Cate Triendl
Aug 11, 2022
•
2 min read
10 Quick Ways To Prevent Lost Revenue From No-Shows
No-shows keep disrupting the hospitality industry and they now add an additional strain on already tight budgets. The good news is there are a number of quick ways your tech tools can help you prevent no-shows.
Use Email & SMS Automation To Prevent No-Shows
- Confirm the booking via email and/or SMS and refer to your booking policy
- Include a link in your email for customers to confirm the booking – this also allows for better tracking
- Send reminders via email and/or SMS 48 to 24 hours in advance – ask for any special requests, add a link to your menu, and highlight any current offers
- Send follow-up emails for missed reservations and offer to re-book, i.e. “Sorry we’ve missed you today”
- Regularly check if your automations are up to date and running smoothly
Optimise Your Booking Platform To Prevent No-Shows
- Make it easy to cancel if needed – allow customers to edit booking by including a link in the confirmation email
- Implement a reservation window – release bookings after 15 minutes if customers don’t show up
- Restrict the number of online bookings and leave tables for walk-ins, especially for busy days/times
- Put frequent no-show customers on a blacklist
- Take deposits or credit card details to secure a booking, always make sure your booking policy terms are rock solid too!
Bonus Tips To Fill In For No-Shows
- Use SMS to promote last-minute availability – combine it with special deals
- Reach out to your loyal customers, i.e. “Fancy popping by your favourite place for dinner tonight?”
- Post any last-minute availability on your socials
- Run a waiting list for queuing customers
Start filling more tables more often with Stampede Bookings. Speak to our Customer Support team to learn more.
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