Restaurant Reservation Deposit Break-Even Calculator
No-shows cost restaurants real revenue on prime seating time. This calculator helps you set a reservation deposit that offsets expected losses based on your no-show rate and average party spend.
About this calculator
Determine the minimum reservation deposit needed to cover lost revenue from no-shows, based on your restaurant's historical no-show rate and average check size.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the break-even deposit calculated?
It's based on your expected revenue per reservation multiplied by your historical no-show rate, spreading the expected loss across the deposit charged per reservation.
Should deposits vary by party size or time slot?
Yes, many restaurants charge higher deposits for larger parties or peak dining times since the potential lost revenue is greater.
Does charging a deposit reduce no-shows?
Deposits typically both discourage no-shows and financially offset the ones that still occur, often lowering your effective no-show rate over time.