The rise of time-based slot reservations across restaurants is not accidental. Gaining popularity during Covid-19, timed reservations proved extremely effective at reducing overcrowding and ensuring customer safety. But let’s be honest: the benefits of allocating specific dining time slots extend beyond the pandemic safety measures too.
With quicker turn-over, better crowd management, and more insightful planning, restaurants have been able to reap higher profits and boost efficiency at exactly no cost and very little extra effort required. However, while the time-based slot reservations are widely celebrated by restaurant owners and managers, customers don’t always share the same sense of excitement.
Feeling restricted and rushed, timed-based slot reservations can have a damaging impact on relationship building if not managed with care. So how can you reap the benefits at no cost to rapport and your guests’ satisfaction? Here are 6 proven ways that online reservations systems, such as Tableo, can help soften the blow of dining on a deadline.
Be clear about time limits from the get go
Honesty and transparency is the first (and arguably most important) step to safe-guarding relationships with your restaurant guests. Make sure that all customers are informed about your time-slot policy and the time limit for each reservation. Transparency from the get-go sets the right expectations and prevents any potential misunderstandings and last minute surprises.
On Tableo
Define time limits for each reservation based on your service hours and your restaurant’s average dining duration. For instance, allocate up to 2 hours for dinner and about 90 minutes for lunch to ensure that guests are neither rushed, nor just dwelling around. Upon booking, the system will automatically notify the customer about their allocated time slot at the time of booking, encouraging them to respect the limit and show up on time.
2. Optimise table layout
For customers, one of the major benefits of timed-reservations is confidence that they will not be crumpled up during their meal in a very busy restaurant. Take time to consider your floor map of your establishment and use of space efficiently to secure this key advantage.
Arrange your tables to accommodate different party sizes without overcrowding and leave a couple of extra seats and tables to accommodate walk-ins or unexpected guests. This will drastically help you manage the flow and reduce the wait times, resulting in better customer satisfaction and many happy returns to your restaurant.
On Tableo
Use the intuitive interactive floor plan to make changes without having to redraw the entire restaurant floor plan template or create an entirely new floor plan. Easily add tables, chairs and other furniture to create the perfect arrangement for your restaurant and ensure a smooth run on the day.
3. Automate your reminders
Send automated reminders to your guests with important details about their upcoming reservation, including a subtle reminder of the imposed time limit. You can also include any other necessary details such as Google map link to your restaurant’s location to help them estimate the time necessary for their commute. This doesn’t only help to politely reinforce the time-slot policy but also reduces the chances of no-shows and last-minute cancellations.
On Tableo
Easily prompt the online reservation system to set on-the-day reminders that will also allow the guests to easily cancel their reservation, giving you enough time to free up tables for other customers to book that spot.
4. Say yes to waitlist
A waitlist system can be a lifesaver for busy restaurants, especially during peak hours. It doesn’t only help soften the blow of not being able to reserve the preferred time-slot, but also shows guests that there is demand for their spot, subtly encouraging them to respect their reservation time. This keeps the flow smooth and guests satisfied.
On Tableo
Tableo’s dashboard provides a quick overview of how many people are waiting for any particular day. As soon as a slot becomes available due to cancellation, the restaurant manager can easily get in touch with the waiting customer to check whether they still want the booking.
5. Adjust the workload
Ensure outstanding service by having a better understanding of the workload expected on any shift. Check the number of reservations ahead of time and assign enough staff to cater to all the guests. This will not only boost customer satisfaction and elevate their overall experience, but will also help minimise unnecessary costs. Don’t forget to train your staff to handle turnover smoothly, greet guests promptly, and subtly remind diners of their reservation time limits to further reinforce the policy.
On Tableo
Make use of the crowd control feature to limit your online bookings to a specific amount of covers for a defined time limit. This will ensure that the staff is never overwhelmed by an influx of people at any particular time, and ensure that you are also securing the room for some walk-ins and unexpected guests.
6. Encourage customer feedback
The best way to prevent time-slot reservations from damaging the relationships with your customers is to simply ask them for their honest feedback. By encouraging them to review your time-slot policy, you are guaranteed to make them feel like their opinion matters and at the same time collect important information about their preferences. Learning about most suitable time-slots and preferred duration for lunch or dinner could help you to adjust your timings to establish stronger rapport, instead of damaging it.
On Tableo
Even with a free subscription, you can use Tableo’s Restaurant Review System to gather ratings and reviews for your restaurant. By customising the type of feedback you want to receive, you can include an option for customers to express their feedback and level of satisfaction with the timed slots.
Don’t be afraid of trial and error
Balancing the benefits of time-slot reservations with customer satisfaction requires some thought and preparation. Follow the six steps introduced here to prevent any mishaps, but don’t forget to leave some room for adjustment. By understanding customers’ preferences and taking their feedback to tweak your time-allocation policy, you are guaranteed to get to a smooth, efficient, and enjoyable flow for all, in absolutely no time.
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Hanna Yerega is a freelance copywriter and a powerhouse on social media, where she combines her knack for compelling writing with a masterful grasp of digital platforms. Known for her exceptional organisation skills, she handles multiple projects with unparalleled precision. Hanna is deeply passionate about not-for-profit initiatives, using her talents to amplify their messages and drive meaningful engagement.
