Terms of Service

1. Who we are

CaterBid ("CaterBid", "we", "us") operates a marketplace that connects customers planning catered events ("Customers") with independent catering businesses ("Caterers") across the United States. CaterBid is not a caterer, does not prepare food, and is not a party to the catering contract between Customer and Caterer.

2. Your account

To submit a catering request you need a valid email address. To list your business as a Caterer you need to create an account, complete your profile, and accept these terms. You are responsible for keeping your login credentials secure.

3. How the marketplace works

• Customers submit catering requests through our chat-based intake.
• CaterBid matches requests to Caterers based on cuisine, capacity, dietary needs, and location.
• Caterers submit quotes through the platform; Customers compare and book one.
• Before the deposit is charged, the Customer accepts a short Order Agreement (the deposit, balance, and on-platform terms). We record the version, timestamp, and IP address of that acceptance.
• Customer pays a deposit (typically 30% of the total quote) via Stripe at booking time.
• The remaining balance (typically 70% of the total quote) is collected through CaterBid via Stripe before the event.
• Both the deposit and the balance are held and released to the Caterer after the event, as described in "Payments, holds, and balance" below, minus our platform fee.
• Sales tax, where applicable, may be calculated and added at checkout and is itemized separately from the Caterer's quote.

4. Payments, holds, and balance

• The deposit (typically 30% of the total) secures your booking and is charged via Stripe when you book.
• The balance (typically the remaining 70%) is due, and collected through CaterBid via Stripe, before the event.
• Funds are held and released to the Caterer 7 days after the event, or 24 hours after the Customer confirms the event went well— whichever comes first. A Customer may release payment early from their booking page once the event has passed.
• As we near the event date we send the Customer balance reminders. If the balance is not paid, the booking may be voided; in that case the deposit is non-refundable (see our Refund Policy).
• Keep all communication and payment on CaterBid until the event — it's how we protect both sides.

5. Platform fees

CaterBid charges no fees to Customers— the price you see is the Caterer's price, with no markup. Caterers pay a platform commission, calculated as a percentage of the total order and deducted automatically before payout. The commission rate depends on the Caterer's subscription plan: 12% on the Starter (free) plan, 10% on Pro, and 8% on Premium. Applicable sales tax, where required, is calculated and added at checkout and shown separately from the Caterer's price. Fees are subject to change with at least 30 days' notice.

6. Caterer responsibilities

• Hold all licenses, permits, food-handler certifications, and insurance required in your jurisdiction.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA), which is required on all Caterer accounts, and keep your recovery codes safe. You are responsible for keeping your login credentials and second factor secure.
• Honor quotes you submit through the platform unless cancelled before booking.
• Deliver the food and service described in your accepted quote.
• Maintain accurate dietary capability information (e.g. Jain, halal, gluten-free) on your profile.
• Respond to Customer messages through the platform in a timely manner.
• Keep communication and payment on CaterBid until the event.

7. Customer responsibilities

• Provide accurate information about your event (date, guest count, dietary needs, venue).
• Pay the deposit on time once you accept a quote, and pay the balance through CaterBid before the event.
• Communicate with your Caterer through the platform until the event date.

8. Disputes and chargebacks

If something goes wrong, contact us within 7 days of the event so we can review it fairly with both parties (see our Refund Policy). Opening a dispute — or filing a chargeback with your bank — will freeze the related payout while we investigate. We strongly prefer resolutions both parties accept before escalating to chargebacks or legal disputes.

9. Cancellations and refunds

Our refund policy is set out in detail at /refund-policy. By booking, both Customer and Caterer agree to that policy.

10. Off-platform deal redirection

To maintain marketplace integrity and protect both parties, Caterers agree not to redirect a Customer they were matched with through CaterBid to off-platform booking for the same event. Customers and Caterers may, of course, continue to work together for future events outside CaterBid.

11. Content and communications

You retain ownership of content you post (profile details, menu summaries, messages). You grant CaterBid a non-exclusive license to display this content as needed to operate the marketplace. We may moderate content for safety, accuracy, or policy compliance.

12. Disclaimers

CaterBid provides the platform "as is". We do not warrant that any specific Caterer's food, service, or licensing meets your needs. We do not warrant continuous availability of the platform. We are not liable for the actions of Caterers or Customers, food quality, allergic reactions, late service, or event outcomes.

13. Limitation of liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, CaterBid's total liability to any user is limited to the platform fees paid by that user in the prior 12 months. We are not liable for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages.

14. Termination

You may close your account at any time. We may suspend or close accounts that violate these terms, including for fraudulent activity, off-platform deal redirection, or repeated unfulfilled bookings.

15. Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, United States, without regard to its conflict-of-laws principles. Disputes will be resolved in the state or federal courts located in Delaware.

16. Changes

We may update these terms occasionally. Material changes will be announced via email or a banner on the platform at least 30 days before they take effect. Continued use of the platform after a change means you accept the updated terms.

17. Contact

Questions about these terms? Reach us through our contact form.