Build a Catering Quote in Minutes
Add preset line items, customize quantities and rates, and build a quote or working estimate that becomes a professional invoice with one click.
Catering Estimate
4 itemsFree account required. Add your business details, send to clients, and convert accepted estimates to invoices.
How to Write a Catering Quote
What to Include in a Catering Quote
Food quotes should tie guest counts, dietary accommodations, and staffing ratios to price.
Line Items and Pricing
Break out food per person, beverages, labor, rentals, and disposables. Note tax and service charge treatment.
Tools and Licensing
Alcohol service may need licensed bartenders and liability coverage; list those requirements in the scope section.
Scope of Work
Define tasting policy, final count deadline, and what happens if the venue lacks a prep kitchen.
Timeline
Prep schedule, service window, and breakdown responsibilities reduce day-of confusion.
Tips for Winning More Catering Work
- Offer two menu tiers plus a premium option.
- Show kids and vendor meals as separate lines when relevant.
- Attach photos of similar events to the quote packet.
- Clarify gratuity versus service charge in plain language.
- Send revisions quickly when guest counts shift.
Converting Your Quote to an Invoice
Final guest counts flow straight to invoicing when your line items stay structured.
Quote vs. Estimate
Planners may request a quote with a locked per-person price or an estimate while headcount is fuzzy. Searchers use both words. Explain that the proposal is an estimate until the final count date, then becomes the signed quote. Your estimating workflow should match what you publish online.
Ready to send a professional estimate?
Sign up free and convert your estimate to an invoice with one click.