指南
Nabsie vs spreadsheets and WhatsApp
Lots of small venues run bookings through WhatsApp, Facebook messages and a shared spreadsheet. It is free, and it can work. Here is an honest look at where it holds up and where it starts to creak.
Quick answer. Spreadsheets and WhatsApp work for a handful of bookings a week. They get messy once several people take bookings, or when you want reminders and a view of who is in tonight. Nabsie gives you one booking page, one list and automatic emails, and its Free plan covers up to 50 bookings a month.
What the DIY way does well
- It is free and everyone already has the apps.
- Regulars like a quick message.
- You can chat to customers about their needs.
Where it gets messy
- Bookings arrive on several apps, so they are easy to miss.
- Someone has to type each one into the sheet, and that someone is not always on shift.
- Nothing stops two people being offered the same table.
- You have to send reminders yourself.
- Customer phone numbers sit in personal phones. If you hold customer details, check the ICO website for the basics of UK GDPR. This is not legal advice.
How to move over
- Set up your tables and hours. Sign up free and add your tables and opening hours. The booking page only offers times that are free under your rules.
- Put the link where people message you. Add your booking link to your Facebook and Instagram buttons, your website and your WhatsApp business profile if you have one.
- Reply with the link. When someone messages to ask for a table, send the link. They book in under a minute and get a confirmation.
- Move your spreadsheet in. If you have a list of bookings or guests, import it. Our import guide shows the steps.
- Add staff logins. Anyone who needs to see or add bookings gets their own login. Standard gives unlimited staff logins.
You can still chat. A booking system does not stop you replying to a message, it just means the booking itself lands in one place.
常见问题
常见问题
Can I keep using WhatsApp for chat?
Yes. Many venues reply to messages with their booking link, and keep WhatsApp for questions.
Will I lose my spreadsheet of regulars?
No. You can import bookings and guests, and export them again any time.
Does Nabsie send WhatsApp messages?
No. Confirmations and reminders go out by email, and by text on Standard and above if you buy text credits.
When is a spreadsheet still fine?
If you take a few bookings a week and one person handles them all, it may be all you need.