Service Level Agreement (SLA)
Your guide to working within PCM’s quality standards
PCM Service Level Agreement (SLA): Your guide to quality standards
A Service Level Agreement (SLA) defines the standards of service between PCM and its chefs. It is a mutual commitment to quality, professionalism, and clear expectations — outlining what PCM promises to you and what is expected in return.
At Private Chef Manager (PCM), SLAs ensure that both chefs and our team are aligned — so your business runs smoothly, your clients have great experiences, and you get the most out of PCM’s tools and opportunities.
Our Commitment to You
At Private Chef Manager, we believe great partnerships are built on clarity and trust. Here’s what you can expect from us:
Support Response Times
- Live Chat & Phone: Immediate during support hours.
- Email: Within 12 business hours.
Platform Availability
- PCM is monitored 24/7 and targets 99.9% uptime.
- Any scheduled maintenance will be announced in advance via email.
Booking & Payment Processing
- Payments are processed within 48 business hours after a service is marked as completed.
- Any payment issues will be addressed within 1 business day of reporting.
Dispute Resolution
- We mediate client disputes fairly, aiming to resolve them within 3 business days.
Your Responsibilities
To keep everything running smoothly:
- Keep your profile, menus, and calendar updated.
- Respond to inquiries within 12 hours for best results (and better ranking).
- Reach out to support before a client issue escalates.
Violations of the standards below may result in reduced platform visibility, suspension of booking privileges, or removal from PCM. The severity of consequences depends on the nature and frequency of the breach.
Red Lines: Breaches of Professional Conduct1. Online Interaction
Communication violations:
- Unresponsiveness – Not replying to confirmed bookings risks cancellations and damages client trust. Check your PCM inbox regularly.
- Disrespectful behavior – Rudeness toward guests or PCM staff is never acceptable. Maintain a courteous, professional tone at all times.
- Side-stepping – Sharing personal contact info, external links, or redirecting guests to other platforms before a booking is confirmed breaches PCM policy. All pre-booking communication must stay on-platform.
Booking Management
Cancellations – Canceling a confirmed booking disrupts guests’ plans and can harm your standing on PCM. Keep your calendar updated to avoid conflicts. See the Cancellation Policy for full details.
2. During the Experience
- No-show – Missing a booked service without notice is a serious breach and will be treated as such.
- Tardiness – Always inform guests if you expect to be late. Plan ahead for traffic, weather, and setup time.
- Unauthorized substitutions – Guests book you based on your profile and proposal. Sending another chef without prior approval is not allowed.
- Unprofessional conduct – Avoid political discussions, profanity, alcohol consumption, or any behavior that undermines your professionalism.
- Neglecting allergies – Ignoring dietary restrictions poses serious health risks. Review client requests carefully and confirm details before service.
- Low-quality ingredients – Using pre-packaged, frozen, or substandard ingredients compromises the experience. Source fresh, high-quality products that match your proposal.
3. Post-Experience
- Unapproved extra charges – Requesting payment after service for transport, supplies, or other costs (outside the agreed amount) is not allowed. Tips remain at the client’s discretion.
- Inappropriate follow-ups – Do not pressure clients for reviews or send excessive/unrelated messages after the service.
Remember: PCM gives you the tools to grow your private chef business — premium bookings, top rankings, and lasting client trust. Professionalism is what makes all of it possible. Consistently meeting these SLA standards is the best way to protect and grow what you've built on the platform.