OpenTable and VerticalResponse Partner to Offer Branded Online Direct Marketing Capabilities

OpenTable Member Restaurants Get Discounted VerticalResponse Direct Marketing Service

Signaling a significant shift in the way fine dining establishments utilize the Internet to simplify the reservation-making process and promote their establishments online, OpenTable.com, the leading provider of guest and table management systems for restaurants and free online reservations to consumers, and VerticalResponse, a leading provider of self-service and customized direct marketing solutions, today announced a partnership that will enable member restaurants to communicate with their customers in the form of email or direct mail easily and affordably.

With over 2,100 client restaurants nationwide, OpenTable has revolutionized the world of fine-dining reservations by providing high technology capabilities to restaurants, allowing consumers to make instant online reservations at OpenTable member restaurants. Diners can go to www.OpenTable.com at any time to scan for available tables and instantly confirm a reservation. This free online reservation service eliminates the inconvenience of multiple telephone calls, busy signals, waiting on hold and restaurant answering machines.

As part of its service, OpenTable.com will promote the VerticalResponse self-service direct marketing capability to all of its member restaurants. Restaurants that use the co-branded VerticalResponse service will receive a discount when they send an email campaign or postcard campaign to their customers.

"Whether it's a holiday event, special menu, or just a reminder, OpenTable restaurant partners now have the ability to create and send graphically rich emails to their guests," noted Janine Popick, CEO VerticalResponse. "The powerful combination of OpenTable and VerticalResponse gives restaurants the ability to maximize their repeat business."

OpenTable provides restaurants with incremental reservations, advanced marketing capabilities, and operational efficiency by providing a computerized reservation system that replaces the traditional pen-and-paper reservation book. All reservations -- whether from the Internet or the telephone -- are entered into the OpenTable System. The resulting customer database allows the restaurant to understand and segment its guests and conduct marketing programs based on guest preferences and dining histories. OpenTable extends the convenience of instant, 24/7 restaurant reservations to hotel concierges, travel agents and administrative assistants.

"We are extremely pleased about this new partnership," said David Cain, senior manager of marketing, OpenTable, Inc. "We believe that VerticalResponse's iBuilder will enable our restaurant partners to significantly increase repeat business and improve their bottom line."

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Date Listed: 2004-08-25

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