If you are looking for a waitlist app for your restaurant, there are a few things you need to consider. What features does the app have? Is it customizable? How much does the app cost? In this article, we will discuss the several features that are essential for any waitlist app. We will also talk about the benefits of having a waitlist app and how one can help your business grow!
What is a waitlist app?
A waitlist app, or queue management system, is a digital solution that allows restaurants to manage their waiting customers, handle advanced table availability management, and service customers quickly. Customers can add their name to the list via the app, and they will receive a notification when their table is ready. This helps to minimize customer wait times, as well as improve the overall customer experience.
Why should my restaurant business get a waitlist app?
There are many benefits of using a waitlist app for your restaurant. Besides helping to reduce your customer wait time, a waitlist app also allows you to better manage your seating and helps increase your table turnover rate. Waitlist apps give you insight into your busiest times so that you can staff accordingly, plus they show that you are invested in providing a great customer experience.
How do waitlist apps work?
Most waitlist apps work in a similar way. Here is a typical scenario from the customer perspective:
The host or hostess of the restaurant you are visiting explains that the restaurant is using a waitlist app due to the high volume of customers. They explain that you can choose to be added to the restaurant’s waitlist digitally if preferred, rather than through the old-fashioned method of calling your name out when your table is ready. You then download and open up the restaurant’s waitlist app on your personal device and enter your information before being added to the list. The app will then notify you when your table is ready so you don’t have to continuously check back with the host or hostess.
The benefit of using a waitlist app is that it prevents long lines and gives customers an estimated time of when they will be seated, which is much more efficient than the old way of doing things. Additionally, this allows customers to explore the area around the restaurant or run errands while they wait for their table instead of being tethered to the front of the establishment.
There are other benefits and features of waitlist apps—read on to find out more!
What are the some essential features of a waitlist app?
1. Ease of use
When customers are hungry, the last thing they want is be given a vague wait time. They want to be seated and served as soon as possible. That’s why it’s so important for restaurants to have an effective queue management tool like Waitly easily available for download.
The best waitlist apps are simple and straightforward. Customers should be able to download the app onto their phone and input their party size with just a few taps. Once they’re on the list, they should be able to see their position in line and receive updates if their estimated wait time changes. When it is finally their turn to be seated, the app will alert customers so they can come back to the restaurant and enjoy their meal.
2. Customizable notifications
Customers want the flexibility of being able to receive notifications via email, text, or push notification when using a restaurant waitlist app. There are a few reasons for this. First, not everyone checks their phone regularly, so they may miss a push notification. Second, push notifications can be disruptive, especially if the customer is in a meeting or otherwise occupied. Third, some people simply prefer to receive notifications in a certain format (e.g., email or text). By offering the customer the ability to choose how they receive notifications, you’re giving them the power to decide what works best for them.
3. Book Reservations
The ability to book reservations is a must-have for any restaurant waitlist app. This feature gives customers the ability to plan ahead and guarantee their spot on the waitlist. For example, if a customer knows they’re going to be in town for a conference and they want to eat at your restaurant, they should be able to book a reservation through the app so they don’t have to worry about getting a table when they arrive.
4. Waitlist Management
Restaurant owners and managers need to be able to see who’s on the waitlist, how long they’ve been waiting, and how many people are ahead of them. This information is essential for making sure that the waitlist is moving along smoothly and that customers are being seated in a timely manner.
5. Cancel reservations
Customers should have the ability to cancel their reservations if they need to. This feature is important for two reasons. First, it allows customers to cancel their reservation without having to call the restaurant and speak to someone. Second, it prevents no-shows, which can be a big problem for restaurants.
6. Ability to customize text messages
The waitlist app you choose for your restaurant should have the ability to customize the text message you send to your customers. For example, you could address your party by name: “Adams, party of 2, your table is ready!”
Customizing your text messages shows that you care about giving your customers a personal experience and that you’re willing to go the extra mile to make sure they have all the information they need. It’s a small detail that can make a big difference in how customers perceive your restaurant.
7. Platform agnostic
The app should be available on all major platforms, including iOS, Android, and web-based devices. This will ensure that your customers can use the app regardless of what type of phone or devise they have. Although it’s not necessary, some waitlist apps are available for multiple devices and have multi device syncing capability.
8. Custom branding
The app should allow you to add your own logo and color scheme so that it matches your restaurant’s branding. This is a important for two reasons. First, it will help your customers recognize your app and associate it with your restaurant. Second, it will make your app look more professional and polished, which will instill confidence in your customers.
9. The ability to add multiple locations
If you have more than one location, you’ll want an app that can support multiple locations. This feature is important for a few reasons. First, it allows you to keep track of waitlists for all of your locations in one place. Second, it allows customers to book reservations at any of your locations. Third, it allows you to send notifications to customers who are on the waitlist for any of your locations.
10. In App Support
The app should offer customer support in case you have any questions or need help using the app. The documentation should be clear and concise, and there should be a way to contact live customer support if you have any problems.
11. Scalability
The waitlist management application you choose should be able to handle a large number of customers without any issues. It should also be able to scale up as your business grows.
12 Free trial
The app should offer a free trial so that you can try it out before you commit to using it. This is important because you want to make sure that the app is a good fit for your restaurant before you start paying for it.
Final Thoughts
A restaurant waitlist app is an essential tool for any business owner who wants to streamline the process of taking reservations and managing their waitlist. By choosing the right app, you’ll have access to a variety of features that will make your life easier as a restaurateur.
