Fit factors
- Reservation versus walk-in mix
- Table-turn complexity
- No-show exposure
- Guest communication needs
Vendor comparison framework
Reservation and waitlist platforms
Evaluate how a platform supports pacing, guest communication, table management, deposits, data ownership and recovery when demand changes.
Compare
- Pacing controls
- Waitlist
- Deposits
- Guest messaging
- Table management
- Discovery marketplace
- Exports
- Fees
Questions for demos
- Can pacing rules vary by service?
- How are no-shows and late arrivals handled?
- What guest data can we retain?
- What happens if we leave the platform?
Red flags
- Marketplace reach presented without local evidence
- No test of complex table combinations
- Guest data restricted unexpectedly
- Fees unclear across channels