GUIDE · RESERVATIONS

How to reduce restaurant no-shows: 7 methods that work.

A no-show on Saturday night is a table you can’t resell. The good news: most no-shows can be prevented with a few simple habits.

01Send a reminder the day before
02Make cancelling easy
03Set a clear cancellation cut-off
04Confirm large groups
Intimate bar room
Photo : qui nguyen / Unsplash

KEY POINTS

The process, step by step.

01

Send a reminder the day before

A point to validate before moving to the next step.

02

Make cancelling easy

A point to validate before moving to the next step.

03

Set a clear cancellation cut-off

A point to validate before moving to the next step.

04

Confirm large groups

A point to validate before moving to the next step.

05

Keep a history

A point to validate before moving to the next step.

06

Keep room for walk-ins

A point to validate before moving to the next step.

07

Measure every month

A point to validate before moving to the next step.

Try it on your own service.30-day free trial · $60 CAD/month after, no per-cover fees.

01

Send a reminder the day before

A simple reminder email often does it: many no-shows are forgetfulness, not bad faith.

02

Make cancelling easy

A “cancel my booking” link in the confirmation: guests let you know instead of disappearing, and you get the table back in time.

03

Set a clear cancellation cut-off

Put it in the confirmation (for example 3 hours before) so the rule is known upfront.

04

Confirm large groups

For 8 or more, a personal check-in the day before is gold.

05

Keep a history

Record no-shows on the guest profile to spot repeat offenders.

06

Keep room for walk-ins

Don’t sell 100% of the room online: walk-ins fill the gaps.

07

Measure every month

Track your no-show rate: what gets measured improves.

Set tables by a window
Photo : Zakaria Zayane / Unsplash
Try it on your own service.30-day free trial · $60 CAD/month after, no per-cover fees.

QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions.

Does Gère ton resto help with this?

Yes: the Reservations module ($60 CAD/month, no commissions) applies most of these tips automatically. 30-day free trial.

Is this legal or accounting advice?

No. It gives practical guidance; for a specific situation, consult a professional.

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