Why no-shows hurt operations
An empty four-top costs more than one service. It hits daily revenue. The system logs no-shows on guest history so you can restrict repeat offenders during peak hours.
Reminder messages include links to confirm or cancel. If the guest does not confirm, the host sees a yellow flag on the panel.
Reminder timing
Enable 24h and 2h messages under Settings → Notifications → Reminders. Many venues use email at 24h and SMS at 2h to balance cost.
Use separate templates for holidays. Generic copy without dates confuses guests.
Deposits and late cancellation
A symbolic deposit during peak filters serious bookings. Deposits may be card hold or transfer depending on your plan.
A 4-hour-before-service late-cancel threshold is a balanced starting point. Cancellations after the cutoff forfeit the deposit.
Guest history and restrictions
Repeat no-show guests are flagged on their profile. After a second no-show you can require manual approval for peak slots.
You do not need to tell the guest explicitly. The booking form filters available times automatically.
Combine with the waitlist
When a no-show or late cancel occurs, the system can auto-offer the slot to the first eligible waitlist guest. Enable Operations → Waitlist → Auto-offer.
Hosts should not seat walk-ins until the offer expires, a 15-minute countdown shows on the panel.