Chef and caterer profile on Websta in Slovakia

What your profile page should show

Your Websta profile is a page that acts like a small website. It should include a clear description of what you do - whether you prepare meals for events, private dinners, corporate functions, or special occasions. Add a photo of yourself and photos of your work: finished dishes, tables you have set up, events you have catered. These images matter because potential clients decide largely on what they see.

List the types of services you offer. Examples might include catering for weddings, birthday parties, corporate lunches, private chef services for dinners at home, or meal preparation for smaller gatherings. Be specific about what you can do and what regions of Slovakia you serve. If you work nationwide or only in certain regions, state that clearly.

Include a contact form so people can reach you with questions. Offer both a booking option for customers who know what they want and a quote request option for those who need to discuss details first - menu options, guest count, dietary requirements, budget, and date. Make it easy for someone in Bratislava, Košice, or a smaller town to get in touch and understand your process.

• A profile photo and at least five to ten photos of food and events
• A description of your experience and style
• List of services you offer
• Contact form and quote request option
• Booking calendar if you take direct bookings

Which languages to use

Publish your profile in Slovak, as that is the main language of your market in Slovakia. Consider adding English if you regularly work with international clients, expat communities, or foreign companies hosting events. If you serve specific regions with other language communities, check what languages are spoken there. For most independent chefs and caterers in Slovakia, Slovak is sufficient and should be your starting point.

How people search for chefs and caterers on Websta

Customers in Slovakia use Websta to find chefs and caterers by searching for the service and their location. Someone planning a wedding in Banská Bystrica or a corporate event in Trenčín types the service name and town into the marketplace. Websta shows profiles of providers nearby. People also post a task - describing the event, guest count, and what they need - and providers like you can make offers on that task.

The marketplace covers the whole country, so clients from anywhere in Slovakia can find you if you serve their region. Make sure your profile clearly states which areas you cover so the right customers find you.

Business registration and taxes as a sole trader

In Slovakia, if you work as an independent chef or caterer, you must register as a sole trader (živnosť) with the relevant local trade office. The rules for food preparation and catering are regulated, so check with your local office what specific licenses or hygiene certifications you need. Food handling hygiene training is typically required. The details depend on the exact scope of your work - whether you cook in a shared kitchen, a rented space, or customers' homes.

As a self-employed person, you must register with the tax office and handle VAT if your turnover exceeds the threshold. You also need to contribute to social and health insurance. These are legal obligations that vary slightly by region, so ask your local trade office or a local accountant for the current requirements in your area. Do not assume the rules are the same everywhere in Slovakia.

Keep records of your income and expenses for tax purposes. When you receive payments through Websta via Stripe, the money goes directly to your bank account, and you report it as income.

What to write in your first hour

Start with a clear, honest description of what you do. Write one or two sentences about your background: how long you have been cooking, what style of food you specialise in, and what types of events you handle best. Avoid vague language. Instead of 'I cook everything', say 'I specialise in Slovak traditional cuisine for family celebrations' or 'I prepare modern European menus for corporate catering'.

List three to five core services with brief descriptions. For each, mention who it suits and roughly what it involves. Then add the regions or towns where you work. If you cover the whole country, say so. If you work only in certain regions, list them.

Write a short paragraph about your process: how far in advance people should book, how you work with clients on menus, what the timeline looks like from inquiry to event. This helps potential clients understand what to expect.

Upload at least three good photos right away. Photos of food are essential - plates you have prepared, tables, or events. Add a photo of yourself so people see who they are hiring. You can add more photos later.

What happens when a customer contacts you

When someone fills in your contact form or posts a task on the marketplace, you receive their inquiry. They describe the event, number of guests, date, budget range, and any dietary needs or preferences. You then reply with details about your availability, how you work, and what you would charge. You discuss the menu, logistics, and any special requests. Once you agree on terms, you can arrange payment and the details of the event.

Make clear in your profile how you prefer to communicate - email, phone call, or message through Websta - and how quickly you reply. People planning events often have tight timelines, so a prompt response matters.

Setting up payment through Websta

Websta uses Stripe to handle card payments from customers. You set up a Stripe account linked to your Slovak bank account, and payments go directly into your account. You control your own pricing and terms. When a customer pays through your profile, the money is transferred to your bank. Keep track of these payments for your tax records and VAT reporting if you are registered for VAT.

After your profile is live

Once your profile is published, keep it up to date. Add new photos of recent events and work. Update your availability and regions served if they change. Respond to inquiries quickly and professionally. Build a track record: when customers book through you and the event goes well, you develop a reputation in the marketplace. Word spreads, especially in smaller towns where personal recommendations matter.

Review what works. If most inquiries come from one town or one type of event, you can emphasise that in your profile. If you realise you need to add a service or change something about how you describe your work, edit your profile. The marketplace and your profile page are tools to help you reach customers across Slovakia without needing your own website or expensive advertising.