We have found that most employees do not need to be trained on operating ResOS. ResOS seems to be utilized best and most efficiently when all employees are entering reservations into ResOS directly, whether they are telephone reservations or walkin reservations. All online reservations are automatically entered into ResOS.

During off-hours (when the restaurant is closed), setting your answering machine to redirect customers to your website seems to have a 30% increase in return clientele based on the the ease of use of ResOS. Studies have shown that if a customer can't reach their desired restaurant on the first try, they will call the next restaurant on their list to ensure a confirmed reservation.

Setting your answering machine message to say, "Thank you for calling 'Your Restauant Name Here'. If you would like to make a reservation, please visit our website at your_restaurant.com and use the online reservation form for immediate confirmations. Alternatively, you may leave your name, time and date you would like to be seated, number of guests in your party, and your phone number so that we may contact you to confirm your reservation".

Further recommendation: When your host/hostess answers the telephone, it is advised to train your host/hostess to ask the person making the reservation if they would like a confirmation email with driving directions to your restaurant or parking instructions. We find that about 50% of the guests asked would like the confirmation email. If a customer declines, that is okay as well. Capturing emails will build your marketing database much faster and allow you generate recurring revenue on a regular basis.