Deposits and future delivery
Caterers are paid before they deliver, sometimes months ahead. Providers call this future delivery and may hold a reserve. Tell your provider about deposit timing at underwriting so there are no surprises.
Invoices over keyed cards
Typing card numbers taken by phone costs more and weakens chargeback defence. Send invoices or payment links instead, so the customer enters their own card and accepts your terms.
Corporate clients
Office and event clients often pay by corporate or purchasing card. Passing Level 2 data, such as tax and customer code, can lower the cost on eligible cards. For large invoices, ACH is cheaper still.
Winning disputes
Keep the signed contract, menu, headcount changes and delivery confirmation. Clear cancellation terms decide most catering disputes.