Catering Services

I wouldn't consider that gratuity, it sounds like strictly a service fee considering they don't charge it unless they're serving the food. I would tip on top of it.

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They are coming to set it up and clean it up, but will be buffet style. They aren't necessarily "serving" it sit-down style or anything. So you would tip on top of that?

That is definitely a service/convenience fee, imo. You are expected to add gratuity on top of that. I'd talk to them to clarify what it's for and look at it like this -- if you're picking up your food or they're dropping it off, it's a different level of service than full. $2.50 would be rather cheap, per person, even if it were gratuity.

This is a service fee, not a tip. Your contract should specify as well.

View Quoted Comment Yes, I would tip on that. They are performing a service with set up and clean up, even if they aren't "serving". That's why there's a service charge, but not one if it's just pickup or delivery.

Unfortunately, that’s exactly what it is - a service fee. So, yes, tipping may be expected.

No gratuity is not included if it is not stated as such. That fee is for the people actually serving the food. If there wasn't that fee, then there would be money to pay the staff.

No, this isn't considered the tip. This is a service fee. The fact that they are not just dropping off the food, that they are actually going to set up and tear down, tells me that's what this fee is for. Like you said, if they were just dropping it off, you wouldn't be charged this fee. But they (caterer) have to pay someone to set up and tear down, as well as bring the food to the venue, so that's what you are paying a service fee for.

This is fairly common in catering.

This is fairly common with hiring caterers. This is not a tip. Mine is also a buffet but their service fee includes full set up, breakdown, bussing all the tables, taking out trash etc.