Whether you own a restaurant, hotel, recreation vehicle rental business or any business requiring reservations, you'll operate more efficiently, professionally and profitably when you take advantage of reservations software. During your search, you'll also find many web-based solutions that take care of the software, so you don't have to worry about loading and storing software yourself.

Reservations software solutions come in packages tailored to specific businesses like restaurants or in flexible systems suitable for many types of businesses. As you begin your search, keep the following in mind:

1. Consider ease of reservations software installation and/or set up before you buy.

2. Compare prices for reservations software solutions — they vary widely.

3. Check the reservations software list of features to make sure you actually want all features offered.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Order dining reservations software solutions

If you manage your reservations on paper, you'll love the flexibility, speed and efficiency of reservations software.

I recommend: Fill out the form to view a demo or request a proposal for ReServe Interactive Dining Reservations software. Using the software, you can track customer seating and optimize table turns, and it includes a customer history feature that lets you track contact information, prior/future reservations booked, no shows/cancellations, special dates/preferences. Other features include private room reservations, multiple restaurant support, reports, integrated email, marketing tools and security control. Contact GuestBridge for a demonstration or more information on its modular software architecture. You'll find modules designed to help you improve customer experiences, drive repeat visits, reduce wait times and turn tables faster in your restaurant. The reservation system lets you offer online reservations, search future reservations, identify special reservation status and needs, work separate reservation lists for private dining rooms, generate reports and manage your reservation inventory by parties, table numbers or headcount.

Purchase hotel reservations software

You'll find loads of reservations software information and options available specifically for hotels.

I recommend: Avoid the hassle of software installation by using Passkey, a web-based group reservations system. Simply log on to the website and access features like quick event set up, real-time reporting, an inventory management wizard, multiple guarantee plans (credit card, bill-to-master, check or any combination), a customized profile of your hotel for marketing your business at point of purchase and the ability to create custom reservation confirmations for conference attendees or wedding parties. Consider RezTracker IRM, an online availability and real-time reservation tool that makes reservations easier for you and your guests. This hosted reservation solution lets travelers check availability and make reservations online, 24/7. The program includes secure credit card processing integration, tools to send automatic email reservation confirmations and useful reports. You can display your company logo, check-in/check-out times and policies, include local information of interest to guests, display room descriptions/pictures and configure customized reservation survey questions.

Find reservations software suitable for other businesses

You'll find reservations software solutions flexible enough to serve many types of businesses that operate using reservations.

I recommend: Consider WebReserv.com, a web-based reservations software provider for your vehicle rental, driving school, horse riding, night club, resort, bowling alley, event planner, resort or other business. Designed for small and medium-sized businesses, the easy-to-use booking system includes a reservation widget/availability calendar that integrates with your existing website. The system lets you manage your inventory, pricelist and bookings and increase your visibility on popular search engines. If you own a hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, resort or vehicle rental company, consider a 90-day free trial of The Reservation Desk from Open Travel Software. The online system designed for small and medium-sized businesses permits multiple methods to process reservations, secure credit card processing, enforcement of multiple night stay booking requirements, seasonal rates, multiple night discounts, custom text messages and automatic email notification of bookings.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  While sifting through reservations software information, ensure the software provider you settle on will provide the technical service and support you expect, and confirm the company's days/hours of support.