Guide to Managing New Service Requests

When guests send a service request, three spots are open for Chefs to send them menu proposals. Speed is key to earn one of those spots, but being quick without reading what guests want can be counterproductive. This guide will walk you through the request process from understanding them, throwing your hat in the ring, and, if you ever need to, declining them.

Understanding a New Request

Before diving in, take a moment to read and internalize what the guest needs. Sending in a menu proposal that gives them what they want can make the difference between a rejection and a service booking. 

Here are key factors to consider in your proposals that will make them more likely to be selected:

• Price range: Always consider the guest's budget. Staying within their price range increases the chances of success for your proposal.
  • Gifts and vouchers come with fixed budgets. Ensure your proposal fits that amount.
• Cuisine type: Align your menu with the guest's selected cuisine. Complement your menu with any notes or extra details the guest might have provided.
• Restrictions and preferences: These could be a matter of life and death for guests, make sure to acknowledge them. This shows your flexibility and care for their needs. 
• Notes (Occasion): In this section, guests will share important information about their event, the service's purpose, or crucial details they want YOU to consider.

Sending Proposals

Guests can request services either for a single occasion with just one menu, or for multiple meals throughout multiple days. Depending on which type of service a request is asking for, the way you can respond will vary. Let’s see how:

• Single Services: These requests will allow you to either create a brand new menu that suits the guest’s wants and needs or use a pre-set menu crafted at a previous time which you can adapt or modify before sending it as your initial proposal.
• Multiple Services: For these requests, instead of a menu, your initial proposal will focus on the total cost of your services based on the days and meals requested by the client. Remember to include the cost of any additional staff required.

For checklists on how to respond to requests by type of service, click on each type and visit their individual article.

Declining Service Requests

By keeping your calendar updated and personalizing your request settings, you can prevent yourself from getting requests you are not interested in. Visit our article on How to Personalize Your Profile to make sure your request settings are up to date.

However, it may happen that a request you get doesn’t suit you because of a blindspot in your request settings or because your availability changes when you get booked for a specific date.

In these cases, promptly withdraw your proposal by clicking on the trash can icon. This action helps to prevent double bookings, allows another Chef to step in, and ensures the guest finds the assistance they need.