At Catering by Darlene, I am dedicated to ensuring that your event is a success. I believe that this starts with a strong, honest and open relationship between me and you, the event organizer. Clear communication and a mutual understanding of expectations from the outset are essential.​

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Acceptance of Terms: 

By paying any fees associated with my services, you acknowledge and accept these terms and conditions. This agreement lays the groundwork for our working relationship and the services I provide. I encourage open dialogue throughout the planning process. Please feel free to share your vision, questions, and any concerns you may have. My goal is to collaborate closely to guarantee that every detail aligns with your expectations.

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Liability: 

Catering by Darlene shall not be held liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the delivery of our services or any errors or omissions related thereto.

 

Indemnification:

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Catering by Darlene from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from your event, including but not limited to third-party claims. 

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• Delivery Time

We will need to have access to the venue no later than 1 hour 15 minutes in advance of the start time for setup.  We may need more time if the event is for 100+ guests.  Client is responsible to arrange access for catering.

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• Hours of Service

We have a 3-hour maximum catering service on all our packages.  For example: Start Time: 1pm End Time: 4pm.    ​

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• Deposit

A deposit of 25% is required to reserve event date and is due upon the signing of the contract agreement.  This payment will be applied to the total invoice.  Booking is not complete without the deposit payment. We will not be able to hold or reserve the event date without the deposit.

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• Full Payment due 5 Day Prior of Event

Full payment is due 5 days "120 hours" before the event date. It can be paid using any of the payment methods that we accept (see payment methods section below). 

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• Minimum Guest Count (35 guests)

Our minimum quote is for 35 guests for all catered parties.  If you have less than 35 guests, we can still cater your event, however the minimum charge will remain for 35 guests.​​

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• Labor Costs

Catering staff: $25 per hour/server. The length of service depends on the type of event and location. An estimate of labor for your event can be determined for you by Catering By Darlene. 

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• Staff Gratuity

Event staff gratuity is not included in the invoice.  It is at the client's discretion to give event staff a gratuity.

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• Guest Count

Customer is responsible for the final headcount 5 days prior to the contracted event date.  The client will be charged for the number of guests that the client specifies.  If less guests attend the event the quoted price will remain the same, however if there are more guests than the client specified in the contract, we reserve the right to charge client accordingly. If headcount is greater than the stated amount, we also cannot guarantee that sufficient food will be available to all guests in attendance.

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• Food Quantity & Leftovers

We prepare 10% overage on food based on contracted final headcount.  The client will not be charged for this 10% overage.  The client can package any leftovers.  Client is responsible to provide containers for leftover food.  Client also assumes all liability resulting in failure to properly maintain safe food temperatures and storage of leftover food.

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• Food Allergies

​​Please inform us in advance of any food allergies or dietary restrictions, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. However, we cannot guarantee a completely allergen environment.

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• Cancellation & Rescheduling

Clients reserves the right to cancel up to 5 days prior to contracted event date for a full refund.  Cancellations of events must be in written format by emailing cateringdarlene805@gmail.com or texting (805)323-6631 in order to be valid.  There is a non-refundable fee of 50% if we receive cancellations less than 5 days of the contracted event date. We can also reschedule your event if cancelled 5 days prior to contracted event date, but it will be subject to our availability.

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• Service Location and Service Charges

We serve the following cities within a 25-mile radius in Ventura County: Oxnard, Ventura, El Rio, Camarillo, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, Ojai, Meiners Oaks, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park and Fillmore.

We serve a 25-35-mile radius maximum to these locations: Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Piru, Simi Valley, Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, Goleta and Calabasas.

The service charge for the 25-mile radius mentioned above will be $25. 25–35-mile radius will be $35.

*This cost will cover expenses associated with travel, serving items and food prepping and clean up*

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• Invoice Available Upon Request

If you require an invoice, please be sure to provide the following information: client/company name, address, contact phone number, time and date of event. We will provide you with the detailed list of products and services provided and the total amount that is due and payment terms and conditions and methods of payment information.​

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• Payment Methods

Square

We accept all major credit cards.  If paying using this method, there will be a 3.5% credit card transaction fee that is added to the clients contracted total.

Venmo, Cashapp, Zelle, Apple Pay

No additional fees will be passed on to client for use of Venmo, Cashapp, Zelle or Apple Pay payments.

Cash

We prefer this method of payment.

Checks

We are only accepting corporate checks; no personal checks will be accepted at this time. Checks are to be made payable to Darlene Gonzales and subject to 3 days bank clearance.​

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• Safety

The client is responsible for the safety and security of all guests and their personal property.

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Things to be aware of:

As a caterer we are not responsible for guest taking leftovers home, late guests' arrivals and food eating contests.  It is the client's responsibility to know and be aware that things like this happen to ensure that there is plenty of food for the guests that are in attendance.​

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I can only be booked if you contact me directly at my business number 805-323-6631 or by using this website or my two social media accounts which I have linked here on my website. I am not affiliated or associated with any other catering vendor nor am I doing business on behalf of any other food vendor. I am the sole owner at Catering by Darlene.

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Thank you for choosing to work with me. I look forward to making your event a memorable success! If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding these terms, please do not hesitate to reach out to me!

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