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How do I manage my service exceptions?

In this article, you will find instructions on how to open, modify, or close reservation services on an exceptional basis. This allows you to temporarily adjust your reservation schedule or activate a specific feature (such as prepayment or service comments) for a defined period.

 

Table of Contents

  1. Configuring from the Web Application
  2. Configuring from the iOS and Android Application
  3. Common Issues & FAQs
  4. Support & Related Articles

What You Need to Know

Service exceptions allow you to temporarily adjust your reservation availability without changing your standard settings. These adjustments can include opening a service on a normally closed day, closing a specific service, or modifying the settings of an existing service. It is important to correctly define the period and services affected to ensure that the changes are applied.

 

1. Configuring from the Web Application

  1. Log in to your Zenchef account.

  2. Go to Settings.

  3. Select the Service & Reservations tab, then Service and Experiences, and finally Service Exceptions.

  4. Click on New Service Exception.

  5. Choose a name for the exception (visible only to you).

  6. Select the priority level (if another exception already exists for the same period, the higher-priority exception will override the other).

  7. Define the period during which this exception will be active.

  8. Insert a message that will appear in the reservation module for the selected period.

  9. Select the active services for this period.

  10. To modify an existing service, click on it to change parameters such as the number of available seats, the open reservation period, or the request for a credit card guarantee.

  11. To close a service during the defined period, click on the X at the bottom right.
    Note: You cannot close all services using this feature. See the following article for closing your entire booking module for a specific period.

  12. To open an exceptional service, click on Add a Service. You can either create a new service from scratch or duplicate an existing one and modify its settings.

  13. Once your modifications are complete, click Save at the bottom of the page.

Example 1: Opening for a Special Event

You plan to open for lunch on Sunday, March 31, even though your restaurant is usually closed.

  1. Create a Service Exception.

  2. Choose a name for the exception.

  3. Set the priority level (ensure it is higher if another exception already exists for the same period).

  4. Define the active period: March 31.

  5. Insert a message that will appear in the reservation module (optional).

  6. Add a new service (it will automatically apply to the defined period).

  7. Configure the service settings for the active day(s).

  8. Click Save and then Confirm.

Example 2: Replacing a Dinner Service with a Brunch

Your restaurant is usually open on Sunday evenings, but you want to offer a brunch in the morning instead.

  1. Create a Service Exception.

  2. Choose a name for the exception.

  3. Set the priority level (if another exception exists, ensure yours takes precedence).

  4. Select the affected days.

  5. Remove the dinner service.

  6. Create a new brunch service: define the number of available seats, the reservation period, and the time slots.

  7. Click Save and then Confirm.

 

2. Configuring from the iOS and Android Application

Service exception settings are not yet available in the Zenchef iOS and Android applications. Please log in via the web application to configure them.

 

3. Common Issues & FAQs

Common Issues

  • Changes made through a service exception are not applied.
    Ensure that your service exception has been correctly saved. You should see it listed under the "Service Exceptions" tab. Any changes should be reflected within a few minutes on your online booking module (updates on Google Reserve may take longer).

  • I cannot close all services for a specific period.
    A service exception must include at least one service. If you need to close all services for a specific period, use the Closing Periods feature instead.

 

FAQ

  • How do I modify an existing service within an exception?
    Click on the relevant service to adjust its settings, such as the number of available seats or the reservation period.

  • How can I verify that my modifications have been applied?
    After saving your changes, check your online booking module, refresh the page, and simulate a reservation to ensure that the updates are visible.

 

4. Support & Related Articles

Contact Our Support Team

For further assistance, feel free to contact Zenchef support via the chatbot available on your customer portal or visit our Help Center.