Question 1

What is CaterKin?

Accepted Answer

CaterKin is a marketplace platform that connects customers with verified culinary professionals for private events, cooking classes, and culinary experiences in Ireland. We handle bookings, payments, and provide support throughout your experience.

Question 2

How do I create an account?

Accepted Answer

Click the "Sign Up" button in the top right corner. You can register with your email address or use social login. Fill in your basic information to get started. If you want to become a chef, you'll need to complete our host application and verification process.

Question 3

Is CaterKin available in my area?

Accepted Answer

We're currently focused on Dublin, Ireland, with plans to expand to other Irish cities and international capitals soon. You can search for chefs in your area to see availability.

Question 4

How are chefs verified?

Accepted Answer

All chefs on CaterKin go through identity verification via Stripe and must provide proof of relevant certifications and insurance. We take safety seriously.

Question 5

How do I book a chef?

Accepted Answer

Browse chef profiles, select a chef you like, choose your date and time, provide event details (location, guest count, dietary needs), and complete payment. The chef will confirm your booking within 24 hours.

Question 6

What information do I need to provide when booking?

Accepted Answer

You'll need to provide: event date and time, venue address, number of guests, dietary restrictions or allergies, menu preferences (if applicable), and any special requests.

Question 7

How far in advance should I book?

Accepted Answer

We recommend booking at least 7-14 days in advance for the best availability, especially for weekends and holidays. However, some chefs may accept last-minute bookings.

Question 8

Can I book a chef for multiple events?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You can book the same chef for multiple events. Simply create a new booking for each event date.

Question 9

What if the chef doesn't confirm my booking?

Accepted Answer

Chefs have 24 hours to respond to booking requests. If they decline or don't respond, your payment authorization is automatically released, and you can book another chef.

Question 10

How do payments work?

Accepted Answer

When you book, we authorize your payment method but don't charge immediately. Once the chef confirms, payment is captured. After the event, funds are transferred to the chef minus our service fee.

Question 11

What payment methods are accepted?

Accepted Answer

We accept all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) through our secure payment processor, Stripe.

Question 12

What are the service fees?

Accepted Answer

CaterKin charges a service fee to maintain the platform, handle payments, and provide support. The exact fee is clearly displayed before you confirm your booking.

Question 13

Are prices per person or per hour?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the service. Private chefs typically charge per hour with a minimum, while cooking classes and experiences are usually priced per person. The pricing structure is clearly shown on each chef's profile.

Question 14

Do I tip the chef?

Accepted Answer

Tipping is optional but appreciated. You can add a tip through the platform after your event, or provide cash directly to the chef.

Question 15

Can I get a receipt?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you'll receive an email receipt immediately after payment is processed. You can also download receipts from your booking history.

Question 16

What is the cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

You can cancel within 1 hour of booking for a full refund. After that: 7+ days before = 100% refund, 3-7 days before = 50% refund, less than 3 days = no refund. See our full Cancellation Policy for details.

Question 17

How do I cancel a booking?

Accepted Answer

Go to your Bookings page, find the booking, and click "Cancel Booking". You'll see the refund amount before confirming. Refunds are processed within 5-10 business days.

Question 18

Can I reschedule instead of cancelling?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Rescheduling is often better than cancelling. Request a reschedule at least 72 hours before your event. Both you and the chef must agree to the new date. No fees for approved reschedules.

Question 19

What if the chef cancels?

Accepted Answer

If a chef cancels, you receive a full refund automatically. Chef cancellations are taken seriously and may affect their standing on the platform.

Question 20

Can I modify my booking details?

Accepted Answer

Minor changes (guest count adjustments, dietary notes) can be communicated directly with your chef. Major changes (date, location) should be handled through the reschedule feature.

Question 21

What should I prepare for the chef?

Accepted Answer

Provide a clean, functional kitchen with basic equipment (unless otherwise agreed). Communicate any venue restrictions. Be available at the agreed time or designate a contact person.

Question 22

What if the chef is late?

Accepted Answer

Contact the chef directly through our messaging system. If they're more than 30 minutes late without communication, contact our support team immediately.

Question 23

What if I'm not satisfied with the service?

Accepted Answer

Communicate concerns with your chef first. If the issue isn't resolved, you can file a dispute within 48 hours of your event through our Dispute Center.

Question 24

Can I communicate with the chef before the event?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Use our built-in messaging system to discuss menus, dietary needs, equipment, or any questions. Keep all communication on-platform for your protection.

Question 25

What about allergies and dietary restrictions?

Accepted Answer

Always communicate allergies and dietary restrictions clearly when booking. Confirm details with your chef before the event. Take allergies seriously - they're important!

Question 26

How do reviews work?

Accepted Answer

After your event, you can leave a review rating the chef on various aspects. Reviews help other customers make informed decisions and help chefs improve their services.

Question 27

Are reviews verified?

Accepted Answer

Yes, only customers who completed a booking can leave reviews. This ensures authenticity.

Question 28

Can I trust the reviews?

Accepted Answer

All reviews are from real customers. We monitor for fake or inappropriate reviews. Chefs cannot remove negative reviews, but they can respond professionally.

Question 29

What if I receive an inappropriate review as a chef?

Accepted Answer

If a review violates our guidelines (offensive language, false information, not about the service), contact us to request a review. We investigate all reports.

Question 30

How do I become a chef on CaterKin?

Accepted Answer

Click "Become a Host" in the menu and complete the application process. You'll need to verify your identity, provide certifications, set up Stripe Connect for payments, and create your profile.

Question 31

What are the requirements to host?

Accepted Answer

You must be 18+, have relevant culinary experience or qualifications, pass identity verification, have appropriate insurance, and comply with local food safety regulations.

Question 32

How much can I earn as a chef?

Accepted Answer

You set your own rates! Earnings vary based on your pricing, availability, and booking frequency. CaterKin takes a service fee from each booking to maintain the platform.

Question 33

When do I get paid?

Accepted Answer

Payments are transferred to your Stripe Connect account after bookings are completed. You can then transfer funds to your bank account at any time.

Question 34

Do I need insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you must have appropriate public liability insurance to host on CaterKin. This protects both you and your customers.

Question 35

Can I set my own service area?

Accepted Answer

Yes! When you apply, you define your service radius (up to 100km). You'll only receive booking requests within your service area.

Question 36

Is my payment information secure?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We use Stripe, a PCI-compliant payment processor. We never store your full credit card details on our servers.

Question 37

How is my personal data protected?

Accepted Answer

We comply with GDPR and Irish data protection laws. Your data is encrypted and only shared with parties necessary to provide our services. Read our Privacy Policy for details.

Question 38

What if something goes wrong during an event?

Accepted Answer

Contact our support team immediately at support@caterkin.com or through the platform. For emergencies, contact local authorities first, then notify us.

Question 39

Are chefs insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all chefs are required to have public liability insurance. However, specific coverage varies by chef.

Question 40

How do I report suspicious activity?

Accepted Answer

Contact us immediately at support@caterkin.com with details. We take all reports seriously and investigate promptly.

How can we help you?

Cancellation Policy

Dispute Center

Contact Support

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Still need help?

Email Support

Dispute Help

Response Times

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