Waitwhile streamlines waitlist management by offering a flexible and user-friendly platform for businesses. Whether you manage a restaurant, salon, healthcare practice, or retailer, or service center, Waitwhile helps you improve customer experiences by efficiently organizing queues and tracking wait times.
Steps to get started with waitlisting using Waitwhile:
1. Create a Location
Set up your waitlist by defining a location within the Waitwhile account. Locations serve as the basis for managing customers, resources, and services tied to that space. If you operate multiple branches, each can have its own waitlist.
Note: Locations can be physical brick & mortar buildings (branch, store, office, warehouse) or it can be a place where customers line up within a location (department, booth, counter, center).
Example Locations:
Retail Stores: Atlanta, Baltimore, Los Angeles, Dallas
Retail Store: Returns & Exchanges, Design Center, Curbside Pick-up
Animal: Adoptions, Spay/Neuter, Urgent Care
University: Student Services, Student Financial Aid, Registrar
Event: Entry, Booth 472, Booth 671, Booth 234
2. Customize Your Waitlist Settings
You can tailor your waitlist according to your needs:
Arrival settings: Configure how customers check in, whether self-serve or through a receptionist.
Wait time estimation: Use intelligent or classic wait time estimation to provide customers with accurate waiting times.
SMS & Email notifications: Keep customers informed by sending messages when they’re added to the waitlist, nearing service, or served.
3. Add Services &/or Resources
Attach services and resources to your waitlist to provide more context to customers about what’s available. For instance:
Services (like haircuts or consultations) ensure that each visitor is matched with the right service they need.
Resources (staff, rooms, equipment) help assign the correct resource to each customer.
4. Allow Customers to Join the Waitlist
Customers can join your waitlist through various channels:
Online via your customized registration page or website widget.
In-person using a kiosk, by scanning a QR code, or text-to-join
5. Track and Manage the Queue in Real-Time
Once customers are in the queue, use the Waitwhile dashboard to monitor their progress. You can:
Register customers on their behalf
Reorder the queue if necessary.
Assign or reassign resources.
Communicate with customers directly via SMS for status updates or special instructions.
Serve customers upon check-in
Complete customers when their service is over
6. Notify and Serve Customers Efficiently
Using automated messaging, you can send reminders and updates about estimated wait times or notify customers when it’s their turn. Team notifications also ensure that staff stays informed about customer arrivals and service progress.
7. Analyze Data and Optimize Operations
Waitwhile collects data on wait times, customer flow, and staff performance. Use these insights to optimize your operations and improve the overall customer experience.
With Waitwhile, managing waitlists becomes seamless, helping businesses reduce wait times, enhance customer satisfaction, and streamline day-to-day operations.
Have additional questions or need assistance? Reach out to us via chat or at support@waitwhile.com.