How much deposit should a private chef take?

A common choice is 50% to secure the date, with the balance a few days before the event. At minimum, take enough to cover the groceries.

Should a meal prep deposit be 100%?

Many meal prep chefs take full payment before shopping, because the groceries are bought for that client and cannot be resold.

Is a private chef deposit refundable?

That depends on your policy. A common approach is a refund if the client cancels well in advance and no refund inside a set number of days before the event.

Private chef deposit and cancellation policy (with a template)

A deposit protects you from paying for groceries out of your own pocket and from losing a booked date. Here is a simple structure and wording you can adapt.

Why take a deposit

For most jobs you buy groceries before you are paid, and you turn down other work for that date. A deposit covers both. It also tells you the client is serious.

A common structure

Job	Deposit / balance
Private dinner	50% to book, balance 3 days before
Catering	50% to book, balance 7 days before
Retreat (several days)	50% to book, balance 14 days before
Weekly meal prep	100% before shopping

At minimum, the deposit should cover the groceries. On a $1,350 dinner with $320 of groceries, a 50% deposit ($675) covers the food and part of your time.

Cancellation wording you can adapt

“The deposit secures your date and is non-refundable within 7 days of the event. The guest count can be adjusted up to 5 days before the event. The balance is due 3 days before the event.”

For meal prep: “Payment is due before groceries are purchased. Changes are accepted until 48 hours before delivery.”

Put the terms in every proposal, before the client says yes. This is general guidance, not legal advice: check what applies where you work.

Run your own numbers

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Questions chefs ask

How much deposit should a private chef take?: A common choice is 50% to secure the date, with the balance a few days before the event. At minimum, take enough to cover the groceries.
Should a meal prep deposit be 100%?: Many meal prep chefs take full payment before shopping, because the groceries are bought for that client and cannot be resold.
Is a private chef deposit refundable?: That depends on your policy. A common approach is a refund if the client cancels well in advance and no refund inside a set number of days before the event.