Welcome to Floodways ! We appreciate your interest in our services. Before placing your order, please carefully review the following Terms and Conditions, which govern all catering services provided by Foodways . By proceeding with your order, you acknowledge and agree to be bound by these terms. We are committed to providing you with a delightful and stress-free catering experience, and understanding these policies is a key part of ensuring a successful event.

1. Booking and Confirmation:

• Contract Formation and Payment: A legally binding contract between Foodways and the client is formed when both of the following conditions are met: (a) the client has submitted a signed contract or order form, and (b) Foodways has received the required deposit and issued a written confirmation. Verbal agreements are not considered binding.
• A 50% non- or partially refundable deposit of the total estimated event cost is required to secure your booking. For bookings made more than 7 days prior to the event, this deposit is due within 7 days of signing the contract or order form, with the remaining balance due 3 days before the event. For bookings made within 7 days of the event, full payment (100%) is due within 24-48 hours of booking. We will confirm the applicable payment deadline upon receiving your booking request. Failure to pay the deposit or full payment by the specified deadline may result in cancellation of your booking. The deposit will be applied toward the final invoice. We accept checks signed by an authorized person, UPI, and debit and credit cards.
• Please contact us with any questions regarding our payment policy.
• Confirmation: Upon receipt of the required deposit, Foodways will issue a detailed written confirmation outlining all event specifics. This confirmation will include, but is not limited to, the event date, time, location, menu, estimated guest count, and total estimated cost. It is the client's sole responsibility to thoroughly review this confirmation for accuracy and notify Foodways of any discrepancies or required changes. For events booked more than 10 business days in advance, any discrepancies or changes must be communicated to Foodways in writing no later than 7 days prior to the event date. For events booked within 10 business days of the event date, any discrepancies or changes must be communicated in writing within 24 hours of receiving the confirmation. Failure to notify Foodways of any discrepancies or required changes within the applicable timeframe will be deemed acceptance of all confirmation details as outlined. Please note our order timelines: While we can cater for up to 50 persons on the same-day basis, bulk orders of any kind require at least 24 hours' notice. Customized sweets and snacks require 2-3 days' notice.
• Minimum Order Requirements:
• For some events or services, a minimum order value or guest count may be required. This is to ensure that we can effectively manage the event and provide the highest quality service. These minimums vary depending on the specific services requested, the complexity of the event, and other factors.
• Determining the Minimum:
• The applicable minimum order value or guest count will be clearly stated in your personalized quote or proposal. This information will be provided to you before you finalize your booking, allowing you to make an informed decision.
• Surcharges for Orders Below the Minimum:
• If your event falls below the stated minimum order value or guest count, a surcharge may apply. This surcharge is designed to cover the fixed costs associated with your event, such as staffing, preparation, and administrative overhead, which remain regardless of the final order size. The surcharge percentage or amount will be clearly outlined in your quote or proposal.
• Example:
• Let's say the minimum guest count for a particular event venue and infrastructure package is 500 people. If your event has a confirmed guest count of fewer than 500, a surcharge may apply to meet the minimum revenue requirement. This surcharge is not calculated on a per-person basis but rather as a fixed amount or percentage of the difference between the revenue generated by the actual guest count and the revenue expected from a 500-person event. The specific surcharge amount or percentage will be clearly outlined in your quote or proposal. For example, if the venue rental and infrastructure cost is typically for 500 people, and your event has only 400 guests, a surcharge of XYZ might be added to reach the minimum revenue target.
• Why Minimums and Surcharges Exist:
• Minimum order requirements and surcharges help us maintain consistent pricing and ensure that all events, regardless of size, receive the attention and resources they require. They also allow us to accurately estimate costs and provide you with a fair and competitive quote.

2. Payment Terms:

Payment Schedule:

• Events (excluding Daily Meal Services): For events booked more than 10 business days in advance, a 50% non-refundable deposit of the total event cost is due at the time of booking confirmation to secure your reservation. The remaining 50% balance is due no later than 7 days prior to the event date. For events booked within 10 business days of the event, full payment (100%) of the total event cost is due within 24 hours of booking confirmation. Failure to make the required payment by the applicable deadline may result in the cancellation of your event and forfeiture of any payments made. No refunds will be issued for cancellations due to non-payment.
• Bulk Orders: Payment terms for bulk orders will be clearly specified in the individual quote or contract provided to you. Typically, a deposit is required upon order confirmation to initiate processing, with the remaining balance due upon delivery or pickup of the order. The specific deposit percentage and payment schedule will be detailed in your quote or contract.
• Daily Meal Services: Daily meal service subscriptions are payable monthly in advance. Payment for the first month's subscription is due upon written confirmation of the subscription. Subsequent monthly payments are due on the same day of the following month. To ensure uninterrupted service, please make your payment by this date. We offer [Specify payment methods, e.g., online payment, direct deposit] for recurring monthly payments. Please contact us to set up your preferred payment method.

Accepted Payment Methods: Foodways accepts the following payment methods:

• Cheque signed by an authorized person (Personal cheques are not accepted unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.)
• UPI (Unified Payments Interface)
• Debit Cards (A processing fee of 2.4% may apply to debit card payments.)
• Credit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc. A processing fee of 2.4% may apply to credit card payments.)

