Joining ChefMaison as a Chef
How to create an account as a chef?
This is the complete walkthrough for setting up your ChefMaison profile from scratch — a summary of every step, with links to the articles that go deeper on each one. Here's exactly how to create your account. Getting started You can start on the website or in the app. On the website: go to the "Join ChefMaison as a chef" page. There, you will be redirect to a google Form. You'll find a link to continue in the app from there too. StFew readersAbout ChefMaison
What is ChefMaison? ChefMaison is a global platform that connects professional chefs with guests looking for private dining experiences. As a chef, ChefMaison allows you to: Receive booking requests from guests Communicate directly with clients Create personalized menus and proposals Offer services such as private dining, catering, and events The platform is designed to give chefs full control over their work, while helping them reach new clients and grow their business. ChefMaison opeFew readersIs ChefMaison free to join?
Yes. Creating your chef profile and joining ChefMaison is completely free — there are no joining fees, no subscriptions, and no hidden costs. What costs nothing Creating your chef profile Getting approved and going live on the platform Receiving requests and sending proposals Chatting with clients When we actually charge you We only charge commission, and only on confirmed bookings. If a request doesn't turn into a booking, you're never charged anything for it. No coFew readersWhat type of services can I offer?
When you set up your profile, you'll choose the main type of experience you want to offer. Here's what each option actually means, with simple examples — no confusion, no guesswork. Step 1: The 3 main categories Chef services — private chefs, long-term personal chefs, catering, cooking workshops, meal-prep, and more. Venues & locations — listing a private dining room, restaurant, vineyard, or other venue for events (not cooking yourself — the space itself). Products *(comingFew readers
Succeeding on ChefMaison
Keeping Your Calendar Updated
Keeping your availability calendar up to date is one of the easiest ways to improve your experience on ChefMaison. An accurate calendar helps us match you with relevant guests, reduces unnecessary booking requests, and helps you avoid receiving requests for dates when you're unavailable. Why is it important? Receive more relevant requests Your availability is taken into account when matching you with guests. Keeping your calendar updated helps you receive requests that fit your schedFew readersHow do reviews work?
Reviews are one of the most important factors in building your reputation on ChefMaison. They help future guests trust you, improve your visibility on the platform, and increase your chances of receiving more bookings. How guests leave a review After every completed event, we'll automatically invite your guest to leave a review about their experience, by the chat and by email. Depending on the guest, they may be asked to leave a review on: Trustpilot Google These public reviews heFew readersHow to Succeed on ChefMaison
Building a successful profile on ChefMaison is about more than great food. The chefs who receive the most bookings are responsive, professional, and keep their profiles complete and up to date. Here are our top recommendations to help you stand out and increase your chances of getting booked. 1. Complete your profile A complete profile builds trust with guests. Make sure you have: A professional profile photo A detailed biography Your culinary experience and specialties Languages youFew readersThe client doesn't answer
It happens on every marketplace, and it's not a reflection of your profile, your pricing, or your professionalism. Here's why it happens and what actually helps. Why clients go quiet A client might stop responding for reasons that have nothing to do with you: They contacted several chefs at the same time and chose someone else. They were just exploring the platform, without a firm plan yet. Their date, guest count, or budget changed. They moved forward with a different option — sometiFew readersI received a review from a guest on my profile — what should I do?
Getting a review is great news — here's what you can do with it, from replying to sharing it with your own audience. Reply to the review You can reply directly to a review left on your profile: Go to your profile and find the review under your reviews section. Tap Reply. Write your response and submit it. Your reply will appear publicly alongside the reFew readers
Profile & Menus
How do I upload photos and videos to my profile?
Your photos and videos are one of the most important parts of your ChefMaison profile. High-quality media helps guests understand your style, showcases your culinary skills, and can significantly increase your chances of receiving bookings. Uploading photos You can upload photos directly from your ChefMaison profile at any time. Go to You > Account >Photos and Videos Click on PhotosPopularHow do I update my prices?
Setting up your price per guest helps clients know what to expect before they even message you — and gives your proposals a solid starting point. Here's how to set it up. Where to find it Go to Manage Profile. Open the Public profile tab. Go to Core pricing. Price per guest You can define your base price per guest based on the number of guests — and create different pricing tiers for different group sizes. For example: 2–4 guests: €150 per guest 5–9 guests:Some readersHow do I set my location?
Your location determines which requests you'll be matched with, so it's important to set it up correctly. Here's how. Steps Open the ChefMaison app and log in with your email. Go to You. Tap Account. Tap Location. Type your location and wait for it to appear in the list, then select it. Set your radius. Set your service areaFew readers
Proposals & Bookings
How does the client's budget range work?
