How to setup and use the waiting list?

In this article, you will find all the necessary information to set up and use the Zenchef waitlist feature, whether through the web app or the iOS app.

 

Table of Contents

  1. Setting up from the Web App
  2. Setting up from the Zenchef iOS App
  3. Common Cases & FAQs
  4. Support & Related Articles


What you need to know

Activating the waitlist allows you to quickly confirm a new reservation in the event of a cancellation. Reservations on the waitlist are displayed in your Reservation List but are not counted in the available cover stock.
The feature Waiting list is not included in all our plans. 

 

1. Setting up from the Web App

  • Access your Zenchef account settings, then go to the Service & Reservations tab, followed by Services & Experiences, and finally Service.

  • Click on the service you want to enable the waitlist for.

  • Go to the Online Automation tab (the third tab of the service).

  • Scroll down to the Availability section and check the Waitlist box.

  • Set the number of covers that can be added to the waitlist. You can limit the number of people on the waitlist by reservation, by arrival time slot, and by the total for the service.

  • Click Save and Close at the bottom.

 

2. Setting up from the Zenchef iOS App

This setting is not yet available in the Zenchef iOS app. Please access your account from the Web App to configure it.

 

3. Using the Waitlist

Add a manual reservation to the "Waitlist" status.

  • From your reservation management page, you can manually add a reservation to the waitlist.
  • Start entering the reservation as usual, then, to the right of the Save button, click on the downward arrow.
  • In the menu that appears, click Waitlist.
  • Then click Save + Waitlist.
  • The client will receive an email or SMS confirming their addition to the waitlist.

Managing a reservation on the waitlist

  • From your reservation management page, waitlisted reservations are visible through the "Pending" filter.
  • Click on the reservation you wish to confirm, and change its status from Waitlist to Confirmed.
  • The client will receive a confirmation email or SMS about their reservation.

 

4. Common Cases & FAQs

Common Cases

  • The waitlist is not available to my clients.
    Make sure that this feature is included in your subscription plan and that it is properly activated in your settings.
  • How do I remove a client from the waitlist?
    Click on the status of your client’s reservation, then select the Cancelled status.

 

FAQ

  • Do waitlisted reservations automatically get confirmed?
    No, if a spot becomes available in your restaurant, you are responsible for manually accepting a client from the waitlist by confirming their reservation. This way, you maintain control over last-minute bookings.
  • Why use the waitlist?
    The waitlist allows you to replace canceled reservations, optimizing the occupancy of your restaurant.

 

5. Support & Related Articles

Contacting our Support Team

For further assistance, feel free to contact Zenchef support via the chatbot available in your client space or by visiting our help center.