Late Payment Fees: Invoices not paid within 15 days of the due date will incur a late payment fee of 10% per month, compounded monthly, for a maximum of three months. After this period, overdue accounts may be referred to legal authorities for collection.

Foodways reserves the right to suspend services or terminate the contract due to non-payment.

Currency: All prices are quoted and payments must be made in Indian Rupees (INR).

3. Menu and Services:

• Menu Selection: Clients must finalize their menu selections no later than two weeks (14 days) prior to the event date. For events scheduled within 15 days, menu selections must be finalized within 48 hours of booking. Due to logistical constraints, changes requested after these deadlines may not be possible or may incur additional charges.
• Menu Substitutions: Foodways will make reasonable efforts to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, provided that these are communicated in writing at the time of menu selection. While we will try to accommodate reasonable requests for substitutions, these are subject to ingredient availability and may affect the final price. We cannot guarantee that our food is entirely allergen-free, even if specific requests are made.
• Service Details:
• Our standard catering services include:
• Food preparation
• Delivery to the specified location
• Setup of the buffet or serving area
• Provision of necessary serving equipment (chafing dishes, serving spoons, etc.)
• Professionally attired serving staff (number of staff will be determined based on event size and menu complexity)
• Basic cleanup of the serving area
• Our standard catering services do not include:
• Venue rental
• Decorations
• Floral arrangements
• Alcohol service (unless specifically arranged)
• Table linens beyond basic disposable options
• Extensive cleanup beyond the serving area
• Removal of trash from the venue
• Equipment Rental: Foodways can provide a variety of rental equipment, including tables, chairs, linens, china, glassware, and other items, for an additional fee. A separate rental agreement will be provided outlining the terms and conditions for equipment rental, including responsibilities for damage or loss.
• Service Time: The agreed-upon service time is specified in the event confirmation. Any extension of service beyond the agreed-upon time will be subject to additional hourly charges for staff and equipment.
• Website Image Disclaimer: We understand that visual presentation is an important part of the dining experience. Therefore, we want to be transparent about the images of dishes displayed on our website, social media channels, or marketing materials. These images are provided for illustrative purposes only and should be considered a general representation of the dish. While we strive to maintain consistency and accuracy, they may not be an exact replica of the final product you receive.
• Several factors can contribute to variations between the images and the actual dishes served:
• Ingredient Availability and Seasonality: The availability of specific ingredients can fluctuate depending on the season and market conditions. We are committed to using the freshest ingredients, and sometimes substitutions may be necessary to ensure quality. These substitutions, while carefully chosen, might slightly alter the dish's appearance.
• Culinary Artistry and Presentation: Our chefs are skilled artisans, and each dish is prepared with care and attention to detail. However, the artistic touch of the chef, along with the dynamic nature of food preparation, can lead to subtle variations in presentation, portion size, and overall appearance.
• Food Styling for Photography: Images used in marketing materials are often professionally styled to showcase the dishes in the most appealing way possible. This styling may involve techniques that are not practical for everyday service.
• While we make every effort to ensure the food you receive closely resembles the images displayed, we cannot guarantee a precise match. We are confident, however, that the quality, flavor, and overall dining experience will meet your expectations, even if there are minor visual differences. Our focus remains on delivering delicious and satisfying meals crafted with the finest ingredients.
• Ingredient Sourcing: At Foodways, we are deeply committed to providing you with an exceptional culinary experience. This begins with our unwavering dedication to using the freshest and highest-quality ingredients available.
• Whenever possible, we proudly prioritize sourcing ingredients directly from our own fields. We believe that this direct connection to the land allows us to ensure the utmost quality and freshness in the produce we use. We nurture our crops with care, employing sustainable practices whenever feasible, to bring you the best flavors nature has to offer.
• However, we also recognize the limitations of seasonal availability, crop yields, and the fact that certain specialized ingredients, such as exotic spices or other items, simply cannot be grown locally. In these instances, we partner with a select network of reputable suppliers who share our commitment to quality. These partnerships are carefully cultivated, and we rigorously vet each supplier to ensure their products meet our exacting standards.
• Regardless of the source, whether from our own fields or trusted partners, every ingredient that enters our kitchen undergoes strict quality control checks. Our culinary team meticulously inspects each item for freshness, appearance, and flavor, ensuring that only the finest components are used in preparing your meals. This unwavering commitment to quality, from seed to plate, is at the heart of our culinary philosophy and the foundation of our promise to you.

