Below are some of the most common reservation blunders I come into contact with on a daily basis. If any of them sound familiar to you (because you do them), promptly read the remedy following.
1. You don't have any information ready. Just because you know what day you want your reservation, and what meal period you want your reservation to be for, you should also figure out what time you want your reservation to be and how many people will be in your party. Asking the reservationist what time is a good time to come in tends to leave us speechless. How're we supposed to know what time you want to eat and what your plans are? Just ask for the time you want, if it's not available, you can always see what's open within a certain time frame.
2. Apparently you don't even know your own information.
Restaurants usually like to know your name and phone number in case we need to get ahold of you for any reason. For some reason, people seem to have a hard time giving a number when asked, and sometimes even a name. If you're making a reservation for somebody, it's probably best to give their name, since they'll be the one checking in. As for the number, we usually just ask for it to confirm a reservation, so figure out who you want the reservation to confirm with, you or whoever your making the reservation for.
3. Don't assume we know what date you want your reservation. Then we get those who seem like they know how to make a proper reservation. They speak slowly, letting us know name, time, number of people. Then, when you get to confirming the reservation, and ask if it's for tomorrow, they're like 'Oh no, it's for xxx' (usually 4 weeks away, or something like that). Really? You didn't think maybe that was what you should've mentioned first so that we were putting the information down for the right date?4. You don't know what 'reservation' means. It amazes me how many people call in for a 'reservation' wanting a table in 10 to 15 minutes. Basically, they're on their way in and think it's best to 'call ahead.' At this point, you're really just calling to see if a table is available and if we're willing to hold a table for you if there is one. The worst is when people get angry that you won't make this 'reservation' for them. Even an hour notice is better (although still a little annoying). Don't be angry that we can't accommodate your last minute plans.
Hopefully this little tutorial helps you with making reservations in the future and you'll spare the reservationist some pain. If you have any questions, I'll be available during office hours....
