5 reasons why restaurants should use a virtual assistant phone answering service with their reservation system

The restaurant industry is a competitive space with customer satisfaction being at the forefront of every business. According to the National Restaurant Association, the restaurant industry in the US generated a total of $899 billion in sales in 2020, with the average American dining out at a restaurant 4.5 times per week. As the industry continues to grow, technology has become increasingly essential for restaurants to incorporate innovative solutions to streamline operations and improve customer satisfaction. One such solution is the integration of a virtual assistant phone answering service with a restaurant's reservation system. Below, we will explore the top reservation systems, according to Investopedia, and the five major benefits of using a virtual answering service with a restaurant's reservation system.

Top Reservation Systems

According to Investopedia, the top restaurant reservation systems are:

1. OpenTable 
2. RESY 
3. Yelp Reservations 
4. TableAgent 
5. Tock 

Each of these systems has its own unique features and benefits, and the selection of the best system for a restaurant will depend on its specific needs and budget.

Benefits of Using a Virtual Assistant Phone Answering Service with a Restaurant's Reservation System:

1. Improved Customer Experience

According to a survey by Toast, 43% of diners want restaurants to offer 24/7 online reservations, and 24% would like to see a more streamlined booking process. By using a virtual assistant phone answering service with a restaurant's reservation system, restaurants can provide 24/7 availability for reservations, which can significantly enhance the customer experience. Additionally, a virtual answering service can provide personalized messaging, automated reminders, and confirmation messages to customers, ensuring that they feel valued and cared for.

2. Increased Efficiency

Integrating a virtual assistant phone answering service with a reservation system can reduce the workload on staff by automating the reservation process. This can free up time for staff to focus on providing excellent service to customers, resulting in a better dining experience overall. According to RestaurantData.com, 35% of restaurant operators report that labor costs are their highest cost of doing business. By automating the reservation process, restaurants can reduce the need for staff members solely focused on managing reservations, which can lead to cost savings in the long term.

3. Cost Savings

As mentioned above, labor costs are a significant expense for restaurants. By using a virtual assistant phone answering service to automate the reservation process, restaurants can reduce the need for additional staff members, which can result in cost savings. According to Restaurant Business Online, 46% of restaurant operators report that they are using technology to increase profitability and lower costs.

4. Increased Flexibility

Virtual assistant phone answering services can provide a level of flexibility that is difficult to achieve with traditional staff-managed reservation systems. With a virtual answering service, customers can easily reschedule or cancel reservations without having to wait for staff to become available. This can improve the overall experience for customers and reduce the potential for missed reservations. According to a survey by the National Restaurant Association, 59% of customers say that technology improves their restaurant experience.

5. Better Data Management

Virtual assistant phone answering services can provide a wealth of data that can be used to improve the overall operation of a restaurant. By analyzing reservation trends and customer behavior, a restaurant can make data-driven decisions that can lead to increased revenue and customer satisfaction. According to a study by the National Restaurant Association, 62% of restaurant operators use technology to improve data management and analysis.

Conclusion

In conclusion, integrating a virtual assistant phone answering service with a restaurant's reservation system can provide numerous benefits, including improved customer experience, increased efficiency, cost savings, increased flexibility, and better data management. 

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