Covid-19

Due to the ambiguity caused by Covid-19 please note the following:

All deposits are non-refundable however, the deposit could be used as a credit in the future. For example, if a customer were to pay a deposit of £75 and no longer required our services or had to cancel due to an unforeseen event, the customer would be entitled to £75 worth of food. (N.B the £75/150 worth of food entitlement must be claimed within 12 months).

If the country was forced to go into lockdown the deposit could be used to secure another date in the future (N.B. if there is availability). If the customer paid the entire balance and the country was to go into lockdown we would only retain the deposit and the rest will be refunded.

By using Dane’s Caribbean Catering services, you agree to abide by the terms and conditions set out below.

Payments

1. The remaining balance is to be paid 7 days before (for general bookings) and 4 weeks for weddings. We reserve the right to cancel any upcoming bookings if payment is not received promptly.
2. Unless a deposit is paid we cannot secure the date for your event unless stated otherwise.
3. A non-returnable deposit (£300 if the invoice quote is over £1,000, £200 for bookings under £1,000). N.B we do not offer full or partial refunds.
4. Cancellations made 7 days before the event are subject to a 50% fee.
5. Bookings over £1,000 require the final balance to be paid 4 weeks before the event and for bookings under £1,000 the final balance is due 7 days before the event, unless an arrangement has been made. Weddings require a £300 deposit, followed by installments (20% of the final balance at the 5-month mark, and the remaining balance 4 weeks before the event).
6. Bookings under £1,000 require a £200 deposit. Orders over £1,000 require a £300 deposit.
7. Full payment is required as per the terms agreed upon booking. Payments can be made by bank transfer to the bank details on the invoice.
8. Please notify us by phone or email before sending payment as the date might already be booked (please attach a screenshot of the confirmed payments).
9. If the number of guests attending exceeds the number on the original booking, and we can cater for them, we will charge at the prevailing rate. If the number of guests is less than originally booked, we will still charge for the numbers ordered. Final numbers must be confirmed in writing 14 days before the event.
10. For functions at an external venue, travel charges may apply (outside a 5-mile radius).

Hiring

As standard we do not provide crockery and cutlery free of charge. Disposables are provided by the company.

11. Depending on the service requested, a retained deposit may be required for hired equipment:
    • Popcorn machine £100
    • Chocolate fountain £45
    • Chafing dishes £50

    This deposit will be refunded once items are returned in acceptable condition.

12. We do not insure against theft or mishaps once items are in your possession. Loss or damage will result in partial or full forfeiture of the deposit.
13. Hired goods remain the property of Dane’s Catering Services. Late returns will forfeit the deposit. All sweet jars are hire-only and must be returned empty.
14. Goods must be returned the next day or next working day. Refunds may take up to 7 days.
15. We do not remove or handle hired charger plates from third suppliers.
16. Disposable plates and cutlery are standard. Stainless cutlery and porcelain plates are available at additional cost.

Venues

17. We cannot accept responsibility if venue access issues prevent sufficient setup. Every effort will be made to coordinate with staff.
18. Kitchen access is required for table service.
19. Clients must confirm venue requirements (food safety certificates, health and safety policies, parking, liability insurance, etc.) before booking. Failure may result in loss of deposit.
20. Check whether your venue permits outside catering companies before booking to avoid losing your deposit.
21. Serving tables must be available for our use (preferably one long 6ft table or two standard tables).

Guest Numbers

22. Although we endeavour to cater for nominal guests, this does not guarantee one of each item per guest.

Bookings

23. Gratuities are at your discretion.
24. No last-minute changes (10 days or less) to service, date, or time.
25. A corkage fee applies for drinks table setup.
26. Table service plans and menu choices must be submitted 10 days before the event in spreadsheet format (guest names, table number, menu choices).
27. We do not take responsibility for third-party decorations or cutlery. Buffet tables and tablecloths must be provided by the venue/customer.
28. Family table or serving top table service is chargeable.
29. Cake moving must be allocated to someone. Cutting cake starts from £50.
30. Serving staff provide catering only — not chair stacking or non-catering tasks.
31. Food cannot be left out longer than 4 hours (includes setup & serving).
32. Additional drinks service must be requested in advance.

Communication

33. Communicate promptly with booking staff to avoid errors.
34. We reserve the right to update terms and conditions when required.
35. Complaints must be submitted via email with full details.
36. Do not use WhatsApp, text, or social media DMs for booking changes — use email (info@danescatering.co.uk) or call (0121 206 2780). Please allow 24 hours for a response.
37. Abusive or threatening behaviour towards staff will not be tolerated. We cannot always respond within 24 hours due to multiple bookings.

Food Allergies and Intolerances

38. We follow good hygiene practices but cannot guarantee allergen-free food. Cross-contamination may occur. All meat is Halal.
39. Service Timings: Refers to the agreed time food is ready. Delays under 45 minutes due to uncontrollable circumstances will not qualify for refunds.
40. Leftover Food: All leftover food remains property of Dane’s Catering and will be disposed of according to food hygiene regulations.
41. Allergies & Special Dietary Requirements: Clients must provide dietary information at least 14 days before the event. No refunds for unnotified allergies.

Complaints & Refunds

42. Refunds/discounts only apply if there is clear evidence of significant service failure. Minor delays or guest preference do not qualify.

Guest Conduct

43. Clients are responsible for guest behaviour. Aggressive or disruptive behaviour towards staff may result in immediate withdrawal of service without refund.

Serving Times

44. Customers must clearly state expected service times (e.g. canapés at 1 pm, mains at 3 pm, dessert at 4:30 pm).

Photographic Evidence

45. We may use staff photographs/videos to verify service quality and timing in case of complaints.

Food Quantity

46. We cater based on agreed guest numbers and menu choices. Unlimited servings are not guaranteed.

Third-Party Interference

47. We are not liable for disruptions caused by other suppliers, venue staff, or unauthorised persons handling equipment or food.

Final Agreement Priority

48. Where there is a conflict between verbal discussions and the signed service agreement, the signed agreement takes precedence.

We truly appreciate your business and will do our best to ensure that your event is a success!