4 Years Later - Here I Go Again

Rusty · 02-26-2014, 05:29 PM

Put this guy at the door of your restaurant and see if that works:

blacksheep · 02-26-2014, 05:39 PM

Have you considered going with a simple online reservation system like open table? I don't think the bidding component of the model you've tested today will work...but, with open table you can set it up so that a credit card is required to hold a reservation (common practice at many restaurants). At least that lets you know that people are serious about keeping their reservation. Keep a few tables available for walk-ins and go to a primarily reservation-only system on busy nights. Open table is cool too b/c it prompts patrons to leave reviews, but only people who've actually made and kept their reservation can review your establishment. Consider building a deck/outdoor patio area for dining this summer, maybe time to build yourself some sweet new digs out in the back 40 and expand upstairs to more dining space? I think you could keep the charm and the quality if you do things thoughfully and slowly.

secondcurve · 02-26-2014, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rusty

Put this guy at the door of your restaurant and see if that works:

Very clever Rusty. If this restaurant hires the "auctioneer" for table management it should also sure it has an open bar available to its patrons!

All kidding aside, I will never consider your restaurant if I have to bid for a table. If demand is too strong raise prices. On the other hand, turning lots of people away creates cache as folks tend to desire something they can't get. Have you considered handing out coupons to turn aways that offer incentives to come back on slower evenings of the week?

Tomt · 02-26-2014, 08:24 PM

I also would not bid on a table, If I called for a reservation and there were none available I would understand and next time try to reserve a table earlier. But if I bid on a table and on my way to the restaurant got a text saying I was outbid I would never return.

02-26-2014, 05:29 PM	#1
Rusty Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 2,028 Thanks: 603 Thanked 687 Times in 425 Posts	Put this guy at the door of your restaurant and see if that works: __________________ It's never crowded along the extra mile.

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Rusty For This Useful Post:
Major (02-26-2014), secondcurve (02-26-2014)

02-26-2014, 05:39 PM	#2
blacksheep Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Plymouth, NH Posts: 63 Thanks: 98 Thanked 47 Times in 25 Posts	Have you considered going with a simple online reservation system like open table? I don't think the bidding component of the model you've tested today will work...but, with open table you can set it up so that a credit card is required to hold a reservation (common practice at many restaurants). At least that lets you know that people are serious about keeping their reservation. Keep a few tables available for walk-ins and go to a primarily reservation-only system on busy nights. Open table is cool too b/c it prompts patrons to leave reviews, but only people who've actually made and kept their reservation can review your establishment. Consider building a deck/outdoor patio area for dining this summer, maybe time to build yourself some sweet new digs out in the back 40 and expand upstairs to more dining space? I think you could keep the charm and the quality if you do things thoughfully and slowly.

02-26-2014, 08:24 PM	#4
Tomt Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Revere Ma & Moultonborough Posts: 89 Thanks: 22 Thanked 8 Times in 6 Posts	I also would not bid on a table, If I called for a reservation and there were none available I would understand and next time try to reserve a table earlier. But if I bid on a table and on my way to the restaurant got a text saying I was outbid I would never return.