Gratuities for caterers?

[Barbara H.] I know some of you must have experience working with caterers for the occasional church function. We use a caterer for our annual ladies’ luncheon so that the ladies can just come and enjoy. One aspect I have always been confused about it whether to add a gratuity to the caterer’s charges. I’ve searched etiquette rules and have come up with mixed responses: some say yes, some say no. I want to be a good testimony to the caterer but don’t want to give away extra money unnecessarily.

If the caterer has any extra charges for service or delivery, I’m less inclined toward a gratuity. But if all they charge is the per-plate fee plus tax, that leaves me wondering if I should add a gratuity. If they have people who stay and serve, I am also more inclined than if they just drop off the food and leave.

Most of the ones I have worked with want their check the day of the event, so a gratuity would have to be added in ahead of time, which makes it hard if they do a really great job and you’d like to tip them even more (or, conversely, a really bad job and you don’t want to pay them a cent extra).

I’d be grateful to hear how some of you have handled this.

Barb….

We’ve recently done a few catered events and wondered the same thing. A friend in the catering business (but out of our area, so having nothing to gain) suggested that the standard 15% gratuity should be added to the tab. On the basis of her advice, we’ve gladly made that our practice. If the caterer is used to getting that, then we’ve avoided damage to our reputation. If she rarely gets the gratuity, then she appreciates us all the more & will think more highly of our ministry. Add the gratuity—you can’t lose.

As far as the drop & leave or serve the food questions, our experience is that those options affect the per-person charge. I don’t think you should determine adding gratuity based on those options.

Incidentally, even if the service is poor, still give the tip for testimony’s sake. Express & explain your disappointment and, if necessary, shop for a different caterer in the future. Remember the tip gets divided among all who help the caterer, so failing to tip hurts everyone—including your church! Giving the tip in spite of your expressed disappointment manifests a gracious spirit, again leaving a great testimony that God’s people are a gracious lot.