (3 for up to 10 people), 8, 12 or 16 canapés at a cocktail reception. Our rules are published in the breakfast budget guide.

3. Delivery: when, where, by whom?

At an exact time or within a time slot? What tolerance?
Who delivers: the caterer or a courier? How far: reception, the floor, the room?

At L'Écrin: from 6:30 am, at the agreed time with a 30-minute tolerance, by our own team.

4. Dietary needs and allergens

Is the menu halal, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free? With or without a surcharge?
Where can you find the list of allergens for each product?

At L'Écrin: the whole menu is halal and pork-free, alcohol-free, at no extra cost; vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free on request. A table of the 14 regulated allergens is attached to the quote and the delivery note.

5. Insurance and hygiene

Does the caterer have professional liability insurance?
How long can the products stay at room temperature?

At L'Écrin: professional liability insurance. Chilled products should be eaten within 4 hours of delivery, with no more than 2 hours at room temperature.

6. Payment

Is a deposit required? Within what time must the invoice be paid?
What payment methods? Is the invoice made out in the company's name, with VAT?

At L'Écrin: bank transfer or card, invoices payable at 30 days end of month, company invoice with VAT.

7. Changes and cancellation

Until when can you change the number of guests?
Until when can you cancel free of charge? What happens after that?

At L'Écrin: changes until 2 pm the day before; free cancellation up to 2 working days before delivery, before 10 am; after that, the order remains payable.

Sources

L'Écrin Traiteur terms: terms and conditions of sale and prices, as of 17 October 2026.

Frequently asked questions

What questions should you ask a caterer before signing?

What the price includes, quantities per person, delivery time and method, dietary needs and allergens, insurance, payment, and the terms for changes and cancellation.

Do you need to pay a deposit to book a corporate caterer?

It depends on the caterer. At L'Écrin Traiteur, invoices are payable at 30 days end of month, by bank transfer or card.

Should a caterer be insured?

Ask for their professional liability insurance. L'Écrin Traiteur has it.