Refund Policy

Effective Date: November 19, 2024

1. Introduction

This Refund Policy explains our policies regarding payments, cancellations, and refunds for all Chef Southern E services. By booking our services, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to these terms.

2. Payment Terms

Deposit Requirements:

• Private Chef Services: 50% deposit required at booking
• Event Catering: 50% deposit required at booking
• Cooking Classes: Full payment required at booking
• Private Group Classes: Full payment required at booking

Final Payment:

• All final payments are due 7 days prior to the service date unless otherwise agreed in writing
• Failure to make final payment by the due date may result in service cancellation
• Late payments may be subject to a 5% monthly finance charge

Accepted Payment Methods:

• Cash
• Personal checks (must clear 7 days prior to event)
• All major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
• American Express travel cards

3. Cancellation by Client

Private Chef Services:

Event Catering:

Cooking Classes:

• Cancellations made 14+ days before class: Full refund
• Cancellations made 7-13 days before class: 50% refund
• Cancellations made less than 7 days before class: No refund
• Private group class cancellations follow the same timeline

4. Cancellation by Chef Southern E

We reserve the right to cancel bookings under the following circumstances:

• Force majeure events (natural disasters, pandemics, civil unrest)
• Venue becomes unavailable or unsafe
• Insufficient kitchen facilities or access
• Client fails to meet payment deadlines
• Client violates health and safety requirements
• Other circumstances beyond our reasonable control

In the event of our cancellation:

• All payments will be fully refunded
• We will assist in finding alternative arrangements if requested
• No additional compensation will be provided

5. Service Changes and Modifications

Guest Count Changes:

• Increases in guest count must be confirmed at least 7 days before the event
• Decreases in guest count may result in adjusted pricing but no refunds for the difference
• Significant decreases (more than 20%) may be subject to cancellation fees

Menu Changes:

• Minor menu adjustments are typically accommodated at no additional cost
• Significant menu changes may incur additional fees
• All menu changes must be finalized 7 days before the event

Date Changes:

• Subject to availability
• Must be requested at least 30 days before the original date
• May result in price adjustments based on the new date
• Treated as a cancellation of the original date plus a new booking

6. No-Show Policy

If you fail to appear for your scheduled service without prior notice:

• You will be charged the full amount of the total service cost
• No refunds will be provided
• Future bookings may be subject to prepayment in full

7. Force Majeure

We are not responsible for delays or failures to perform due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to:

• Natural disasters (hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, etc.)
• Extreme weather conditions
• Pandemics or public health emergencies
• Civil unrest or government actions
• Utility outages or infrastructure failures
• Transportation disruptions

In such cases, we will work with you to reschedule or provide appropriate refunds.

8. Special Circumstances

Medical Emergencies:

In the case of documented medical emergencies involving the client or immediate family members, we will consider modified cancellation terms on a case-by-case basis. Documentation may be required.

COVID-19 and Health-Related Cancellations:

We follow current health department guidelines. If an event must be cancelled due to positive COVID-19 tests or quarantine requirements, standard cancellation fees apply unless local restrictions prevent gatherings.

9. Refund Processing

Processing Time:

• Credit card refunds: 5-10 business days
• Check refunds: 7-14 business days
• Cash refunds: Processed within 5 business days

Refund Method:

• Refunds will be issued using the same method as the original payment
• Partial refunds for deposits will be processed as credit card refunds or business checks
• We reserve the right to deduct bank fees for international transactions

10. Disputed Charges

If you believe you have been charged incorrectly:

• Contact us immediately to discuss the issue
• We will investigate and respond within 5 business days
• If an error is confirmed, we will issue a prompt refund
• Disputed charges through credit card companies must be resolved directly with us

11. Liability Limitations

Our liability for refunds is limited to the actual amount paid for services. We are not responsible for:

• Incidental or consequential damages
• Lost deposits with other vendors
• Travel or accommodation costs
• Opportunity costs or lost profits
• Emotional distress or disappointment
• Force majeure events

12. Dispute Resolution

Negotiation:

We prefer to resolve disputes amicably through direct negotiation. Contact us to discuss any concerns.

Mediation:

If direct negotiation fails, either party may request mediation through a mutually agreed-upon mediator.

Legal Action:

Any legal action must be filed in the courts of Logan County, Kentucky, within one year of the service date.

13. Policy Changes

We reserve the right to modify this Refund Policy at any time. Changes will be posted on our website with an updated effective date. Policies in effect at the time of booking apply to that booking.

14. Contact Information

For questions about this Refund Policy or to discuss cancellations, please contact us: