Frequently Asked Questions

BookedTables is an automated restaurant loyalty and reactivation platform. It combines QR codes, branded table tents, and text message marketing to capture guest information and engage them with timely offers. This helps you turn first-time visitors and existing customers into loyal, repeat diners — while filling empty tables on demand

Setup typically takes about 10 business days, allowing time for onboarding, A2P text messaging approval, and account setup. Your monthly subscription doesn’t begin until your service goes live (although initial setup and first month’s fee are collected at signup)

Each restaurant receives:

1. Custom-branded table tents with QR codes (1 per table + 10% extra)

2. At least 4 inserts per tent for easy rotation

3. Access to your branded dashboard and loyalty system

4. Weekly campaign setup and autoresponder flows

5. Support to help you maximize results

Our plans scale with your restaurant size and customer database. Each plan includes a monthly usage credit you can apply toward messaging:

1. Starter: $599/mo (up to 999 contacts) + $100 usage credit

2. Growth: $999/mo (1,000–1,999 contacts) + $200 usage credit

3. Pro: $1,599/mo (2,000–2,999 contacts) + $300 usage credit

4. Elite: $2,199/mo (3,000–4,999 contacts) + $400 usage credit

Credits offset text message delivery costs. For example, the Starter plan includes $100 in monthly credits, which covers a large volume of texts. You only pay beyond that if usage exceeds your included credit.

Yes. The setup fee and first month’s subscription are billed at signup. Your monthly billing cycle resets 30 days after your service goes live, so you’re not paying for downtime during onboarding.

BookedTables is far more effective than old punch cards or app-based loyalty systems.

Punch cards get lost, app downloads have a huge drop-off rate, and most systems require customers to create an account before participating — which kills sign-ups.

BookedTables removes all friction:

- No app to download

- No logins or passwords

- QR code takes 3 seconds to join

- 90%+ opt-in rates vs. 5–12% for app-based programs

- Automated weekly follow-ups keep customers returning

Instead of waiting for guests to come back on their own, BookedTables automatically drives repeat visits with proven offers, reminders, and event-based campaigns.

No. Plans renew monthly and are not prorated. However, you can upgrade to a higher tier anytime as your database grows.

Each table has a branded table tent with a QR code. When guests scan it, they can instantly join your loyalty program, claim today’s offer, or access your menu. Their info is captured automatically into your database — no staff effort required. From there, BookedTables runs on autopilot, sending weekly specials, birthday offers, and event promos that bring customers back again and again.

QR codes aren’t limited to tables — you can also place them in high-traffic areas like host stands, take-out counters, or even on printed receipts to maximize sign-ups and guest engagement.

No apps required. Guests simply scan a QR code or click a text message link. Everything works instantly through their phone’s browser, making participation seamless.

Guests typically get 4–6 SMS messages per month, including:

1. Weekly specials

2. Event reminders

3. Birthday or anniversary offers

4. Loyalty rewards or savings

Yes. While we provide ready-to-use campaigns, you can also send your own custom promotions at any time.

Absolutely. BookedTables makes your results crystal clear. You can run numbers anytime with our free ROI Calculator to see potential returns before you even get started. Once live, your dashboard tracks real results, showing exactly how many extra tables, repeat visits, and dollars your campaigns generate. Most restaurants see positive ROI within the first 30 days.

No. BookedTables is a fully automated system—your loyalty and reactivation campaigns run in the background without extra work from you. Guests receive weekly offers, reminders, and special-event promos automatically.

We also provide a Promo Toolkit with ready-to-use designs, seasonal specials, and messaging templates. And if you ever want help customizing or creating new campaigns, our support team is here to assist you.

BookedTables helps you turn all your diners. Both first-time visitors and returning guests, into loyal, repeat customers.

By capturing guest contact info through QR codes and sending automated follow-ups, you stay top-of-mind with your entire customer base. This builds loyalty, encourages repeat visits, and drives steady revenue growth.

Most restaurants begin capturing customer data and generating repeat visits within the first 30 days of launch. Since the system runs automatically, you’ll start building momentum almost immediately.

Absolutely! Beyond loyalty campaigns, you can use BookedTables to send targeted text campaigns for special events, seasonal menus, live music, or holiday promotions. This gives you a direct line to your customers and helps fill the house on demand.

We provide one table tent per table plus 10% extra. Each tent comes with a minimum of four identical inserts, so you’ll always have backups ready to replace or refresh as needed.

You can order additional materials at cost through our support team.

We provide 24/7 support directly through your back-office login. You can reach us by phone, text, or live chat, and our team is always available to assist whenever you need help.

Yes. BookedTables uses secure encryption and industry-standard safeguards to protect your customer database. Your data is private and never sold to third parties.

Multi-location setups are supported. Contact us for a custom package.

1. To join, guests scan the QR code and provide consent.

2. To opt out, they simply text STOP.

3. They can text HELP for assistance or START to rejoin.

4. Message frequency is 4–6 per month and carrier rates may apply.

 Never. Customer data belongs to you. Numbers are encrypted and only used for your campaigns.

