Reserve With Google: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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How does communication look like with a reservation through Google?

Upon making a reservation through RwG, both a confirmation email from Google and an email from aleno are sent to the guest. If your restaurant has enabled SMS notifications in aleno, a text message will also be dispatched.

Can guests add a reservation comment?

With the RwG integration, guests have the option to add comments during the booking process. These comments are synced with aleno.

Capacity per Timeslot

Reserve with Google takes into account the default capacity per timeslot as configured in aleno. 

Does Google consider my preset online reservation limits?

Google takes reference in your aleno online limitations. There might be instances where Google doesn't update these slots in real-time, and they appear available even after the deadline. In such cases, RwG still performs a check during the time of booking. If the deadline has indeed passed, the guests will be informed that the slot is "no longer available." 

How does my Online Buffer refer to a Google reservation?

In the context of RwG, the "online buffer" refers to a special holding area for bookings that require additional confirmation or review. When a reservation is made that falls into this category, it's initially marked as provisional within the RwG system. This provisional status means you're in the process of finalizing the details of the guests booking. It's a safeguard to ensure that every aspect of the reservation meets both the guests expectations and your restaurant's capabilities before it's fully confirmed.

What happens if my restaurant's reservation slots are full?

If all the slots for a particular shift are full, that shift will temporarily be removed from Google Maps until availability opens up again. It's important to regularly update your shift availability in aleno to ensure your restaurant remains visible for potential bookings on Google.

Can I set a limit on the number of guests for reservations made through Google?

Yes, you can set limits for the minimum and maximum number of guests per reservation in your shift settings on aleno. These limits will be respected in the booking process through Reserve with Google, ensuring that all reservations comply with your restaurant's capacity policies.

How are reservation durations determined through RwG?

The duration of a reservation made through RwG is determined by the "duration of reservation" setting in your aleno account. If this field is left empty, the default reservation end time will be set to the shift's end time.

Are payments through Reserve with Google supported?

Currently, RwG does not support direct payments. However, if your restaurant has payment requirements for reservations, such bookings will be marked with a "CC REQUESTED" status in aleno. Guests will receive an email from aleno to provide credit card details next to a provisional confirmation from Google. Implementing SMS notifications is recommended to ensure guests receive all necessary information for confirming their reservation.

What should I do if I don't see the "Reserve" button on Google for my restaurant?

After adding RwG integration, it can take up to 24 hours for your restaurant's information and availability feed to update on Google. For new additions, Google may take more than 48 hours to verify your business and match address information. If the "Reserve" button is still not visible after 2 business days, please reach out to our support team for assistance.

How can I remove or disable the RwG integration?

To remove the RwG integration from your aleno account, reach out to our support team at support@aleno.me. Our team will disable the integration immediately and remove the pricing line item from your future invoices.