We talked recently about why a business like yours might choose a table booking/restaurant management system. But what do diners – or at least potential ones – want from this type of platform, as end-users? With a competitive market and technological advances pushing expectations higher, how can you satisfy customer demands?
Provide convenience
For some customers, the wealth of options available means if they can’t book how they want with you, they’ll simply go elsewhere. So it’s important to not just meet those expectations – but exceed them where possible. And a major factor is convenience at every tap or click, making it easy and accessible for people to book. This means being able to make a reservation online, via a preferred platform, at any time of day or night. While some customers may still prefer to book over the phone or in person, the landscape of online reservations has changed.
A 2023 report on Reservation Trends highlighted a digital booking ‘surge’ to 48 percent, so it’s likely more than half your customers now expect this option. You can now offer booking capabilities 24/7 via your website and social media, as well as being bookable via platforms such as Reserve with Google. Because if you don’t make it that straightforward, there’s likely to be a competitor that will.
Speedy service
The thing about online service is, it’s quick – except when it’s frustratingly slow and clunky. Being able to book online isn’t enough – today’s restaurant customers expect a straightforward, easy-to-use interface that gives instant results. By selecting the right booking system, you can deliver them a fast, frictionless experience while benefiting from the same efficiency as a client. Bookers feel more informed and valued when able to secure a table in seconds, receive an instant confirmation email and automated reminders. That means you’ll reduce the likelihood of no-shows, while leaving you more time to focus on their experience in person.
What else should a booking system offer?
To secure those reservations and make those all-important repeat bookings more likely, it’s essential that your online platform provides:
- Seamless integration with a recognised, secure payment gateway, with the ability to take deposits or retain card details
- Real-time availability and transparency, to build trust and reduce disappointments
- The facility to leverage customer data to provide personalised touches, such as tailored messages or dietary preferences
Time to exceed your customers’ expectations?
If you’re not currently enabling online reservations via an intuitive, efficient and secure platform, you could be missing out on customers. But in order to catch up with your competition, you need to make the right choice of booking system, with no hidden fees or per-cover charges.
To arrange a free demonstration or talk to someone about how Sugarvine Tables could benefit your business, please contact us.