Purpose
1. Manage guest waitlists efficiently by automating SMS notifications to diners on reservation updates, estimated waiting times, table readiness, and cancellations.
2. Reduce manual host intervention, streamline guest experience, and ensure timely communication for high-turnover seafood restaurant settings.
3. Capture guest responses (e.g., “Yes, I’m coming”) automatically to optimize seat allocation and minimize lost covers.
4. Synchronize with POS and reservation systems to reflect real-time availability and adjust notifications instantly.
Trigger Conditions
1. New guest added to waitlist (manual or via online booking).
2. Table becomes available or waitlist position changes.
3. Guest marked as “not responded” after X minutes.
4. Reservation canceled; notify next guests.
5. Estimated wait time adjusted over threshold.
6. Confirmation or opt-out reply received from guest.
Platform Variants
1. Twilio SMS
• Messaging API: Send automated SMS; e.g., configure ‘Messages’ endpoint with guest phone field and custom template.
2. SendGrid
• Twilio SendGrid Email-to-SMS: Configure Inbound Parse for converting reservation emails into SMS updates.
3. Plivo
• SMS API: Configure ‘Send Message’ with webhook on new waitlist entry.
4. Nexmo (Vonage API)
• SMS API: Set up ‘Send SMS’ with dynamic guest and waitlist parameters.
5. Bandwidth
• Messaging API: Use ‘Create Message’ action triggered by table status update.
6. MessageBird
• SMS API: Webhook to trigger messaging on guest status change.
7. ClickSend
• SMS API: Use ‘Send SMS’ endpoint on reservation created/updated.
8. TeleSign
• SMS Verify API: Trigger on waitlist status, send verification/updates.
9. Infobip
• SMS API: ‘Send SMS’ action on database change detecting guest event.
10. Sinch
• SMS REST API: Integrate with booking system status triggers.
11. Slack
• Incoming Webhooks: Alert staff for unresponsive guests; forward response data.
12. Salesforce
• SMS AppExchange Integration: Send automated SMS from case/task creation in guest list.
13. HubSpot
• Workflow Automation: Send SMS via integrated SMS add-ons on guest workflow step.
14. Mailgun
• Email-to-SMS Gateway: Route automated waitlist emails to SMS via recipient carrier lookup.
15. Freshdesk
• Ticket Automations: Send SMS via SMS connectors on ticket type “Waitlist Guest.”
16. Zendesk
• Triggered SMS Notification: Use SMS integration to send guests updates as ticket status changes.
17. Google Sheets
• Apps Script & Twilio: Script sends SMS when new row (guest) is added/edited in waitlist sheet.
18. Zapier
• Zap: Automate triggers from POS/reservation into any SMS channel; configure “New Reservation” → SMS.
19. Airtable
• Automation: Record updated/created triggers SMS through integration or custom script.
20. Pipedrive
• Workflow Automation: Trigger SMS via third-party connector when new deal = new guest.
21. Microsoft Power Automate
• Flow: Reservation status change in Excel/MS Forms triggers SMS via supported gateways.
Benefits
1. Faster table turnover, reduced manual entry, fewer missed reservations.
2. Better guest satisfaction and perception of high-touch service.
3. Seamless integration with POS, CRM, and third-party booking apps.
4. Enhanced data collection on guest responsiveness and no-shows.
5. Scalable to multi-location specialty seafood restaurants.
Reservation & Guest Experience