Meals By Mel Catering Policies & FAQ
We pride ourselves on professionalism, high-quality food, and excellent service. To ensure fairness and consistency for all clients, the following policies apply to every order and event. Please read carefully.
Deposits: All deposits are NON-REFUNDABLE and NON-TRANSFERABLE. Deposits secure your date and cannot be applied to another date or event.
Contracts: A signed catering contract is required for all clients — even small orders. No exceptions. Final Balance: All remaining balances are due 8 days before your event. Payments received after this deadline will incur a late fee.
Payment Methods:
Invoices are sent via Square (no account required to pay).
We also accept Zelle and checks. Rush Orders: Any order placed within 72 hours of the event date is considered a rush order and will incur a $100 flat-rate rush fee.
Response Time: Please allow 48–72 hours for email responses.
Preferred Contact: Calls are preferred. Texts are accepted. If leaving a voicemail, please leave a detailed message.
Social Media: Please do not flood DMs on Instagram or Facebook for catering inquiries. Use official contact methods. Availability: We recommend booking 3 weeks in advance.
Kitchen Access: If our team is serving at your event, a kitchen or designated prep area is required.
Arrival & Service: Staff arrives 1 hour prior to setup. Food is typically served within 2 hours of arrival unless otherwise arranged. Service Duration: Extended service requires an additional fee.
Contactless Delivery: For all drop-offs, someone must be present at delivery to: confirm menu items, inspect food quality, sign a checklist approval form confirming the order. Delivery staff will notify you upon arrival.
Delivery Fees: All drop-offs are subject to a delivery fee, based on location.
Warmers & Setup: Warmers are not included with drop-off service but may be rented for an additional fee. We do not provide setup unless it is requested in advance.
Client Responsibility:
Liability After Drop-Off: Once food is delivered and signed for, Meals By Mel is no longer responsible for the handling, safety, or storage of the food.
By booking Meals By Mel, you agree to these policies in full. These guidelines protect our business, ensure professionalism, and guarantee the best possible experience for our clients.