Confirm table bookings to cut no-shows
Automatic confirmation and reminder messages, with an easy way to cancel.
The problem
No-show tables on a busy night are lost revenue you can't get back.
What it could earn or save you
Rough estimate- Time
- About 30 minutes a day of confirmation calls
- Money
- Could recover tables that would otherwise sit empty
How we got this: Based on replacing phone confirmations for evening bookings. Your results depend on your business; this is an illustrative estimate, not a guarantee.
How to switch it on
- 1
Use a reservation system with reminders (OpenTable, or the one your POS provides).
- 2
Turn on a reminder on the morning of the booking, with a cancel link.
- 3
For large groups, consider a card-on-file or deposit if your system supports it.
- 4
Use the template below for the reminder wording.
Tools you can use
- OpenTableVisit site (opens in new tab)
Restaurant reservations with confirmations and reminders.
- WhatsApp BusinessVisit site (opens in new tab)
Free business app with quick replies, greeting and away messages.
Tool links are plain links for now. Some may later become affiliate links, which will always be labelled. Check each tool’s current pricing on its site.
Template and prompt
Hi {name}, we're looking forward to seeing you tonight at {time}, table for {party_size}. Plans changed? Please cancel here: {link} so we can give the table to someone on our waitlist. See you soon! {restaurant}