Is a waitlist app better than a paper list?
A paper list is free and fast, but customers have to wait inside to hear their name. With Walk-In Waitlist they join from their phone, see how many people are ahead and get a text when it's almost their turn, for $29.99 a month for the first seat.
How do they compare?
| Compared on | Paper or whiteboard | Walk-In Waitlist |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | $29.99 a month for the first seat, $20 for each extra seat |
| Customers can step out | Only if they ask someone to call them | Yes, they get a text when it's almost their turn |
| Customers know how many are ahead | Only by asking | Yes, on their phone, updated live |
| Waiting for a specific person | Hard to keep straight | A lane for each team member plus Anyone |
| Today's numbers | No | Served, no-shows, average wait and more |
| Setup | A pen | About 10 minutes and a printed poster |
When is paper still enough?
If you work alone, walk-ins are rare and the waiting area is never full, a list on the counter works fine. You don't need software to call one name.
What changes when you switch?
Customers stop crowding the door, because they can wait outside or nearby. The front desk stops answering "how much longer?". And when a customer doesn't come back in time, the line keeps moving.
Try it at your shop
Free for 14 days, no card needed. Most shops are set up in about 10 minutes.