1. Send a reminder
Most no-shows aren’t bad intent: the guest forgot or plans changed. A reminder a day or two beforehand helps. In Jesdi it goes out automatically.
2. Make cancelling easy
It sounds odd, but a guest who can cancel easily will do so. Then you can still sell the table. Put a link in the confirmation and reminder that lets the guest cancel or change themselves.
3. Use a waiting list
Is an evening full? Put guests on a waiting list. If a booking drops out, offer the table to the next guest straight away.
4. Ask for a phone number
With a phone number you can call when in doubt, for example for a large group.
5. Keep track of who didn’t come
Mark no-shows in your system. If a guest fails to show more often, you see it at their next booking and can get in touch beforehand.
6. Send a friendly message after a no-show
A short email (“Sorry it didn’t work out, we’d love to see you another time”) keeps the relationship good and reminds the guest that a table was waiting.
7. Watch large groups
With large groups a no-show costs more. Confirm them personally beforehand.
How to do this with Jesdi
Reminders, a cancellation link, a waiting list, no-shows per guest and an automatic email after a no-show are all standard in Jesdi. See the reservation system.