CREATIVITY
# 117
Reservations - How To Get
Them!
On the spot or “One Minute Reward” systems can be very effective. Anyone that calls for a reservation for dinner is served hot complimentary hors d’oeuvres in the bar or lounge prior to dinner. Those that don’t reserve, don’t receive them or if they do, they have to pay. This can work in all manner of ways, ranging from complimentary desserts to complimentary wine. Another way would be to have a small match cover imprint machine. Those that make reservations will find a match cover at each place setting with the name of the host imprinted in gold thereon. A family dinner? The children of those that reserve will receive a special “kiddies” drink or even a nice favor, such as the latest beanie baby. Want to make mom feel good? Present a complimentary long stem rose when they sit down for dinner. All must be tied in with reservations. No reservation, no instant reward. Delayed Rewards Every time a member reserves for a meal, a ticket is placed in a hopper with his name inscribed thereon. A drawing is held every two weeks and the wining ticket receives a complimentary dinner for two with wine. Keep track of how many times a member reserves for dinner. After the member reaches a predetermined number of reservations, send a nice letter to he/she inviting them to club for a gourmet dinner for two, complete with wines. Another tack would be to have a Frequent Diners Club, similar to the frequent flyer program with the airlines. Go To Them If They Don’t Go To You During golf tournaments or heavy dining days, such as a Saturday, have the starter solicit reservations on the first tee. Find out if they have guests with them for the day and give the guests a special box of labeled golf balls. There is excellent reservation software on the market. Every time a member reserves for the club, mark down their preferences, ie where do they like to sit, what is their favorite drink, do they prefer a menu without prices when having guests, etc. Subsequently, any future reservation brings up the preferences and the maitre’ de insures that all are met, to say nothing of being able to greet them by name, would you like your usual scotch?, etc.