No-shows (rabbits) can represent 5 to 20% of bookings, causing irrecoverable revenue loss and food waste.
The radical solution: the bank account imprint. Increasingly accepted, especially for groups or evenings with high attendance (Valentine’s Day, New Year’s Eve). Tools like Zenchef or Guestonline allow this. Generally, charges only occur in the absence of a non-notified absence.
Gentle solutions: automatic reminder SMS the day before or even in the morning with an easy cancellation link. Often, people forget or don’t dare to call to cancel. Making cancellation easier frees up the table for others.
Overbooking (also known as surbooking): risky but practiced. Accepting 10% more reservations, betting on cancellations. If everyone shows up, you need to manage the wait (offer a drink at the bar).
Blacklist: identify recidivists in your booking software to refuse their future requests or require a prepayment.
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