What is Killer Chefs?

Killer Chefs is a young startup on a mission to re-invent the way people eat at home to make 'eating in the new eating out’. We want to focus on turning the spotlight back on to the chefs - by creating new opportunities with our technology, you’re in complete control, so you can finally focus on what you do best: creating amazing experiences. Join us on our mission.

How do I apply to become a Killer Chef?

To start taking bookings through the Killer Chefs platform as a Chef, you will need to apply online here. Our online application process is quick and easy. As part of this online application, you will be asked to upload and submit documents accordingly.

Who can become a Killer Chef?

Our customers look for a range of culinary experiences so we welcome chefs at all levels, whether self-taught, culinary academy-educated or working professionals. You must be over 18 in order to apply.

What documents will I need?

You will be asked to upload documents as part of your online application. There are two main things we check:

• Your ID via our partner Mati
• A background check carried out by our partner First Advantage (previously GBG) - if you already have an existing DBS check certificate issued within the last 12 months, you can just upload the one you have, otherwise, you can apply for one during your application.

Where can I work?

At the moment, we only operate in London. You can choose your radius, so you’re able to choose which areas of the city you would like to focus on, as we understand you may not want to travel too far.

What days/hours do I have to work?

You’re your own boss. As a self-employed professional, you are free to manage your diary around your own schedule by entering your availability in your calendar. We will assume that when you have entered availability, you are free to honour bookings during this time.

Do I have to quit my job?

We will never ask you to do that. Killer Chefs can fit around your lifestyle and schedule. It’s entirely up to you when to work and you can set your availability in your own calendar, so people know when to book you. Just make sure to keep your calendar up to date.

Is registration free?

Yes. Signing up to become a Killer Chefs is completely free. You can sign up here.

Why do I need to run a DBS check?

Safety and security is vital to us – for both our chefs and customers. In order to be active on the Killer Chefs platform, you will be required to complete a background check by our trusted third-party company, GBG. Chefs are required to pass a criminal check which may show us any unspent convictions and conditional cautions. All your information is kept private. A DBS check is a legally binding document, so you can use it thereafter in numerous other situations.

What are the 6 steps of the application process?

There are 6 steps of the application process you must complete before becoming a Killer Chef. 1) Basic Information We need your full name, date of birth and postcode. Make sure the information you give us is correct and matches up with the proof of ID that you'll be submitting later. 2) Questions about you We’ll need to get to know you better, so we’ll ask a few questions such as: if you have a CV, Instagram handle, website or YouTube channel we can look at. The more info you can give us to support your application, the better. We also ask a few more questions around hygiene certificates and public and product liability insurance. If you don’t have either, don’t worry as we’ll be guiding you through how to obtain them. This won’t affect your application. 3) Video Chat You’ll be able to book a video call with a member of our team, so you can get to know us too. It’s a quick, informal 15-minute chat. Then you can progress to the next stage. 4) ID Check We need to know you are who you say you are - safety first! We accept all passports, national ID cards and driving licence. We’ll walk you through your choices when you get to this step. We will need you to take a clear photo of your documents and also submit a selfie video as part of the step. 5) Criminal record check We’ll need another photo ID and your five-year address history. It’s important that you also complete this stage as part of the application process, as clients need to feel safe inviting a chef into their home. 6) Agreement Then you'll just need to e-sign your agreement in our portal and you're in!

How long does it take to complete the application?

We are so excited to hear that you are interested in becoming a Killer Chef! If you have all the required documents and follow the steps carefully, you could be live in no time. 👩‍🍳👨‍🍳 If you can, try and finish your application within on setting. On average, the full application process should last less than 20 minutes.

Do you have a step-by-step guide to ID check?

Sure!
In order to help you go through your ID check with our partner Mati, we have put together a step-by-step guide. You can find it here.
If you're still unsure about the process or you encountered some issues during your ID verification process, please get in touch. Our team will be happy to answer your questions.

DBS/Background check step-by-step guide with First Advantage (previously GBG)

Sure!
In order to help you go through your DBS check with our partner First Advantage (previously GBG), we have put together a step-by-step guide. You can find it here.
If you're still unsure about the process or you encountered some issues during your DBS check, please get in touch. Our team will be happy to answer your questions. ​​​​​​​

I have already completed a background check with another company, can I send you the certificate I received from them?

