I contacted Laura to notify her we would like to move forward for the rehearsal dinner on Nov 22nd, which she acknowledged. Not until Dec 13th did we receive the contract. In here, it states “…..please reach out with any questions either of you... have or any clarification that is needed on any info listed in the contact…” After reviewing the contact, I had questions and concerns. I replied with a list of things I needed clarified and stated, “I will not sign the contract as is. I have a few questions to better understand a couple points” and “I think the contract is written in general terms and not specific to our event, so these questions and changes may be easily reviewed. Thanks for the time.” I sent this on Dec 21st.
I emailed multiple times, and called multiple times, with no response until Feb 5th. Not one single update, email, call, or attempt to answer my questions from Dec 21 to Feb 5. And on Feb 5th, they responded that “…to receive an e-mail stating that a client is not willing to sign a contract as is, in the manner and tone the e-mail was received did require senior management……there are several items noted that are almost accusatory and distrusting of how a company handles certain circumstances…” Summarized, they no longer wanted to work with me. Melissa Riley, who sent the email, did not attempt to call me, email me, or better understand the intent of my questions, but assumed I was being derogatory and had to be prodded for a simple response. They assumed bad intent through solely one email exchange.
Before I finally got a response, I already found another caterer, since it was over a month since I heard from anyone. To give an idea of my questions/concerns for people looking at Early Katering:
- EKC has the final say in head count, and assumes everyone at the event. I asked about people not staying for dinner if they would be counted?
- I asked at what age children counted, since I plan to have many kids present from 0-5 years old
- I asked for some sort of validation if they derived a different number than I anticipated
- I asked them to add if EKC cancelled, I would be refunded the full $500 – basic customer service request
- I pushed back on the $1000 requirement and asked if it could be implemented after food was purchased, which I would understand in that case. This is in addition to the $500 upfront deposit.
- My biggest concern was the LABOR HOURS. They do not give you a solid number – its estimated and TBD. How do you not quote exact cost knowing a start and finish time, and if it goes long, you add afterwards? They also talked about rotating staff, which I questioned if was needed for a 2 hour event?
- Since it was a GENERIC contract (for a wedding, and this isn’t a wedding) I asked them to remove the alcohol section since I would not have them serving.
- The entire contact is a form of protecting EKC. I asked they add if damage was caused by EKC, they would be held responsible. I needed some sort of protection for myself, or else you’re 100% liable for their actions.
- EKC also states they have to make “NO OBLIGATION TO ATTEMPT to reschedule”. I asked they remove that and if needed, to work with me.
I am very unhappy with the response time, incorrect assumptions made through email, and lack of communication. I would understand if they couldn’t meet my request and stated that, but they accused me instead. There are plenty of caterers in the area, and I recommend one other than EKC.