Project: Enhance Catering Platform with Event Creation, Team Coordination, & Caterer Bidding Features We are ecater.io, a growing online marketplace connecting customers with local caterers. We are looking for an experienced Full-Stack Developer to implement a key new feature set that will transform how our users order catering for group events. About the Project: Our platform is built with a core PHP backend and a Vue.js frontend. The goal is to move from a simple "order food" model to an "event management" system. This will allow event organizers to create an event, invite their team members, collect dietary requirements, and for larger events, receive competitive quotes from our network of caterers. This upgrade is designed to encourage user registration, increase order accuracy, and provide more value to both organizers and caterers. Key Features to Implement: 1. Event Creation Flow (for Organizers): A new "Create an Event" option in the user dashboard. Form to capture: Event Name, Type (e.g., Team Lunch, Wedding), Date/Time, Address, Estimated Attendees, Budget Range, Cuisine Preferences, and Special Instructions. An "Invite Team" field to input participant email addresses. A new option: "Request Quotes from Caterers." When selected, the event is flagged as open for bids. 2. Team Member Invitation & Onboarding (Core Feature): Automated email invites to the listed participants. A dedicated landing page for invitees to: Confirm their attendance. Select dietary requirements (Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free, etc.) from a predefined list. Input allergies and custom notes. Frictionless User Registration: For new users, the form should include a subtle, pre-checked option to "Create an account to save my preferences." Submitting the form should automatically create their ecater.io account. 3. Caterer Quote / Bid System (New Core Feature): Caterer Discovery & Notification: When an organizer creates an event and selects "Request Quotes," the platform will identify relevant local caterers based on event type, cuisine, and location. Caterer Dashboard: Caterers will see a new "Open Events for Bidding" section in their dashboard, listing event details (date, attendees, dietary summary, budget range) while keeping the organizer's contact information private. Quote Submission: Caterers can submit a formal quote/proposal directly through the platform. This includes their total price, a proposed menu, and any additional notes for the organizer. Organizer's Quote Management: The event organizer will have a new "Quotes" tab in their event dashboard to view, compare, and manage all received bids. They can then select the winning caterer directly on the platform. 4. Backend & Dashboard Management: Organizer's View: A dashboard to see real-time RSVP status, a summary of dietary requirements, and management of received quotes. Caterer's View: An enhanced dashboard to view events they are catering (with anonymized dietary needs) and a new section to discover and bid on open events. Database design to store events, user-event relationships, dietary preferences, caterer bids, and bid status. Technical Environment: Backend: Core PHP (You will be working directly with our existing, custom core PHP codebase). Frontend: Vue.js Database: MySQL Key Deliverables: Fully functional "Create an Event" feature for organizers, including the "Request Quotes" option. An email invitation system with secure, unique links. A responsive landing page for invitees that handles both logged-in and new users. Updated user registration flow to capture dietary preferences. A complete quote/bid system, including caterer discovery, notification, submission, and management. Enhanced dashboards for organizers and caterers to view event details, requirements, and quotes. Clean, documented, and maintainable code that integrates seamlessly with our core PHP architecture. Thorough testing to ensure data integrity and a smooth user experience. We are looking for a developer who has: Proven and strong experience with core PHP development. Experience working with and extending a legacy or custom PHP codebase is essential. Strong proficiency in Vue.js and building dynamic front-end interfaces. Experience integrating a Vue.js frontend with a core PHP backend (e.g., via custom APIs or direct integration). A solid understanding of database design and MySQL. Experience implementing automated email systems. An eye for detail and a commitment to creating a great user experience. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently. How to Apply: Please start your proposal with the word "ECATER" so we know you've read this carefully. In your proposal, include: Links to 2-3 similar projects you have developed, especially any involving core PHP, user onboarding, invitations, dashboards, or marketplace bidding systems. A brief description of your approach to this project, including how you would structure the new features within a core PHP environment. Your estimated timeline for the core deliverables. Any initial questions you have about the project. Note: The successful developer will be required to use our GitHub repository for all work, including the initial transfer of existing web files, to ensure seamless collaboration and version control. We are excited to find a skilled partner to help us build this next phase of our platform!