Don’t let confusion stand in the way of greater returns.
If you’re a hospitality venue and haven’t stepped into the world of online bookings yet, it’s time to hop to it. Those who use online booking services reap the benefit of fuller venues, fewer cancellations and greater marketing reach.
At Scout we endorse Dimmi, Obee and OpenTable. All three offer credit card booking security, instant booking confirmations to patrons, floor plans and regular performance reportage.
Here is our step-by-step guide to setting one up.
Each booking service has a unique service offering, so it’s important to do your research and find out which is best suited to your business.
Start by reviewing your current business goals and objectives, including your branding strategy and how you promote your venue. Then, check out all the service provider websites below to find which best compliments your business needs.
Obee founder Owen Parry also suggests noting down “how you operate your bookings, whether you do walk-ins, your capacity and the rules around your venue bookings”.
Next, call up your preferred booking service to discuss your interest, and ask any applicable questions. You may like to contact a few if you’re still reviewing your options.
Here are their contact numbers:
• Dimmi: 1300 337 761
• Obee: 1300 446 233
• OpenTable: (02) 8188 7167
We recommend asking about service extras. Some booking services offer bespoke features such as personalised account managers, branding add-ons and voucher widgets.
They all offer a free trial, so if you’re not happy with either the booking process or using the online booking software, there’s the option to stop without incurring a fee.
Whether it is locally through your computer, or in the cloud, each booking service has different tools and software solutions applicable to its service.
“With OpenTable, managers and owners can download the iPhone or Android owner’s app to stay connected and manage the business on the go,” says OpenTable’s senior marketing manager Mitchell Nunis.
Obee’s Owen Parry recommends “maximising the amount of online booking channels you have. Whether that’s your website or Facebook, or a third party like Broadsheet as well.”
All three providers can assist you with setting up a range of channels.
It’s now time to enjoy the benefits of online booking! We promise you’ll never look back.
Going forward, Dimmi’s managing director Jared Chapman recommends “making sure you maximise your online booking availability to gain access to as many customers as possible”.
If you have any further questions, or have any troubleshooting issues, all three providers are more that happy to assist on the contact numbers above.
Note: Broadsheet has recently partnered with Dimmi, Obee and OpenTable for their new online booking platform, Book with Broadsheet.
