What this preorder page is for
Catering Preorder Form collects reservations before you make, pack or source a limited batch. Customers choose from one page instead of separate messages, and can see quantities, a cutoff, pickup time and collection point before reserving.
Preorder Form keeps reservations and item totals together. On the free plan customers pay at pickup; sellers can download customer emails, orders, batches, items, prep lists and discount codes as CSV files. Automated emails and Stripe payments are planned paid features, not available yet.
Who can use this format?
- Small caterers offering a fixed menu for local collection
- Customers arranging food for a meeting or gathering
- Cooks who need a headcount before shopping and prep
Use it instead of spreadsheets, direct messages and market-day notes for one menu and quantity list.
Illustrative example menu
All sample details are illustrative. Replace them with your own offer.
| Example item | What to clarify | Example price | Example limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharing platter | Illustrative listing. Include serves, included items, dietary or allergen notes, packaging and pickup time. | $12 example | 20 (example) |
| Sandwich tray | Illustrative listing. Include serves, included items, dietary or allergen notes, packaging and pickup time. | $18 example | 15 (example) |
| Dessert tray | Illustrative listing. Include serves, included items, dietary or allergen notes, packaging and pickup time. | $24 example | 12 (example) |
How to take orders in three steps
- 01
Create the form. Add Sharing platter, Sandwich tray, Dessert tray with example prices and a limit for each choice. Include serves, included items, dietary or allergen notes, packaging and pickup time, then set a cutoff that leaves enough time for a menu where serving size, dietary notes and the handover time affect preparation.
- 02
Share your link. Post the page where small caterers offering a fixed menu for local collection already look for updates. State the pickup window and location, and let customers reserve from the same limited menu instead of collecting orders in separate messages.
- 03
Prepare and hand over. Use the order and prep lists to total each option before a menu where serving size, dietary notes and the handover time affect preparation. At your chosen pickup window, check the order details as each customer collects and mark the order as collected. Payment is handled in person on the free plan.
Why use a preorder form for catering?
- Set a separate limit for sharing platter and each option, so reservations stay within the batch you can prepare.
- Keep a menu where serving size, dietary notes and the handover time affect preparation visible in one order list instead of reconciling spreadsheets, direct messages and market-day notes.
- Show serves, included items, dietary or allergen notes, packaging and pickup time beside the item so customers can choose the right version before they reserve.
- Offer local pickup without online payment setup. Preorder Form is free when customers pay in person at collection.
Tips for a smoother preorder
- Set the cutoff to close orders before you purchase ingredients and schedule preparation for the event date. Put the exact date and time on the page so customers know when reservations close.
- Use the batch guidance for this use case: set limits by tray size and event date, and avoid combining unrelated collection windows. Review the prep totals before confirming the final amount.
- Include serves, included items, dietary or allergen notes, packaging and pickup time in each description. Add ingredient, allergen, size or care details that matter for the product.
Include ingredients, allergens, storage, size or care details; check local requirements.
Frequently asked questions
How do I take Catering preorders?
Add Sharing platter, Sandwich tray, Dessert tray as choices with prices and quantity limits. Include serves, included items, dietary or allergen notes, packaging and pickup time, set a cutoff and pickup time, then share the page. Use its order list to plan a menu where serving size, dietary notes and the handover time affect preparation.
Can customers pay when they pick up?
Yes. Preorder Form is free when customers pay in person at pickup. Arrange cash or another offline method with the customer. Online Stripe processing is planned as a paid feature and is not available yet.
When should I close Catering orders?
Set the cutoff before committing to stock or production. For this use case, close orders before you purchase ingredients and schedule preparation for the event date. Show the date and time clearly and leave room to prepare and organise collection.
How do I set a batch limit for Catering items?
Base the limit on what you can supply. set limits by tray size and event date, and avoid combining unrelated collection windows. Separate options that use different stock. Item limits help keep reservations within the batch.
Can a catering preorder page manage event-specific requests?
It can present a fixed menu and clear quantities for local pickup. For complex event requirements, use the page to collect standard selections and explain how customers should discuss a custom request before ordering. State serving sizes and allergens, and confirm timing before you promise a collection slot.
Ready to organise your next batch?
Take a preorder and collect payment at pickup.
Start your own store