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None!
OpenTable is a tool that only gives you an advantage in a market that has a high demand for tables like large metropolitan areas (too many butts wanting to sit in too few seats) and only among competitors that offer an equally valuable experience for the guest.
That advantage is ease of access. If my restaurant and yours offers an “A” level experience,I win if I can find a way for those guests who may be trying to decide which of us to patronize, to get a table in my restaurant with much less effort than yours. But then you become an OpenTable member also and that advantage is lost. We are now equal again in the minds of our guests. One of us must create a competitive advantage over the other to gain more guests.
In smaller demographics, midsize and below, as well as small rural markets, it does no good to be a part of a crowd in which you get lost in the noise. You lose the ability to differentiate and therefore those resources would be best allocated to a more meaningful way of communicating to your guests. Too many seats and not enough butts.
You never want to outsource any guest interaction. You want to facilitate your own conversations with guests – period. Besides, no one is as loyal to you or your business or knows as much about what you can do or can’t do, than you.
I recommend you check out a product called ResOs. It’s a much better reservation tool and much more economical. The best part is that you control the conversation instead of someone thousands of miles away who isn’t loyal to you or your business.
The best advantage for having success is simple, offer a better experience and communicate the value of that experience more effectively to your target market than your competitors. It’s just not easy.
Jeffrey is a 30 year veteran of creating, operating, Coaching and consulting with successful restaurant & hotel concepts that include national, international, franchised and independent brands. He is also the president and founder of Summers Hospitality Group a full-service, national and international, Restaurant & Hospitality Coaching and consulting firm based in Fort Worth, Texas. Besides helping clients achieve success by working with them one-on-one, Jeffrey frequently speaks at and attend numerous industry events as well as at local, state and national small business groups in order to share his passion for the business of food and hospitality. You can call Jeffrey toll free at 888-9988-SHG (744) for a free consultation or email him using the form below.
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michaelhartzell Apr 16 2010 - 3:14 pm
Jeffrey,
Always a provoking thought.. Who will have the responsibility for connection and hospitality? An external automated 3rd party system others have? Or self? Thanks.
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JJ Sep 20 2009 - 4:47 pm
Very good points. Thank you.
.-= JJ´s last blog ..Great article about content for your website =-.
jonsquared Jan 21 2008 - 3:28 am
Very good post. Cheers!