Product details:
Ruffl is a new restaurant booking service that uses geo-location to connect diners to participating restaurants with tables available in the area they are in. They can search by price bracket and number of diners and reserve a table instantly. The app, which is available on iOS and Android, is designed to build on the trend towards spontaneous dining, allowing restaurateurs to update their table availability in real time and advertise one-off offers and discounts if they wish. Staff can access the system via a smartphone, tablet or computer and add or remove tables and offers as and when they wish.
USP:
The app is designed to cut the number of no-shows while also boost the number of walk-ins. Founded by entrepreneur Aaron Ross, Ruffl has been backed by toptable founder Karen Hanton who believes it has the most original approach allowing restaurateurs to 'own' their inventory. She said: "Since exiting toptable in 2010 I have had the opportunity to get involved in numerous ‘me too’ restaurant booking ventures. Ruffl is by far and away the most exciting prospect I’ve seen with a truly original approach."
Price:
The system is free to set-up with the restaurant paying a small commission for each diner who turns up for their booking.
Availability:
From the website www.ruffl.co
Why you should buy it:
More than 450 restaurants have already signed up, from Michelin-starred venues to neighbourhood restaurants, said Ross.
“Ruffl reflects the spirit of the times much more driven by spontaneity and the desire and willingness to experiment in a social context. It is the true bridge between the new generation customer and a powerful, yield enhancing tool for the restaurateur," he added.