4. Cancellations and Postponements:

• Client Cancellation Policy:
• Due to the nature of catering services, cancellations significantly impact our operations. Once raw materials have been procured or food preparation has begun for an event, the order cannot be cancelled, and the client will be responsible for paying the full contract amount. This is because we have invested time, resources, and incurred costs specific to your event.
• If the client cancels the event before raw material procurement or food preparation has begun, the following cancellation fees will apply, calculated as a percentage of the total estimated cost outlined in the event contract:
• Cancellation more than 15 days prior to the event: 50% of the total estimated cost. This fee covers administrative costs, potential loss of other bookings due to holding your date, and initial planning time.
• Cancellation between 7 and 15 days prior to the event: 75% of the total estimated cost. This increased fee reflects the greater commitment of resources and the reduced likelihood of rebooking the date on short notice.
• Cancellation less than 7 days prior to the event: 100% of the total estimated cost. At this stage, we have likely incurred the majority of the costs associated with your event, and it is highly unlikely we can recoup these losses.
• Deposits: All deposits paid are non-refundable. The deposit secures your event date and is credited towards the final balance due. While the deposit is non-refundable, it is applied to the total contract amount in the event of a cancellation .
• We understand that unforeseen circumstances may necessitate a cancellation. We encourage clients to contact us as soon as possible if a cancellation is unavoidable. We will do our best to work with you within the constraints of our cancellation policy.
• Caterer Cancellation:
• While we strive to fulfill every catering commitment, Foodways reserves the right to cancel a contract under very specific and limited circumstances. This would only occur due to unforeseen events genuinely beyond our reasonable control, making it impossible or unsafe for us to provide the agreed-upon services. These circumstances may include, but are not limited to:
• Force Majeure Events: Acts of God, war, terrorism, civil unrest, or other similar events.
• Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, floods, fires, severe storms, or other natural disasters that impact our ability to operate or access necessary resources.
• Significant Illness or Incapacity of Key Personnel: Unexpected and serious illness or incapacity of essential staff members whose expertise is critical to your event's execution, and for whom a suitable replacement cannot be readily secured.
• Other Emergencies: Other unforeseen and significant emergencies that render us unable to safely and effectively fulfill our contractual obligations.
• In the extremely unlikely event that we must cancel your contract, we will take the following steps:
• Prompt Notification: We will notify you in writing as soon as possible, explaining the reason for the cancellation.
• Full Refund: We will promptly refund all payments you have made to us to date.
• Assistance with Finding a Replacement: We understand the inconvenience a cancellation can cause. We will make reasonable efforts to assist you in finding a reputable replacement caterer, sharing our industry contacts and providing any information that might be helpful in your search.
• We sincerely regret any inconvenience or disruption a cancellation might cause. We value your business and would only exercise this right as a last resort in truly unavoidable situations. Our priority is to provide you with exceptional service, and we appreciate your understanding in these rare circumstances.
• Postponement: Requests to postpone an event must be made in writing at least 15 days prior to the scheduled event date and are subject to Foodways' availability. A rescheduling fee will apply. If the postponed event is not rescheduled and held within six months of the original date, the original event will be considered cancelled, and the applicable cancellation fees (as outlined in the cancellation policy) will apply.

5. Liability and Insurance:

• Liability: t Foodways Catering, we are committed to providing you with safe and enjoyable culinary experiences. We maintain the highest standards of food safety and hygiene in our preparation and service. However, it's important to understand the scope of our liability in the unlikely event of an incident.
• While we take every precaution to prevent food-related illnesses or other incidents, our liability for any such occurrences arising directly from the catering services we provide is limited to the total amount of the contract price for the specific event in question. This means that in the event of a confirmed and directly attributable foodborne illness or other incident caused by our negligence, our financial responsibility would not exceed the value of the catering contract.
• We want to emphasize that this limitation does not apply to situations involving gross negligence or willful misconduct on our part. We are fully committed to operating with integrity and taking all reasonable steps to ensure the safety and well-being of our clients.
• Furthermore, to the extent permitted by law, Foodways Catering will not be liable for any indirect, consequential, or incidental damages. These types of damages might include, but are not limited to, lost wages, emotional distress, or other related expenses that are not a direct and immediate result of the incident itself. This limitation is a common practice in catering contracts and helps us manage risk while continuing to provide our services.
• We strongly encourage you to review your event insurance policy to ensure you have adequate coverage for any unforeseen circumstances. We are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our liability policy. Our goal is to provide you with peace of mind and a worry-free catering experience.
• Insurance: At Foodways Catering, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our clients and guests. While we do not currently maintain general liability insurance, including product liability coverage, we understand the importance of such protection and are happy to secure it for your specific event upon request. The cost of this insurance will be transparently included in your event contract.
• We believe that comprehensive coverage is essential for peace of mind, and therefore, we strongly recommend that our clients also consider obtaining their own event insurance. This additional layer of protection can cover a wider range of unforeseen circumstances, allowing you to fully enjoy your event knowing you are well-protected. We are happy to discuss insurance options further and answer any questions you may have.
• Indemnification: The client agrees to indemnify and hold Foodways Catering, its officers, employees, and agents harmless from any and all claims, losses, damages, liabilities, and expenses including attorney's fees arising out of or related to the event, except for claims arising solely from Foodways Catering's gross negligence or willful misconduct.

6. Food Safety and Handling:

• Food Safety Standards: Foodways adheres to all applicable local and national food safety regulations and guidelines. Our staff is trained in proper food handling and preparation techniques.
• Leftovers: Our policy regarding leftover food is as follows: [Clearly specify your policy. For example: "Due to food safety regulations, we are unable to provide leftover food to clients. All remaining food will be disposed of responsibly by our staff.