Start with guest count
Guest count is the single biggest driver of what you pay. Most catering is priced per person, so going from 20 guests to 50 roughly changes the food total in proportion — while fixed costs such as delivery stay the same. That is why larger groups often feel better value per head.
It helps to plan around confirmed attendance rather than an optimistic invite list. If numbers are still moving, share a range in your request and confirm closer to the date.
Menu and package level
Within the same caterer, a classic menu and a premium menu can differ by several dollars per person. Premium proteins, more sides and larger salad selections all move the number. Choosing one strong menu usually costs less than mixing several partial selections.
Individual meals vs buffet-style trays
Individually packaged meals make serving simple, suit distributed teams and reduce handling — but the packaging and portioning work is reflected in the price. Buffet-style trays generally stretch further for the same spend and suit events where guests serve themselves, though they need table space and someone to set them out.
Delivery distance
Delivery is charged by distance, calculated from Eastgate Square Mall in Hamilton to your delivery address. Within 10 km it is $25; over 10 km and up to 20 km it is $35; beyond 20 km needs a custom quote. Venues further from central Hamilton should budget for the higher tier.
Add-ons, setup and logistics
Drinks, desserts, extra sides and serving equipment are priced on top of the base menu. Staffing, setup, chafing equipment, rentals and unusual building or event logistics — loading restrictions, long carries, tight elevator windows, outdoor sites — are quoted separately once the requirements are known.
Dietary requirements
Vegetarian, vegan, halal-tagged and allergy-aware selections are usually planned as part of the menu rather than billed as a surcharge, but they affect what can be ordered and in what quantities. Flag them early so the caterer can build the order correctly instead of adjusting it late.
Taxes and the final total
Every price quoted is before tax. Taxes are extra, and the final total is confirmed manually by CaterHarbor after the caterer reviews availability, quantities and logistics. Nothing is finalized until you have seen that total.
CaterHarbor's current starting prices
These are CaterHarbor's own published starting prices for the caterers currently on the platform. They are not a survey of the whole Hamilton catering market — other providers will price differently.
- Mediterranean Original Shawarma — Classic $9.95/person, Signature $12.95/person, Premium $15.95/person; individual chicken shawarma or falafel wraps $9.95 each, minimum 10.
- Saj & Salsa — Laffa Catering from $11.95/person, Rice Bowl Catering from $14.95/person, Salad Bowl Catering from $14.95/person; premium protein upgrade +$2/person.
- Delivery $25 within 10 km, $35 over 10 km up to 20 km, custom quote beyond 20 km. Taxes extra.
Common questions
What is a realistic per-person catering budget?
It depends on the menu and format you choose. CaterHarbor's current catering packages start at $9.95 per person and rise with premium proteins, larger menus and add-ons. Taxes and delivery are extra.
Is delivery included in the food price?
No. Delivery is a separate distance-based fee measured from Eastgate Square Mall in Hamilton to your delivery address: $25 within 10 km, $35 over 10 km and up to 20 km, and a custom quote beyond 20 km.
Are there costs beyond food and delivery?
Staffing, setup, chafing equipment, rentals and unusual building or event logistics are quoted separately when your event needs them. Taxes are always extra.
Is there a minimum order?
Most catering menus have a 10-guest minimum. Smaller requests can still be submitted and are reviewed individually.
When is the price final?
Final pricing and availability are confirmed manually after CaterHarbor reviews your request, so you see the total before anything is locked in.