No show / late cancellation fee
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      1. Tablein self service portal
      2. Prepayments & Events
      3. No show / late cancellation fee

      How to set up No-Show fees and charge for no-Shows or last-minute cancellations

      Requiring prepayment or saving card details helps minimize no-shows and last-minute cancellations, allowing your restaurant to plan more efficiently—especially during peak times. It also ensures that guests take responsibility for their bookings.

      The card-saving option is available exclusively within the booking widget, providing a safe and secure process for both restaurants and guests. This built-in security feature helps prevent fraud and unauthorized requests for payment details outside the system.

      How to Set Up Prepayments & Secure Bookings

      1. Integrate a Payment Provider

      2. Access Prepayments & Events



      Promotion

      Enter a clear and engaging name. This will be the primary title visible to customers during the booking process.

      Example Titles:

      • Secure Your Booking with Card Details
      • Booking Protection – Save Card Details
      • Confirm Your Booking – Card Details Required

      Description

      This section appears after the event title and is included in emails. Use it to provide essential event details, such as:

      • Event Details: Highlight key features, offerings, or special inclusions.
      • Cancellation Policy: Briefly explain why card details are required and how they help prevent no-shows and last-minute cancellations.

      Example Description:
      Saving card details helps prevent no-shows and last-minute cancellations, ensuring a smooth experience for both guests and the restaurant. Your card will only be charged according to the cancellation policy.

      By clicking "Continue," you acknowledge and agree to the cancellation policy as per your selected settings.

       
       

       

      No-Show Fee


      Enable the No-Show Fee option to securely save card details and protect your reservations.

      • Cancellation Window: Set how much time before the reservation guests can cancel without a fee (e.g., 24 hours). If canceled within this period, they must contact the restaurant directly.
      • Maximum Charge: Specify the maximum amount to charge for a no-show. This amount will be displayed on the booking widget.
      • Guest-Specific Fees (Optional): Set different no-show fees based on group size. For example:
        • 1-4 guests: Lower fee
        • 5-10 guests: Higher fee

      ⚠ Note: No-show fees are only supported with the Stripe payment method.

       

      Specify the date or time period for which prepayment or card details are required. Choose the appropriate option based on your event type:

      • One-Time Events: For special occasions like Valentine’s Day, set a specific date range (e.g., 2025-02-14 to 2025-02-14).
      • Recurring Events: For events that occur regularly, such as every Friday and Saturday, select a broader period (e.g., 2025-03-30 to 2027-12-31).
      • Time-Specific Card Saving: If card details should only be required during certain hours (e.g., after 18:00 for dinner), use the Valid by Weekday option to set specific days and times.

      Ensure your settings align with your booking and event requirements to maintain a smooth and effective reservation process.

      		 Prepayments and promotions Tablein 2025-02-05 at 4.42.37 PM

       

      This feature allows you to set different fees for different dining areas in your restaurant.

      • Example: Charge a different fee for indoor vs. outdoor tables.
         If you want the same fee for all tables, select all areas under one fee.

      This provides flexibility in managing no-show fees based on the dining area selected by guests.

      		 Screenshot 2025-02-06 at 13.20.44

       

      Priority Settings

      • Priority determines which offer appears on the main booking widget page.
      • Number 1 is the highest priority and will be displayed first.
      • If multiple offers are available, only the one with the highest priority will be shown.
      • If there is only one offer, priority does not affect its visibility.

      Use this setting to highlight your most important offer for customers.

      		 Screenshot 2025-02-06 at 13.19.12

       

      Information / Policy / Menu File

      Upload a PDF file to provide guests with essential details about your offer, reservation policy, cancellation policy, or limited-time menu.

      • The file will be accessible in your booking widget near the offer selection.
      • Guests can open it in a new tab for easy viewing.
      • This feature ensures customers have all necessary details before confirming their booking, helping to set clear expectations and minimize misunderstandings.

      Make sure the file is up to date and includes all relevant information to enhance the booking experience.

      		 Tablein Demo restaurant (Main street) table reservations Tablein 2025-02-06 at 1.24.00 PM

       

      We strongly recommend performing a test transaction to ensure that card details are saved correctly and charges can be processed successfully. This will help you verify the entire process and avoid potential issues with payments. 

       

      How Does the No-Show Fee Work for Guests?

      1. When making a reservation, guests enter their card details as a guarantee. The system securely saves this information without charging the card at the time of booking.
      2. If the guest cancels within the allowed time frame (as per the restaurant’s policy), no charge will be applied.
      3. If the guest fails to show up or cancels too late, the restaurant reserves the right to charge the no-show fee, as stated in the cancellation policy.
      4. Guests receive an automatic confirmation email upon booking, which includes details about the no-show fee and cancellation policy.

      How to Charge a Card in Case of a No-Show

      1. Open the Reservation & Update Status

        • Locate the guest's reservation in the system.
        • Change the status to "Cancelled" or "No-Show", depending on the situation.

      2. Check the Cancellation Time Warning

        • If the cancellation occurs within the restricted timeframe (less than X hours as per your policy), the system will display a warning to indicate whether the charge can be applied.

      3. Choose to Charge or Cancel

        • Select whether you want to charge the card or cancel without charging.
        • If you choose "Charge Card", a new window will appear where you can:
          • Enter the fee amount (cannot exceed the pre-set maximum).
          • Specify the reason for the charge.
        • If the amount entered exceeds the allowed limit, the system will show a warning. However, you can charge any lower amount based on the situation.

      4. Cancel Without Charging (Optional)

        • If you decide not to charge the card, simply select "Cancel" and save the reservation.
        • The card will not be charged, and the reservation will be updated accordingly.

      This process ensures a transparent and flexible approach to handling no-shows while protecting your restaurant’s revenue.