When a client submits a request, they're asked to enter a budget range — but it's important to understand what that number actually means, and what it doesn't. The budget is a starting reference, not a fixed price The budget a client enters is not a final price they're locking you into. We ask for it simply because, without any price reference, it would be veryFew readersHow is my travel cost calculated?
ChefMaison can automatically add a travel cost item to a proposal based on distance — but exactly how it's calculated depends on the type of request. Here's how it works. Personal requests (from your ChefMaison profile page) When a client sends you a personal request through your profile page and enters their address, we calculate the distance using Google Maps, based on actual road distance — not a straight line. This means it accounts for the real driving route, which is especially releFew readersHow does pricing work for catering requests?
Catering requests work a bit differently from other requests when it comes to pricing — here's what makes them different, and how to price one confidently. Your profile pricing doesn't apply automatically Unlike personal or general requests, a catering proposal doesn't automatically use the price tiers you've set on your profile. It's entirely customizable from scratch — you can start from the client's indicated budget, or build your proposal completely independently starting as ZERO, basFew readersHow do I send or update a proposal?
Whether you're sending your first proposal or adjusting one after chatting with a client, here's how it works. Steps Open the request or chat with your client. Tap Update Quote. Add all the items. This is where you add all your expenses — include transportation costs and any other relevant expenses. For each item, click Add item. When you add an item, define the name, set the price per person, quantity, and VAT. VAT is included by default but can be adjFew readersAccepting a lead
Leads can reach you through three channels — WhatsApp, the app, and email. Here's what to expect and how to respond on each. Via WhatsApp You'll receive a message with the main event details (date, location, guest count, budget indication). You can reply directly to accept or decline — for example, with quick options like "Yes, I'm available" or "No, not interested." Once you accept via WhatsApp, head into the chat as soon as you can to discuss the details with the client and update yFew readersChanging the proposal after the client has paid
Once a client has paid, changing the proposal works differently than before payment — here's exactly what to do. Before the client pays You can update your proposal freely — menu, pricing, guest count, anything — as many times as needed while you're still discussing details with the client. After the client has paid Editing the proposal in the chat or in the app will not change the amount already paid. Once payment has gone through, the value is locked — trying to edit the proposal dirFew readers
Payments for Chefs
Creating a Stripe Account
To receive your payouts, ChefMaison uses Stripe to securely handle payments and transfers. Setting up Stripe correctly is essential for getting paid — here's the complete walkthrough, from connecting your account to two-step verification. What is Stripe? Stripe is a globally trusted payment platform used to securely process client payments and transfer your earnings. All payouts for ChefMaison bookings are handled exclusively through Stripe. Before you start: check your profile's counSome readersHow is the payment process?
Here's the full journey of a payment on ChefMaison, from the moment a client books to the moment the money actually reaches your bank account. Step 1 — Client books and pays When a client confirms your proposal, they pay through ChefMaison — either the full amount upfront, or a 30% deposit (with the balance automatically charged 15 days before the event, if the booking qualifies for that option). Payment is always made through the platform. Step 2 — Funds are held securely The payment is hFew readersHow do I get paid?
Getting paid and understanding exactly how the process works — is essential, so here's exactly how and when your payout happens. When your payout is triggered Your payout is triggered 2 days after the event has taken place. This short waiting period exists to protect both sides: it confirms the service was successfully delivered before the funds move. When the money actually arrives in your bank account The 2-day trigger is when the transfer starts — it isn't when the money lands inFew readersHow do I add or change my bank account for payouts?
Here's how to add or update the bank account where your ChefMaison payouts are sent, directly in your Stripe account. How to add your bank account Log in to your Stripe account. Go to Settings. Click Linked accounts and payouts.Few readers
Finance & Invoices
How much is the Commission?
What Is Your Commission? ChefMaison's commission depends on two things: your country, and whether you have a valid VAT number registered as a business. Here's how it breaks down. Commission rates by country Region With a valid VAT number (Business) Without a valid VAT number (Individual) European Union (except Netherlands & Italy) 15% 18.15% Netherlands 18.15% 18.15% Italy 7.5% 9.1% United Kingdom 0% 0% Outside the EU (except UK) 18.15%PopularCommission & VAT
We know commission and VAT can be confusing, so here's a simple breakdown of how it works and why the amount can vary from chef to chef. The short version Your commission rate depends on two things: Your country Whether you have a valid VAT number registered as a business If you're registered as a business with a valid VAT number, you generally pay a lower commission. If you're not, we have to pay VAT ourselves on our side, so the commission is a bit higher to cover thatSome readersCommission and VAT Policy
Last updated: July 2026 1. Purpose This document sets out how commission is calculated on the ChefMaison platform, including the impact of VAT registration status, and outlines the applicable service fee structure. It is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute tax or legal advice. 2. General Principle The commission rate applied to a chef's earnings is determined by two factors: (a) the chef's country of registration; and (b) whether the chef holds a valid, EU-verifiaSome readersMy VAT number shows as not valid
If you've added your VAT number in the app and it's showing as "not valid," here's what that means, why it happens, and how to fix it. How we validate your VAT number When you enter your VAT number in the app, we check it against VIES (VAT Information Exchange System) — the official EU database used to confirm that a VAT number is active and registered. This is the same system used across the EU, so it's not something specific to ChefMaison — if it doesn't validate with us, it won't validFew readersI'm a UK chef with 0% commission — should I mark myself as tax exempt?
