1. Select item VAT rate - Zero Rate (0%) or Standard Rate (20%)
- Explanation: You need to choose the correct VAT rate for each menu item. The Zero Rate (0%) typically applies to cold takeaway food and some other specific items, while the Standard Rate (20%) applies to hot takeaway food and most other items.
- Importance: Charging the correct VAT rate is crucial for tax compliance and financial accuracy.
- Legal Requirement: Yes, it is required by UK law to charge the correct VAT rate on your items.
2. Number of People this feeds
- Explanation: Indicate how many people the dish is intended to serve. If it's meant to be shared, set this number higher than 1.
- Importance: Helps customers understand portion sizes and plan their orders accordingly.
- Legal Requirement: No, but it ensures clear communication with customers.
3. Is this hot food?
- Explanation: Indicate if the food is hot.
- Importance: Necessary for determining delivery needs to maintain the correct temperature during transport.
- Legal Requirement: No, but it ensures food quality upon delivery.
4. Is this item delicate or likely to spill?
- Explanation: Specify if the item is fragile or has a high risk of spilling.
- Importance: Ensures that the packaging and delivery method protect the item during transport.
- Legal Requirement: No, but it prevents delivery issues and customer dissatisfaction.
5. Is this a very large item?
- Explanation: Indicate if the item is larger than 50 cm x 30 cm.
- Importance: Important for logistics and ensuring the item can be delivered safely.
- Legal Requirement: No, but it helps with planning and customer expectations.
6. Eco-friendly packaging?
- Explanation: Indicate if the packaging is plastic-free, biodegradable, or compostable.
- Importance: Important for customers who prioritize sustainability and want to reduce environmental impact.
- Legal Requirement: No, but it can be a selling point for environmentally conscious customers.
7. Will this item need a return trip?
- Explanation: State if the item requires equipment that needs to be returned, like gastro trays or thermal bags.
- Importance: Necessary for coordinating logistics and ensuring all equipment is returned.
- Legal Requirement: No, but it ensures smooth operations and prevents loss of equipment.
8. List of Ingredients
- Explanation: Provide a complete list of all ingredients used in the item, including those in compound ingredients.
- Importance: Vital for transparency, helping customers make informed choices, and for allergen management.
- Legal Requirement: Yes, it is required by UK law to provide accurate ingredient information.
9. Calories
- Explanation: Add the calorie (kcal) value for the item if required.
- Importance: Important for customers who are monitoring their calorie intake.
- Legal Requirement: Yes, for certain types of businesses, especially larger chains, calorie information is required by UK law.
10. List of Allergens
- Explanation: Select all applicable allergens for the item. If you do not supply allergen information, customers will be warned on your menu.
- Importance: Critical for the safety of customers with food allergies and intolerances.
- Legal Requirement: Yes, UK law requires that allergen information be available to customers.