Yes. We follow all TCPA, A2P, and carrier compliance requirements.

BookedTables works best for independent or multi-location restaurants that rely heavily on repeat business — such as diners, cafés, family restaurants, grills, casual dining, and ethnic cuisine locations.

Fine dining also benefits from VIP-style engagement, but the biggest ROI typically comes from restaurants where guests visit multiple times per month.

- No. BookedTables is 100% hands-off for staff.

- Servers simply remind guests to scan the QR code for today’s discount.

- Everything else — sign-ups, follow-up messages, promotions, reminders — is automated in the background.

You can trigger “slow-day boosters” — targeted SMS blasts designed to drive in traffic on days/times when you need extra covers.

These messages typically produce same-day results and are highly effective because SMS gets a 97% open rate in under 3 minutes.

Yes. You can use the proven, prebuilt 24-week rotation or customize any offer with your own:

- Specials

- Events

- Happy hours

- Seasonal dishes

- Family deals

- Chef’s features

You always approve the campaign before it goes live.

No problem.

You can pause, edit, or replace promotions at any time — simply message your onboarding rep or support team. Changes typically take 24–48 hours.

You can keep using your POS loyalty system if you want, but most clients stop relying on apps, login-based systems, or slow email-only marketing because SMS brings significantly better engagement and repeat visits.

- Almost none.

- Most owners spend 5–10 minutes per week reviewing stats, checking revenue, or approving custom promotions.

- Everything else runs automatically.

BookedTables includes reactivation campaigns that automatically reach out to guests who haven’t visited in 30, 45, or 60+ days.

These win-back flows are a major part of the ROI.

Yes - You can add QR codes to:

- To-go bags

- Delivery packaging

- Printed receipts

- Countertop signs

- Menus

Many restaurants sign up more takeout customers than dine-in guests.

No problem — BookedTables is designed to help restaurants build a database from scratch.

Most restaurants are surprised by how quickly guests opt in once the table tents and QR codes are in place. Because customers sign up while already dining with you, the system steadily grows your database week after week.

Even locations starting with very few contacts typically see consistent growth in their first 30–60 days as more guests scan the QR to claim offers and join the program.

Yes - Seniors scan QR codes more than ever — especially after 2020.

Plus, SMS communication is universal and works on any phone.

Email is great — but SMS outperforms email by 400–900% in open and click-through rates.

You can keep your email system, but BookedTables becomes the engine that continuously drives customers back.

We analyze your menu price points, seating capacity, and guest flow to make sure BookedTables is a good fit before we activate your system.

It’s designed for independent restaurants — fast casual, family dining, cafes, grills, breweries, and more — and adapts to your guests and rhythm, not a one-size-fits-all app.

Every restaurant is different, but most see a steady increase in repeat visits within their first 30 days.

Repeat guests spend 20–40% more than first-time diners, and BookedTables increases the frequency of those return visits automatically — creating predictable additional revenue each week.

Many restaurants use BookedTables to reduce dependence on paid advertising or discount programs that don’t produce repeat business.

Since your campaigns reach people who have already eaten at your restaurant, the cost per return visit is dramatically lower than traditional ads.

Very little.

Staff simply tell guests, “You can scan that QR code to get today’s offer.”

Everything else — the data capture, delivery of offers, scheduling, and follow-up — is fully automated.

Not at all.

Guests use their own phone to claim offers, which reduces the amount of time staff spend explaining promotions or loyalty details.

No POS integration is required for the platform to function.

If integrations become available in the future for your POS, you can enable them — but BookedTables is fully effective without connecting to any hardware or software.

No problem — BookedTables was specifically built for owners and managers who want results without technical complexity.

Your onboarding team handles all setup, campaigns, and configuration. You use it simply by placing the table tents and watching results come in.

No. BookedTables can run alongside your existing promotions.

Many restaurants use it to organize their weekly specials so they become predictable and consistent for guests, instead of random or last-minute.

The system enhances your current efforts — it doesn’t replace your creativity or your brand.

Yes. If you need to pause for holidays, special events, renovations, or emergencies, our team can adjust your campaign schedule quickly.

You stay fully in control.

Yes.

During your review cycle, you can adjust:

• Discount amounts

• Days of week

• Themes

• Category focus (appetizers, entrées, drinks, family nights, etc.)

Your campaigns stay fresh and tailored to your restaurant.

Yes.

BookedTables improves frequency with existing guests just as effectively.

If regular customers return even one extra time every 30–60 days, the revenue lift is substantial — especially for small to midsize restaurants.

If they can use a phone camera, they can use BookedTables.

There’s no app to download, no account to create, and no logins.

Most guests scan the QR code instinctively, without even thinking about it.

You don’t need to manage anything.

BookedTables is fully automated — from capturing guests to sending weekly offers.

Once your 24-week campaign is set, the system runs on autopilot.

Your only role is to approve future campaign cycles every 24 weeks (about 15–20 minutes).

Most owners tell us it’s the lowest-effort, highest-return system they’ve ever used.