More and more restaurants are considering a deposit when guests book. Often as a direct reaction to no-shows: guests who reserve and do not show up, leaving an empty table and missed revenue. But is that actually allowed? And does it not scare guests away?
In this article you read what is happening in Belgian hospitality, when a prepayment makes sense and how to set it up technically with Restotailor. Included in €65 per month, with no commission on payments.
No-shows: why the debate is heating up
The problem is real. Star chef Geert Van Hecke recently raised the alarm after his restaurant counted 250 no-shows in two weeks, HLN reported. He took measures to tackle the phenomenon. Such figures are extreme, but they illustrate the frustration in the sector: a reserved table is no guarantee of covers. Research among Belgian hospitality entrepreneurs shows that nine out of ten restaurants still do not ask for a deposit on online reservations, partly for fear of scaring guests away, Redactie24 writes. Yet the pressure to do something is growing.
Can you ask for a deposit?
Short answer: yes, provided you communicate it clearly. A deposit for a restaurant reservation is allowed in Belgium when the terms are clear in advance and the guest agrees when booking. State the amount, when payment is due and your cancellation rules in your terms and conditions or booking confirmation. That way everyone knows what to expect. Fine-dining venues such as Hof van Cleve have worked with deposits and cancellation rules for years; it is no longer an exception. According to research in Belgian hospitality, four in ten entrepreneurs think guests understand a deposit to protect against no-shows, while a similar share finds it less hospitable. The balance is yours: not everyone has to pay, but on busy occasions it can save your business.
When yes and when not
A deposit for every reservation is rarely needed and can scare guests away. A targeted approach works better. Think weekend evenings, holidays, Valentine's Day or large groups from six people. On quiet weekday evenings let guests book for free. You do not treat everyone as suspicious, but you protect your most vulnerable shifts. In your guest profiles you also see who no-shows more often. For those guests you can apply stricter rules without punishing your entire customer base. More tips against no-shows in our article on reducing no-shows.
Communicate clearly
A deposit only works when guests understand why you ask for it. Briefly explain in your reservation widget and confirmation email: the amount is deducted from the bill, or refunded on timely cancellation according to your rules. Keep the amount reasonable: a fixed amount per reservation or a small amount per person, not the full menu upfront. Transparency prevents arguments at the table and protects your reputation. Those who communicate honestly find that most guests understand, especially when they know you reserve covers and schedule staff.
Set up a deposit with Restotailor
With Restotailor you handle prepayments without separate tools. In your payment settings you connect your payment provider and set a deposit amount. Choose a fixed amount per reservation, or enable multiplication per guest, for example €20 per cover. When booking online via your reservation widget, guests pay the deposit immediately. The money goes directly to your account; Restotailor does not hold anything and charges no commission on payments. Did someone book by phone? Send a payment link by email from the reservation overview. At checkout in the cashier, the paid deposit is automatically deducted. Per guest profile you can also set different rules: no deposit, half prepayment or standard restaurant rules, handy for regulars or repeat no-shows.
Combine with other measures
A deposit is not a miracle cure on its own. Combine it with automatic confirmation emails and reminders 24 hours before the reservation. Put your phone number clearly in every email so guests can cancel easily and your table becomes free in time. And keep a waitlist ready for when a spot still stays empty. That way you tackle no-shows on multiple fronts: prevent, reduce and catch. That is more effective than only getting stricter.
Conclusion
You can ask for a deposit when booking, as long as you communicate it clearly and use it selectively on busy occasions or risky bookings. Belgian restaurants such as Geert Van Hecke's show how painful no-shows can be; a prepayment is one of the most effective brakes, but does not have to apply to everyone. With Restotailor you set the deposit amount, let guests pay online via your widget and deduct the amount at the cashier. Combine it with reminders, guest profiles and a waitlist, all included in €65 per month. Start with one busy shift: set a reasonable deposit, communicate clearly, and measure whether your no-shows drop.