Yes, if you already have a DBS ceritificate no older than 12 months, you can upload and submit that during your application process. If you don't have one, you can apply during the application process.

For what size parties will I be required to cater?

That’s entirely up to you: you can agree to as many or as few diners as you like, depending on how confident you feel. Prices are calculated on a per-head-basis, and you can set minimum and maximum numbers of diners for each one of your menus.

How do I choose my menu prices?

The price you charge for your menus is completely up to you. As a general rule of thumb, you should think about the experience you’re providing, the complexity of your menu and the cost of ingredients. Don’t forget to take Killer Chef’s fee into account too. We provide lots of training around this subject in the EduMe app 📱 so make sure you download it, if you haven't done so already.

Do I need to bring my own equipment, cutlery and crockery?

No. Foodies generally provide all the basic equipment, including serving dishes and tableware. However, you may need additional utensils in order to be able to prepare your menu. We advise you to always double-check exactly what tools/items the customer can provide within their kitchen at the time of booking.

How can I get in touch with a Foodie?

Once a booking is confirmed or during a booking request, you will be able to chat with the Foodie via in-app chat. We do not take any responsibility for bookings that aren't made via Killer Chefs platform directly.

What should I do about dietary requirements?

Always try to accommodate special dietary requirements. Foodies will have the opportunity to get in touch and let you know if anyone in their party has specific dietary requirements. If you don’t hear from them first, it's good practice to get in touch ahead of doing your food shopping to confirm the menu.

I don’t have any good pictures of my food/dishes.

We have some guidlines within EduMe app which you can always refer to. Remember: a well-presented page, profile picture and food pictures are essential for your success on the app. We partner up with professional photographers, so please get in touch with us to enquire. Email us at chefs@killerchefs.app

Can I bring someone with me to help in the kitchen?

We take safety very seriously, therefore if you wish to bring someone along to help you, you will have to let us know in advance, so we can verify their ID. Please get in touch with us as soon as possible via email at chefs@killerchefs.app or via in app-chat live chat. Please also make sure to communicate with the foodie and let them know you have an assistant, so they are not taken by surprise. Please bear in mind that your assistant’s fees are included in the quoted price on the app and that you cannot ask for additional payments.

When is it advisable to leave an event?

You want to be able to offer the best experience possible, so that foodies will leave a good review and book you again. How long in advance to leave the party is up to your judgement, however we suggest you stay until you’ve served the last course and you are sure foodies don’t need anything else. Make sure you leave the kitchen in a decorous state. You are not required to do the washing up, but please make sure you leave the worktop clean and that you clean the utensils you have used.

I received a complaint about my service/food/cleanliness

The complaint will have to go through our customer service either via in-app chat or email support@killerchefs.app. We will aim at resolving any dispute that might arise within 48 hours.

What's Instant Booking ⚡?

Instant Booking ⚡doesn’t require you to approve a booking request, which means if a foodie likes your menu, they can immediately pay and the booking is automatically confirmed. If you have Instant Booking tutned on for a given menu, this will apply to all your available dates in your calendar. The benefits of Instant Booking include: Convenience: get booked without having to respond to each request. More foodie interest: foodies can use filters to search for menus that can be booked instantly. Search placement: Instant Booking positively affects your response rate, which can improve your placement in the search results. You can always turn on or off Instant Bookings at any time. You can learn more about Instant Booking on EduMe and also here.

How long do I have to confirm a booking request?

You have 24h to confirm a booking request, if you do not respond within that time, the booking is to be considered rejected and you are unable to accept it or respond to the client after that point. Make sure you have push notifications turned on on the Killer Chefs app, so you don't miss out on bookings!

What's EduMe?

In your portal page, you will see a tool called 'learning', which directs you to creating an account and downloading an app called 'EduMe'. EduMe is a learning tool that we use to keep all our chefs up-to-date with the latest news and tips from the team. We also use this to train you on some important aspects, so you dont always have to refer to our FAQs. We just think it works so much better! It's important that you download and use EduMe so you're always in the loop (and can earn points whilst learning!). If you haven't set up an account during your onboarding process, please refer to the instructions in your own chef portal📱

How do I become a PRO Chef?