Not because of your commission rate, no. Why UK chefs see 0% commission UK chefs pay 0% commission — this means ChefMaison isn't retaining any commission from UK bookings at all, so we have no income (and therefore no tax liability) on those bookings. That's the entire reason it's 0%. Why this doesn't answer the tax-exempt question Your commission being 0% only reflects that ChefMaison isn't earning (and isn't taxed) on your bookings — it has no bearing on the VAT you should be chaFew readersDo I need to create invoices?
You don't need to create or send any invoice yourself — ChefMaison generates everything automatically. To make this fully clear, here's exactly which invoices exist, split by who they're between. The invoices issued to you (the chef) There are 2 invoices generated that involve you directly: An invoice from ChefMaison to you, charging the commission on the booking. An invoice in your name, to ChefMaison, for the amount you're owed — your menu value minus the commission. ThisFew readersI am an individual without a registered business
This is a very common situation among chefs on ChefMaison. Here's the correct procedure, on both sides of the invoice. On your own items (the VAT you set on your menu, travel costs, etc.) As an individual without a business registration, you generally aren't legally able to charge VAT on your invoices — VAT can normally only be charged by a registered, VAT-liable business. In practice, this usually means your items should be set at 0% VAT, since you're not registered to charge it. This isFew readersWhat does "tax exempt" mean, and when does it apply?
You'll see a "I am tax exempt" toggle in your Business & Tax info. Here's what it actually means, and how to know if it applies to you. What "tax exempt" means Being tax exempt means you're legally not required (or not permitted) to charge VAT on your invoices — it doesn't mean you don't pay tax at all, just that VAT specifically doesn't apply to your sales. When it typically applies This usually happens in one of a few situations: Your business is below your country's VAT registFew readersTax ID / Business Number — What to Enter by Country
When you set up your profile, we ask for a tax identification number. This article explains what that number is for, why it doesn't work the same way everywhere, and exactly which number to enter depending on where you're based. Why do we ask for this? Two reasons: Invoicing — your tax ID appears on the invoices we generate, so they're valid and usable for your own accounting and tax filing. Commission calculation (EU chefs only) — if you're based in the EU, a valid, verified VAFew readersCommission vs. VAT/Tax — they're not the same thing
A lot of chefs mix these two up, since they both show up on the same invoice. Here's exactly how each one works. What is VAT? VAT (Value Added Tax) is a consumption tax added to the price of goods and services, charged to the end customer and collected by the seller on behalf of the government. If you've ever seen a receipt with a tax line added on top of the price, that's VAT (or a local equivalent — some countries call it GST or sales tax). A few basics worth knowing: **Who can chargeFew readersDoes ChefMaison collect VAT for me, or do I need to charge it myself?
If you're a registered business, you may wonder whether ChefMaison handles VAT on your services for you — here's a clear answer. There is no subcontracting arrangement There isn't a subcontracting arrangement where ChefMaison collects VAT on your behalf. As the service provider — for the meal, wine, travel, or anything else in your proposal — you are responsible for issuing your own invoice and applying the correct VAT rate to each item, exactly as you would for any other service you provideFew readers
Conditions and Policies
Cancellation Policy for chefs
Once you accept a booking, both the client and ChefMaison rely on your commitment. The client planned an event, invited guests, and built their experience around your presence. We understand that unexpected situations can happen, and our goal is not to be punitive. However, we also have a responsibility to protect clients and maintain a platform they can trust. Before accepting a booking, you are always free to accept or decline a request without any penalty. Declining a request does *notPopularWhat happens if a client disputes a payment (chargeback) or requests a refund?
At ChefMaison, we understand that payment disputes can be concerning. That's why we manage the entire chargeback process on your behalf and work to protect chefs whenever a service has been delivered correctly. Who handles chargebacks? If a client files a chargeback with their payment provider, ChefMaison manages the entire dispute process with Stripe. If necessary, we may ask you to provide supporting evidence, such as: Chat conversations with the client Photos of the event or dishesFew readers