Not enough food at function

powerful_Rogue

Andypandyboy wrote: »

OP that sounds a very meagre offering.

Now that you have their list of what was provided for the figure I would approach a couple of similar establishements/caterers and ask them for a detailed quote for a buffet for 100 costing the figure you paid for the food element. Then you have some evidence to go forward with.

Get them to specify the definition of a "round" and what they would consider made up a portion for 1 person.

If you have two quotes with details it is reasonable to expect your venue to have produced a similar offering.

Write the venue a letter to say you are seeking advice as to how to proceed whilst you are getting the quote/s, don't just ignore them.

Surely that's what you do before rather then after.

Andypandyboy

powerful_Rogue wrote: »

Surely that's what you do before rather then after.

Well, ideally, yes, but done now the OP will have some independent details of what is reasonable to expect for the amount paid.

As she now has a detailed breakdown of what was provided a comparison can be made as to whether the venue sold them short or their expectations were too high.

If it went to the scc it would be evidence that could be used to support their claim. It may also be used to persuade the venue to compromise.

PopsyT

Unfortunately it was very difficult to do in the time scale we had

naedanger

bris wrote: »

Bottom line is the contract should have been discussed at length to make sure you knew what you were getting.

Closing the stable door after the horse has bolted springs to mind but bottom line is you agreed and whether it was enough is debatable.

If the contract had itemised what was to be supplied it would have reduced the risk of a dispute arising. But the lack of itemisation does not mean the supplier can just supply as little as they choose with no possible comeback.

If the op refuses to pay the full amount then the supplier can take them to court. But the court will then decide what is reasonable based on all the facts.

The op's case will presumably include " ... we told them what we wanted, and we expected a significant buffet for £12.50 per head, believing that for that price they would have sufficient skill and professionalism to calculate the food necessary. A deposit was paid and they said they would provide enough for 100 people." and an explanation of what they actually received.

Then the supplier will explain what they supplied and why they believe this was consistent with the contract. (The fact the contract was not itemised makes is harder for them as well, since it is not so easy for them to say they delivered what was promised as the promise was vague.)

Then it will be for a court to decide what was actually required to fulfil the contract, and whether or not the contract was satisfied.

susancs

OP, I agree that sounds very little food for the amount paid. We had a family funeral catered at a club on the outskirts of London by an outside catering company a couple of months ago. For 100 people it was £9 plus VAT for a choice of either beef in guiness or chicken supreme, seasonal veg, roast and mash potatoes, rolls and butter, plus the hire of 3 staff for £144 plus VAT. The venue hire was paid to the club and they also supplied a tea urn and tea and coffee in the venue hire. There was plenty of food and even some left over.

susancs

I just text a friend of mine who had a party at a golf course last year and asked her what the golf course supplied as a portion for a nightime event. She said she agreed 7 savoury items per person, plus trays of assorted sandwiches and bowls of crisps for 100 people and she said it cost about £1000. I seem to remember that there was chicken skewers, slices of quiche, samosas, sausage rolls, spring rolls. I know people don't eat as much at night but there was plenty left.

Feral_Moon

susancs wrote: »

I just text a friend of mine who had a party at a golf course last year and asked her what the golf course supplied as a portion for a nightime event. She said she agreed 7 savoury items per person, plus trays of assorted sandwiches and bowls of crisps for 100 people and she said it cost about £1000. I seem to remember that there was chicken skewers, slices of quiche, samosas, sausage rolls, spring rolls. I know people don't eat as much at night but there was plenty left.

Now that sounds a very reasonable amount, especially if the spring rolls, samosas and sausage rolls are full size and not miniature ones, as in the case of the OP. More than enough for those with smaller appetites whilst ensuring there's plenty for those who need a little extra.

Imagine... at her buffet the guests would be restricted to just one quarter of a sandwich, a mini sausage roll, samosa & spring roll (gone in one bite) a chicken drumstick and half a spoon each of potato and tomato salads. Barely enough for a two-year old to snack on and they charged over £9 a head for that! :eek:

Loanranger

9. It was specified in an earlier post.

Bordeuax

PopsyT wrote: »

At a recent gathering after a funeral, we made a booking for a finger buffet to cater for 100 people.
Potato salad 50 portions please only take 1
Tomato and red onion salad 50 portions please only take 1
Samosa 100 pieces please only take 1
Spring rolls 100 pieces please only take 1

Sausage rolls 100 pieces please only take 1
Barbeque chicken 100 pieces please only take 1

Sandwiches 50 rounds. be quick:)
g.:(

Maybe you should of had a sign like above /\
Was there any big fat people who thought it was a all you can eat buffet.

Feral_Moon

Bordeuax wrote: »

Maybe you should of had a sign like above /\
Was there any big fat people who thought it was a all you can eat buffet.

How can 100 people take one portion each if there's only 50 to start with?