Terms and Conditions of Service
These Terms and Conditions (“Agreement”) govern the provision of catering services by Vincent Van Dough (“Caterer,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) to the client (“Client” or “you”). By confirming a booking with Vincent Van Dough, the Client agrees to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
1. Booking Confirmation & Deposit
- 1.1. A booking is considered confirmed only upon receipt of a 30% non-refundable deposit of the estimated total cost and the Client’s acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.
- 1.2. The deposit secures your event date and is crucial for our planning and resource allocation.
- 1.3. For bookings made within 30 days of the event date, full payment is required upon booking to secure the date.
2. Pricing & Final Payment
- 2.1. The price for our services will be as quoted in your personalized proposal and based on your chosen menu option and estimated guest numbers.
- 2.2. The final balance payment is due 30 days prior to the event date.
- 2.3. Failure to make the final payment by the due date may result in the cancellation of your booking, with no refund of the deposit.
- 2.4. Any additional services or changes requested and agreed upon after the final payment may incur further charges, payable immediately.
3. Guest Numbers
- 3.1. Initial guest numbers will be provided by the Client at the time of booking.
- 3.2. The Client must provide final confirmed guest numbers no later than 30 days prior to the event date. This figure will be used for final invoicing.
- 3.3. Once final numbers are confirmed, they can be increased (subject to our capacity and agreement) but cannot be decreased.
- 3.4. If the actual number of guests attending on the day is lower than the final confirmed number, the Client will still be charged for the confirmed number.
4. Cancellations & Refunds
- 4.1. Cancellation by the Client: The 30% deposit is non-refundable if the Client cancels and a replacement event cannot be secured.
4.2. If the Client cancels more than 7 days prior to the event, we will make reasonable efforts to rebook the date. If we are successful, we will refund you a pro-rata amount based on the value of the new booking, minus the non-refundable deposit. For example, if your booking was for £1,000 and we secure a new booking for £500, you would receive a £500 refund.
4.3. No refunds are available for cancellations made within 7 days of the event date due to the costs of food and supplies already ordered and paid for.
- 4.4. Cancellation by Vincent Van Dough: In the unlikely event that Vincent Van Dough needs to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control (e.g., severe mechanical failure of the van, critical staff illness, extreme weather warnings making travel unsafe), we will notify you immediately. In such cases, we will offer an alternative date if available, or a full refund of all monies paid, including the deposit. Our liability will be limited to the amount paid by the Client.
5. Menu & Dietary Requirements
- 5.1. The chosen menu option will be specified in your booking confirmation.
- 5.2. We are happy to discuss minor menu adjustments, but significant changes may incur additional costs.
- 5.3. Dietary Restrictions & Allergies: * It is the Client’s responsibility to inform Vincent Van Dough of any guest allergies or dietary requirements at least 14 days prior to the event. * Gluten-Free Disclaimer: While we offer a gluten-free base option, our mobile kitchen is a confined space where flour is present. We cannot guarantee a 100% gluten-free environment, and cross-contamination is possible. We advise guests with severe gluten allergies to exercise caution. * Vegan/Vegetarian Options: We can provide vegan and vegetarian options as outlined in our menus, but clients must ensure guests with specific requirements are aware of the ingredients.
6. Service Details
- 6.1. Buffet-Style Service: Our service typically includes 2 hours for oven preparation and 2 hours of active service, or until all confirmed guests are satisfied.
- 6.2. Pizza Slicing: Pizzas are cut into four slices for buffet service, allowing guests to sample various types.
- 6.3. Pre-Cooked Pizzas: A small amount of pizzas may be pre-cooked to 80% doneness at the venue before service starts to manage initial demand and queues efficiently. These pizzas remain fresh, hot, and delicious.
- 6.4. Leftovers: Any remaining whole pizzas at the end of the service will be boxed up for the Client and guests to take away. Once boxed and handed over, Vincent Van Dough is no longer responsible for the storage or quality of these leftovers.
7. Venue Requirements & Client Responsibilities
- 7.1. Parking & Space: The Client must ensure a level, adequate parking space is available for our van at the venue. Our van cannot be parked on a public road or in a location that obstructs public access or poses a safety risk.
- 7.2. Access: The Client is responsible for ensuring clear and safe access to the designated parking area for our van.
- 7.3. Self-Sufficiency: Our van is fully self-sufficient and operates on wood gas and battery power. We do not require any external hookups (electricity or water) and do not use noisy generators.
- 7.4. Permits & Permissions: The Client is responsible for obtaining any necessary permits, licenses, or permissions required from the venue or local authorities for our mobile catering unit to operate at the event location.
- 7.5. Waste Disposal: While we provide biodegradable plates and napkins, the Client is responsible for the final disposal of all event waste, including any waste generated by our service once it leaves our designated service area.
8. Force Majeure
- 8.1. Vincent Van Dough shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing our obligations where such failure or delay results from any cause that is beyond our reasonable control, including, but not limited to, acts of God, extreme weather conditions, fire, flood, strikes, civil unrest, war, governmental action, or any other event that renders performance impracticable.
9. Liability
- 9.1. Vincent Van Dough will exercise all reasonable care and skill in providing the catering services.
- 9.2. Our total liability to the Client for any loss or damage arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall not exceed the total amount paid by the Client for the services.
- 9.3. We shall not be liable for any indirect or consequential loss or damage.
10. Governing Law
- 10.1. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
11. Acceptance of Terms
- 11.1. Payment of the deposit signifies your full acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.