PRO Chefs are exceptional chefs who provide a shining example for other chefs on top of extraordinary service, food and memorable experiences for their clients. This PRO-gramme celebrates and rewards our best-rated and most committed chefs. You can learn more here on how to become a PRO.

How does your Share Reward Scheme work?

Our shares scheme lets you earn equity in Killer Chefs. The more bookings you made via Killer Chefs, the more equity you earn. We use Vestd, an equity distribution platform regulated and authroised by the Financial Conduct Authority.

What about the perks you're offering?

We are offering a number of perks to all our chefs who join us. You will be able to access them via your portal. Be on the lookout for new perks, we're always working on adding more.

What happens if I need to cancel a booking?

Cancellations by the Chef create a poor customer experience and negatively affect other Chefs and ultimately the Killer Chefs Platform’s reputation. We understand that there may be times when something comes up and you have to cancel an accepted booking, but minimising cancellations is critical for the reliability of the Killer Chefs Platform and the individual Chefs’ reputation. if you really need to cancel, please make sure you can provide a solid reason for cancelling a booking and make sure you let the Team @ Killer Chefs know asap, so we can find an appropriate replacement. Get in touch here.

What's the cancellation policy for foodies?

Foodies can decide to cancel or amend their booking with you. For a full refund, foodies can cancel (or amend their booking) up to 72 hours (3 full days) before a booking date/time. After that, foodies can cancel up to 24h (1 day) before the event and are entitled to 50% refund of the total cost of the booking. At present, the only way to ask for cancellations, changes to the booking or refunds (for both chefs and foodies) is by contacting Killer Chefs customer service. The best way to reach out to us (especially if urgent) is by contacting us via in-app chat or, if you're a chef, also via WhatsApp. These are the quickest ways of getting in touch.

What should I do if a customer requests changes to their booking?

Foodies can only request minor changes to their menu and mainly to accommodate specific dietary requirements. Significant changes in the menu that impact the cost per head shouldn’t be accepted by you. If you're not sure or have any trouble with a specific client, please get in touch with customer service so we can assist you.

Getting in touch

We've built tools to make sure you always feel supported. Chef Support You can contact us at chefs@killerchefs.app for any questions you may have. WhatsApp We have a chef support WhatsApp number for chat messages only: +44 7456938718 Live chat You can chat directly with a customer support representative via the app anytime between 9am-6.30pm, every day. Alternatively: FAQs If you have a question, chances are that someone else has also had it before. That’s why our regularly updated frequently asked questions page is the go-to place to find answers to questions, big and small. EduMe EduMe is your go-to-place for when you have doubts, want to learn more about a scpeific subject or just want to keep up-to-date with the latest company news. This is regularly update and most communication will go through this channel.

Need further assistance?

Didn't find what you were looking for? You can always contact us here for any other question you may have.

Getting in touch during my application process

If you have questions on your onboarding process, get in touch with us here.

Does Killer Chefs take a fee?

Yes, we do charge a fee upon every booking made via Killer Chefs app. If you're a new chef and want more information about our fee structure, plaese get in touch here.

Will I need to pay tax on my income?

All our chefs are self-employed. You will be therefore responsible for handling your own tax. We have partnered up with TaxScouts to help you sort out your tax, should you need a hand with that.

What about VAT?

You are responsible for handling your own VAT return, if applicable.

What insurance do I need?

We require chefs to have Public & Product Liability cover (or equivalents) in place – if you don’t have insurance, you can apply here (though of course you’re welcome to use any provider you like). Don’t worry if you don’t have insurance in place when starting the application process. We will only require this once you have been successfully approved.

How much can I make with Killer Chefs?

How much money you can make with Killer Chefs depends on how often you’re available, what days of the week you work and how your profile overall performs on the app. EduMe has lots of useful content around how to better perform on the app, make sure you check it out.

Why should I accept payments and communicate through Killer Chefs directly?

Paying and communicating through Killer Chefs helps ensure that you're protected under our Terms of Service, cancellation and refund policies and other safeguards. We can’t provide these benefits if your reservation isn’t made and paid for directly through Killer Chefs. Paying or communicating outside of Killer Chefs also makes it harder for us to protect your information and puts you at greater risk of fraud and other security issues, such as phishing.