Imagine this: You’ve got a fully booked restaurant, staff ready to serve, ingredients prepped, and excitement in the air. Then… half the tables don’t show up. No-shows are not just annoying—they’re costly.
In Denmark, the problem has reached a point where many restaurant owners are considering prepayments to curb the issue. Let’s dive into how no-shows impact the dining scene and what diners and restaurant owners think about potential solutions.
👉 Learn more about tips to reduce no-shows here.
The no-shows problem in Denmark 🚫
No-shows cost restaurants thousands of kroner in lost revenue, and the situation isn’t getting better. A recent survey with over 71,000 votes revealed that:
- 95% of people claim they’ve never failed to show up for a reservation.
- Only 2% admit to being guilty of not cancelling a reservation.
Source: Tv2.dk
But here’s the kicker: the reality on the ground tells a different story. Danish restaurant owners say no-shows happen regularly—often affecting 10–15% of bookings.
For instance, a restaurant recently prepared for eight guests who never turned up. The staff, time, and ingredients all went to waste. When this happens too often, it can cripple smaller businesses.
What do Danes think about prepayments? 💳
One proposed solution to combat no-shows is requiring prepayments when booking a table. A poll with nearly 40,000 votes showed:
- 43% of diners think prepayments are perfectly fine.
- 37% are okay with it if the amount is small.
- Only 16% would look for another restaurant if prepayments were required.
Source: Tv2.dk
This shows a positive shift in customer attitudes—most diners are willing to support restaurants with a fair prepayment system.
Why are no-shows such a big deal? 🤔
When guests don’t show up:
- Money is lost: Empty tables mean zero income for that time slot.
- Food waste increases: Ingredients prepared for no-show guests often go unused.
- Staff morale drops: Waiting for guests who never come is disheartening.
For smaller, family-owned places, even a few no-shows can put them at risk of closing their doors.
What you can do to minimise no-shows?
If no-shows are affecting your restaurant, here are some practical steps you can take to protect your business:
1. Introduce prepayments for bookings 💳
Start with prepayments for larger groups or peak dining hours. Even a small deposit can make guests more committed to their reservation.
Secure your bookings with prepayments
Start collecting prepayments with resOS and keep your tables full. It’s easy and free to get started!
2. Send booking reminders 📲
A simple reminder via SMS or email the day before can work wonders. Guests are less likely to forget their booking if they get a nudge from you.
Restaurant booking system app such as resOS make this process effortless with automated reminder features.
3. Flexible cancellations 🕒
Make it easy for guests to cancel or reschedule. Many people don’t show up because cancelling seems like a hassle. Offering flexibility can encourage them to let you know instead of leaving you hanging.
If no-shows are common on weekends, consider overbooking by a small margin. While it’s a gamble, it can help balance out the loss from empty tables.
4. Educate your customers 💡
Use your website, social media, or reservation confirmations to explain how no-shows impact your restaurant. Many diners simply don’t realise the ripple effect their actions have.
Why we need to act together?
As restaurant owners, it’s up to you to take control of the no-show problem. Whether it’s through prepayments, reminders, or more flexible policies, there are steps you can take to protect your businesses.
The stats don’t lie—most diners are open to changes like prepayments, and many just need a little nudge to cancel instead of ghosting.
Let’s work together to educate your guests, set expectations, and keep your tables full.
Tools to help you manage reservations
Investing in a good booking system can save you time, money, and stress. Platforms like resOS.com offer features like:
- Prepayment options: Secure deposits for bookings.
- Automated reminders: Reduce forgetfulness with scheduled SMS or email alerts.
- Waitlists: Quickly fill last-minute cancellations with eager walk-ins.
These tools aren’t just about reducing no-shows—they help streamline your entire operation.
Running a restaurant is hard work, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. No-shows are a challenge, but they’re not unbeatable. By making small changes and leveraging the right tools, we can reduce their impact and focus on what we do best: serving great food and creating unforgettable experiences.
Have you tried any of these strategies to combat no-shows? What’s worked for you? Let’s share tips and keep each other strong. 💪
