To avoid this, you need to know how to manage restaurant waitlists. Keep reading for six tips on successful restaurant waitlist management. You may feel that a paper waitlist is the easiest way to manage your reservations. But there are a lot of things that can go wrong when you rely on the paper method:
You only get one copy of the waitlist, which could lead to an accidental double-booking You could lose it Bad handwriting could lead to a mix-up in details
When all of these things are so easily avoidable, it is much better to ditch paper altogether. Go digital and get a waitlist app. Effective communication is essential for keeping customers happy while they wait. Get one of the digital restaurant waitlist apps that will send out periodic text messages to waiting customers. It is less likely that they will get impatient if you keep them informed. Get a restaurant waitlist management app that allows you to view your floorplan and your waiting list all in one. This will help you keep track of the status of different tables while you manage customer queues. If you can track people’s progress from the waitlist to their table, it’s less likely that you’ll encounter a bottleneck in your booking. Read next: Fresh Ideas to Boost Bookings on Boutique Hotels In a perfect world, a helpful member of your staff would always be there to assist your guests in making a reservation. But these days, people love being able to put themselves on the waiting list. Either allow them to do this online or set up a kiosk near your entrance so that they can do it themselves. Waiting to be seated is the perfect opportunity to peruse the menu. So make sure it is accessible to your customers, whether they are waiting with you in person or remotely. Have extra menus in your waiting room and make sure your waitlist app includes an updated menu. Choose a waitlist app that is intuitive and easy to manage. That way, your staff can stay on top of it. You should also allow guests to take themselves off of the waitlist so you aren’t waiting to seat someone who isn’t going to arrive. Read next: Lightings for Restaurants From A-to-Z
Manage Your Restaurant Waitlist
A customer’s experience begins as soon as they try to get a table. Make sure your restaurant waitlist management is easy and efficient. Your repeat customers will thank you! For other tips regarding software, check out our Technology section and keep reading.
twitter facebook linkedin whatsapp
This subscription won’t wake you up in middle of the night, we are not your sweetheart! Register today for free and get notified on trending updates. I will never give away, trade or sell your email address. You can unsubscribe at any time.
