The quote (in Italian, preventivo) is the caterer's written offer for your event. A clear quote separates the items: food, drinks, staff, hire, transport, service hours, VAT. Alongside the price come the terms: advance payment or deposit, guaranteed minimum, cancellation.
Before looking at the total, check three things: whether prices include or exclude VAT, how many guests it is calculated for and how many service hours it includes. To compare two offers, make them like for like, with the same lines and the same items: a low price per person can hide many extras.
How to ask for one
Send two or three caterers the same information: date, guests, venue, format, budget, diets. Ask for every item to be written out and for the list of what is not included to be explicit. The method is in the guide on how to read a catering quote; the sample quotes show a layout to follow.
