High-demand dining times can be a challenge to manage, but with our new Paid Tables feature, you can maximize revenue by adding a reservation fee during peak periods. This feature allows you to set premium times, such as weekend evenings, when guests will pay a fee to reserve a table, ensuring you’re compensated for your most sought-after slots.
Whether you’re a current client setting up Paid Tables for the first time or a restaurant considering 88 Restaurants for the added value of premium table reservations, here’s how to get started.
How to Enable and Set Up Paid Tables
Paid Tables Setup Form
Step 1: Set Up Your Stripe Account
To handle deposits, your restaurant will need a Stripe account, which is the payment processor used to collect payments. Here’s how to set it up:
Head to the Tools section and click on Tickets.
If you haven’t yet linked your Stripe account, you’ll see an option to do so. Just follow the on-screen instructions to create and connect your account in minutes.
Step 2: Enable and Configure Paid Tables
Once your Stripe account is connected, you’re ready to set up Paid Tables for high-demand dates and times:
Create a Schedule Override: Set up a schedule override for the peak time slots where you want to enable Paid Tables. For instance, if you want to charge a reservation fee on Friday and Saturday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., set your override for these times.
Add Paid Table Details:
Dates and Timeslots: Choose the dates and times that the Paid Table fees will apply.
Reservation Fee: Set the per-person fee for the reservation. For example, charging $10 per person during these times can quickly boost your revenue on busy nights.
Custom Message and Policy: Add any additional details, including descriptions, cancellation policies, and a link to promotional content or special menus if applicable.
Save and Activate: Click Save to activate the Paid Tables feature. You can adjust or deactivate it at any time by returning to this settings page.
Using Paid Tables: A Restaurant and Customer Perspective
For Restaurants
Reservations Screen
Once Paid Tables are active, you’ll be able to view and manage these reservations from the Reservations screen:
Paid reservations will be clearly marked with an icon, which you can hover over for quick details.
For full information, click on the reservation to see the fee amount and any additional details.
For Customers
Customer Perspective
From the customer’s side, booking a table with a reservation fee is seamless:
When they select a peak time, a notification will appear showing the reservation fee.
The next step directs them to the payment page, where they’ll see an itemized view of the reservation fee.
Once payment is complete, they’ll receive a confirmation with the reservation and fee details via email.
Monitoring Paid Table Performance with the Dashboard
Paid Table Revenue Graph
Revenue Trends: The dashboard’s line graph provides an overview of your Paid Table revenue, which you can filter by date for clear insights into performance over time.
Reservation Details: Below the graph, the reservations table lists each Paid Table reservation, including reservation date, fee amount, and guest contact details. You can sort and search within this table for easy reference.
The dashboard is an excellent tool to help you evaluate the impact of Paid Tables, allowing you to adjust settings to match demand and maximize profitability.
Get Started with Paid Tables Today
The Paid Tables feature is one more way 88 Restaurants helps you make the most of your reservation management. Offering customers a guaranteed spot during high-demand times while generating additional revenue is a win-win for your restaurant.
For current clients, we hope this guide helps you set up Paid Tables smoothly. For prospective clients, reach out to learn how 88 Restaurants can elevate your booking process and ensure your tables are always filled at the most valuable times.
