Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most common questions about booking a private chef with BookACook.
How can I become a chef on BookACook?
Register as a cook and publish your page in a few steps (photo, bio, service area and price). From there you can add recipes and set your calendar. To start receiving bookings and messages, complete verification: ID document, facial biometric verification and criminal record.
What documents are required to register as a chef?
To receive bookings on the platform you need: a valid ID document (passport or national ID), facial biometric verification and an updated criminal record certificate. Culinary training certificates are optional. You can publish your page and use the platform before completing verification. All your data is handled securely and confidentially. In specific cases, BookACook may waive part of the verification.
How do I set my prices and availability?
You have full freedom to set your prices per hour or per service, as well as your weekly availability through the chef panel. You can accept or decline requests according to your schedule.
When and how do I receive my payments?
Your payout is scheduled for 7 days after the service date and sent to your bank account. To receive it, you invoice the client for the full value of the service and upload a copy in your panel. If a dispute is open, the payout is on hold until our team decides.
How does BookACook work?
BookACook is a platform that connects clients with independent professional chefs. Simply search for a chef in your area, choose the experience or service you want, book a date and the chef comes to your home to cook for you.
What types of services can I book?
You can book three types of service: Meal Prep (weekly meal preparation), Private or Romantic Dinners, and Events & Catering (birthdays, weddings, corporate events). Each chef defines the services they offer.
Do I need to create an account to make a booking?
Yes, you need to create a free client account to make bookings. Registration is quick and can be done with your email or through your Google account.
Can I cancel a booking?
Yes, from your bookings. While the cook has not accepted the request, the refund is always full. Once confirmed: full refund with 72 hours or more notice, 50% between 72 and 48 hours, and no refund with less than 48 hours. If the cook declines or cancels, you always get a full refund.
What payment methods are accepted?
Credit or debit card and MB WAY, through a secure SIBS checkout. All payments are processed securely and encrypted.
Does the platform charge a commission?
The client pays a BookACook service fee, plus VAT, shown before paying. The cook pays a 15% commission, VAT included, on the service and the market trip; ingredients carry no commission. There is no monthly fee.
Is my payment protected?
Yes. You pay BookACook and the cook is only paid 7 days after a successfully completed service. If the cook does not confirm your request within 12 hours, or declines it, you get a full automatic refund to your original payment method.
Who issues the invoices?
BookACook works as a marketplace. It invoices the client for the service fee right after payment, and the cook for the commission when paying them out. The cook invoices the client for the service after completing it.
How does BookACook verify chefs?
Before they can receive bookings, cooks complete a verification that includes: identity validation by official document, facial biometric verification and a criminal record check. A profile that has not yet completed verification shows as "Profile under verification" and cannot be booked or contacted.
Is my personal data safe?
Yes. BookACook complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Your data is stored encrypted and never shared with third parties without your explicit consent.
What happens if there is a problem during the service?
You can open a dispute from your bookings within 5 days of the service. Our team reviews the case with both sides and decides; while the dispute is open, the cook's payout is on hold.
Does BookACook have liability insurance?
No. BookACook is an intermediation platform and does not provide insurance. The service is contracted directly between the client and the cook; each cook is responsible for their own work and may hold their own insurance. BookACook verifies cooks' identity and criminal record before they can receive bookings, holds payment in escrow until the service is completed, and offers mediation if a problem arises.