Introduction example: The biggest attraction is being able to use an automated reservation management system with no referral fees. It also helps with risk management for reservation cancellations. (Ryori to Osake Okinaya)

Amid many paid services, introduce a reservation ledger with no referral commission fees

— What inspired you to start this shop?

I had always wanted to run my own restaurant, and after gaining experience in the food and beverage industry, mainly at Italian restaurants, I opened a place where people can enjoy cuisines from various countries, such as Italian and French, along with wine.

--- Please tell us about the age range of the customers who visit your store.

Most of our customers are neighbors in their 40s to 60s, and we run the place in a calm, relaxed atmosphere.

— What prompted you to consider implementing the Respo reservation ledger?

From the perspective of reducing the effort involved in reservation management tasks, we had been considering introducing a reservation management system for some time.

Also, since I run the place by myself, I wanted to cut down on phone calls as much as possible so I could focus on cooking and serving customers.

— What was the deciding factor in choosing to implement the Respo reservation ledger?

I compared and considered various companies’ reservation management services, and while most other companies basically charge fees, the fact that Respo Reservation Ledger has no referral commission was a major deciding factor.

It was also appealing that reservations are automatically reflected so we can immediately check the number of remaining seats, and that we can even manage customer information and visit history.

Thanks to the thorough onboarding support, I was able to get started with confidence even though I’m not good with machines.

— Before you started using the fRespo reservation ledger, what was the process like?

From setting up the app environment to registering information such as seats and reservation times, I proceeded step by step while being guided from scratch by the support staff.

I wasn’t very good with machines, but thanks to the multiple online meetings you held and the careful way you taught me, I was able to get started with peace of mind.

— So, how has it been since you actually introduced the Respo reservation ledger?

AutoReserveThe number of customers making reservations through us has been gradually increasing, which makes it easier for me to manage my time and prepare, and that’s been a big help.

Also, it’s really helpful that reservations come in automatically even when the shop is closed and can’t answer the phone.

I think it’s convenient for customers too, since they can make reservations at their own timing without worrying about the store’s business hours.

Able to explain the cancellation policy and handle risk management

--- How easy is the Respo reservation ledger to use?

It’s been three months since we introduced it, and we’ve gotten quite used to the operation—it’s very easy to use.

Also, for example, when there’s something I don’t understand about detailed operations, such as changing the time range that can be reserved, I email the support staff to ask. They even respond when I call late at night, which has been a great help.

— How did it affect your store operations?

From my experience working in the restaurant industry, trying to manage reservations on paper is a hassle—you can lose the sheets, and you have to constantly check the reservation status each time.

Thanks to implementing the Respo reservation ledger, I think we’ve been able to reduce that kind of hassle.

—Being able to automate reservation management is a big change, isn’t it?

Yes. We also include wording on the reservation screen about cancellation fees and that if we don’t hear from the customer for more than 15 minutes after the reserved time, the booking will be treated as canceled, so I believe we have risk management in place for when reservations are canceled.

Increase reservations and run operations efficiently for the year-end party season

— How would you like to make use of Respo from now on?

With year-end and New Year parties like bonenkai and shinnenkai coming up, I think there will be more gatherings, so I’d like to promote the fact that people can make online reservations through Instagram and other platforms, and increase the number of bookings.

— Are you doing anything in particular to increase the number of reservations?

I create original shop cards with a QR code for the booking link and a link to Instagram, and place them in the store or hand them out to customers.

We also place a booking link in our Instagram profile so that customers who discover our shop through Instagram can easily make a reservation.

— Lastly, could you tell us about your goals for the shop going forward?

Right now, most of our customers are from the neighborhood, so going forward we’d be delighted if people from other parts of Setagaya Ward would also come and visit us.

Store Information

Cuisine and Sake Okinaya

Address: Tomoe Mansion 102, 4-3-18 Setagaya, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Phone number: 03-6432-6336
Store details:https://autoreserve.com/restaurants/3pRoyKwVvuovQnzcavAL