By leveraging your booking widget and managing crowd control, you are certainly already seeing your reservation list get swiftly filled up. But don’t rush to declare victory just yet.
With the stakes running high this holiday season, it’s hard not to stress about last minute cancellations and no shows, especially when the Christmas feasts need to be prepared ahead. To make sure that all your efforts to create an unforgettable experience for your dinners do not go in vain – make sure to prepare for best and worst case scenarios. Here’s where our next tip comes in.
Tip 6: Collect deposits to minimise no-shows
One of the most effective ways to protect your restaurant from the financial impact of the unwanted disruptions is by collecting deposits at the time of customers booking. It assures that all your guests feel an additional sense of personal (and financial) responsibility to honour that commitment.
How can collecting deposits help?
Reduces no-shows: When customers have a small amount invested in their booking, they’re more likely to follow through or inform you in advance if plans change.
Covers costs for cancellations: Deposits provide a buffer against the costs incurred from late cancellations, as they partially compensate for lost revenue on missed reservations.
Encourages early cancellations: Knowing there’s a deposit involved encourages guests to cancel earlier if necessary, giving you a chance to rebook the table by utilising your waitlist.
Try it on Tableo:
Thanks to Stripe integration, collecting restaurant deposits is both easy and secure with Tableo. Here’s how to use it:
And have you heard the news yet? Now, we’ve extended this functionality to Google Bookings too! Restaurants can now securely process payments when customers make bookings through Reserve with Google also, to make it even easier to implement deposits.
Why it matters
Collecting deposits isn’t just about adding a layer of security – it’s all about ensuring a smooth operation and maximising revenue potential. Here’s why it’s worth implementing this strategy:
No loss game: Deposits reduce the impact of no-shows on your bottom line, making sure that your high-demand tables are generating income.
Prep your staff schedule: A more accurate forecast of how many guests will show up helps you optimise staffing, ensuring the best service for all guests.
Focus on guest experience: Knowing that reservations are backed by deposits allows you to focus on providing a memorable holiday experience for each guest, free from the worry of no-shows.
Only two more tips to go!
Incorporating deposits into your booking policy is a small step that can have a big impact on your success this holiday season. With Tableo’s deposit collection feature, it couldn’t be simpler. So don’t delay securing your peace of mind ahead of this holiday season, as we prepare the next tip to share with you.
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As the Marketing Manager at Tableo, Tamara brings over 25 years of experience in software marketing to the table. Always keen to keep up with the latest tech, she's got a knack for spotting trends and fine-tuning marketing strategies. When she’s off the clock, you’ll find her exploring new restaurants and indulging her love for great food in exotic locations.
