Bookings

How to set up Dojo Bookings

From first conversation to taking bookings on a busy Friday — the setup path, and how long each stage really takes.

Checked: 17 September 2026
⚡ Short answer

Most venues are live on Dojo Bookings within a day or two. Setup means building your floor plan and tables, setting service and pacing times, choosing where you'll take card deposits, and connecting the booking widget to your website and Google profile. With a consultant handling the configuration, the work on your side is mostly decisions, not admin.

The setup, step by step

  1. Consultation & quote

    We look at how you take bookings now, your covers and your no-show problem, and confirm the right Dojo Bookings package and price for your venue.

  2. Build your floor plan

    Your real table layout, covers, turn times and pacing rules go in, so the digital diary matches how your room actually runs on the night.

  3. Set service times & rules

    Lunch and dinner services, last-booking times, party-size limits and how tightly to pace arrivals so the kitchen isn't overwhelmed.

  4. Choose your deposit rules

    Decide which services and party sizes need a card to hold the table, and whether you take a deposit up front or only charge on a no-show.

  5. Connect widget & Google

    The booking widget goes on your website and your Google "Reserve a table" button, and your venue is set up on the Dojo diner app for discovery.

  6. Go live with support

    Staff get a walkthrough, and your consultant stays on hand through the first busy service to iron out anything on the night.

What to have ready

You'll make setup faster if you have a few things to hand before you start:

  • Your current table plan and total covers
  • Your service times and last-booking cut-offs
  • A view on where no-shows hurt most (which nights, which table sizes)
  • Access to your website and Google Business Profile, or someone who has it
💡
Do the deposit thinking first. The single biggest win from a booking system is stopping no-shows, and that depends on your deposit rules. Decide which services and party sizes to protect before you go live, not after your first bad Saturday.

Switching from another system

Moving from a paper diary, spreadsheet or another platform is routine. The main things to plan are your upcoming bookings (so nothing is lost in the switch) and updating the "book now" links on your website, social profiles and Google. A consultant handles the technical side so you're never taking bookings in two places at once.

FAQs

How long does Dojo Bookings take to set up?

Most venues are live within a day or two. The floor plan, service times and deposit rules are configured for you, and the booking widget is added to your website and Google profile.

Can I move my existing bookings across?

Yes — switching from a paper diary, spreadsheet or another platform is routine, and setup is planned so you're never taking bookings in two places at once.

Do I need technical skills to set it up?

No. A consultant handles the configuration and the website/Google connection. Your part is mostly decisions — your table plan, service times and where you want deposits.

Talk to an independent Dojo consultant

Free, no-obligation advice on the right Dojo setup and the best rate for your business.

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