Commission-free booking means a business takes bookings online (tables, appointments, rooms) without paying a fee on each booking. It pays a fixed price for the tool, or nothing with a free solution, whatever the number of customers.
How it differs from a commission platform
Some booking platforms bring visibility: customers find the restaurant or hotel on their website or app. In return they charge per booking, per cover or a percentage of the stay, according to their terms. The more customers come through that channel, the more the business pays.
With a commission-free tool, the booking happens on the business’s own website, Google profile or social media. The cost stays the same whether the business takes 50 or 500 bookings a month, and customers’ contact details stay with the business.
A concrete example
A restaurant adds a “Book” button to its website and Google profile. Regulars who used to book through a platform now use that button: the restaurant pays nothing on those bookings and can send them a reminder or an event invitation itself.
Points to check
- the real price: subscription, set-up fees, paid add-ons;
- handling of tables, slots or services for your trade;
- customer reminders and online cancellation;
- being able to export your customer list.
Step-by-step set-up is explained in the commission-free online booking guide.
Go further
Related terms
No-show
A no-show is a customer who booked a table, appointment or room, doesn’t turn up and doesn’t warn you. The slot stays empty when it could have gone to someone else.
Deposit (arrhes vs acompte)
A booking deposit is money paid in advance to secure a booking. French law distinguishes arrhes (either side can withdraw: the customer forfeits them, the business repays double) and acompte (binding on both).
Customer loyalty and referral
Customer loyalty covers what a business does so customers come back and recommend it: welcome, follow-up, loyalty card, newsletter and referral (a loyal customer brings a new one).