OpenTable is an online reservation service connecting diners with participating restaurants worldwide. Founded in 1998, it has grown its footprint across multiple countries, including the UK, India, Mexico, and Australia. OpenTable has a solid affiliate program for those looking to promote the service, as it has over 60,000 restaurants worldwide in its network and seats over 1.7 billion diners a year. Here is a quick rundown of this affiliate program: the benefits, how to apply, the commission structure, and how to integrate the OpenTable program overview.
Pros of the OpenTable Affiliate Program
- More chances to earn money: OpenTable provides affiliates with access to a huge array of diners looking for fast, reliable means of restaurant reservation. When an affiliate directs users through their affiliate link, and they end up on OpenTable’s reservation page, the partnership lets them earn a commission. Considering how large OpenTable’s reach and user base are, this could mean huge dollars.
- Enhanced User Experience: The API integration with OpenTable allows affiliates to seamlessly add reservation links to their respective websites/apps. This results in a smoother process for the user, who never has to leave their affiliate platform to make a reservation at a restaurant. This not only enhances user experience but also incentivizes repeat visits and referrals.
- Support and Resources: The open table has a solid support system for its associates. After getting approval, all affiliates get assistance on how to create their affiliate links and how to make them work all the time. Thus, affiliates can maximize their promotion for OpenTable services and, in turn, their profits.
Cons of the OpenTable Affiliate Program
- Lack of Control Over Program Rules: Affiliates have limited control over changes to commission rates or program terms.
- Competition: The affiliate space is competitive, making it challenging to stand out.
- Integration Challenges: Technical integration can be complex and require additional resources.
- Limited Promotional Flexibility: Guidelines may restrict creative marketing strategies.
OpenTable Affiliate Program Application Process
The OpenTable affiliate program is not open to everyone, and approval is on a case-by-case basis. So, how do you apply? Here are the instructions, step by step:
- You would first have to go to OpenTable’s developer portal, and under “Become a Partner” Start the application process by clicking on Apply Now.
- Complete the application process, which is divided into three main groups:
- Applicant Information: Full name, position, your job title, email address, and phone number.
- Fill in your company details: Website, address, main operating country, and the number of years in business.
- Project Details: Briefly describe your project/product and mention whether it is live or in beta. Product and Industry Type: Indicate the type of product and industry type. Monthly Users: Estimate the total number of monthly users, the number of restaurant users, and the average number of active users of the app per month
- Once the application is submitted, OpenTable will review it over 3-4 weeks. If you get approved, you will be sent an email detailing how to proceed.
Commission Structure
Details about OpenTable’s commission and cookie window are divulged after registering on OpenTable. This means that affiliates will not know the particular terms of their compensation until after they are accepted into the program. Affiliate programs generally try to find a balance between incentivizing affiliates and ensuring the business remains profitable. Typical practices comprise percentage-primarily based commissions whereby the affiliate receives a percentage of the sale quantity, or flat price commissions, where the affiliate earns a fixed amount per sale.
Integration and API Details
API Integration
To implement OpenTable’s API, affiliates must complete the following:
- Get API Keys: The affiliate gets API keys to create custom booking links.
- Test in Pre-production: Connect API in a test environment, verify that it works, and do internal tests.
- Submit for Approval: After everything is integrated and tested, submit the project to OpenTable for quality assurance and Approval.
- Production Deployment: Approve and deploy the set of reservation links into a live production environment.
Using the OpenTable API
You need an access token to access the OpenTable API, and once approved, OpenTable will provide one. This guarantees valid and secure access to OpenTable services. On the other hand, some developers use unofficial public APIs, which do not have the support and security features of the official API.
Payment Methods
OpenTable has flexible payment policies for its affiliate partners, allowing payments via ACH (Automated Clearing House), direct deposit, and credit card payments. These are convenient and easy payment options for affiliates to receive their commissions.
How to Succeed with the OpenTable Affiliate Program
Optimize Your Content
- Relevancy: Make your website or app content relevant for diners and restaurant-goers, such as restaurant reviews, dining guides, or food blogs.
- SEO Optimization: Use search engine optimization tactics to enhance visibility and attract organic traffic to your platform.
Engage with Your Audience
- UX: Encourage a better user experience by embedding OpenTable reservation links into your UI.
- Feedback and Support: Request users for feedback and also provide support to increase user satisfaction and create loyal users.
Leverage Social Media
- Promotional Campaigns: Conduct promotional campaigns about OpenTable through social channels.
- Use Influencers: Work with food or travel influencers to help promote your affiliate links.
Top 10 OpenTable Affiliate Program Alternatives
If you are seeking different alternatives for the OpenTable affiliate program, here are a few options for the restaurant & hospitality industry. These programs provide numerous opportunities to earn a commission by marketing products or services related to dining, restaurant supplies, etc.
1. Restaurant.com Program
Restaurant.com has a generous 15% to 20% commission per sale, depending on the source, and the cookie lasts for 45 days. With more than 18,000 restaurants nationwide, it has a large network of dining deals and gift certificates for diners. A perfect program for food bloggers and influencers who want to cash in on affordable dining experiences through their content.
2. LollicupStore Program
LollicupStore focuses on restaurant supplies, offering a 3-7% commission rate per sale with a 45-day cookie window. It provides a wide range of products, including beverages, serveware, and disposables, making it suitable for affiliates targeting the restaurant supply niche. LollicupStore is beneficial for those promoting wholesale deals and custom printing options.
3. Napkins.com Program
Napkins.com specializes in tableware and party supplies. They offer 13% commission for content websites, 4% for coupons, and a 60-days cookie. It is best for affiliates who are promoting high-average-order-value products without a minimum purchase requirement.
4. Tundra Restaurant Supply Program
At Tundra Restaurant Supply, you would earn a 5% commission per sale, and the tracking cookie lasts for 30 days. With a massive selection of restaurant equipment, parts, and supplies, it will work well for affiliates aiming at the restaurant equipment market. Tundra has advantages for wholesale branding and established customer loyalty.
5. Olma Caviar Program
Olma Caviar specializes only in gourmet food products to deliver the highest quality caviar. They offer a 3% commission per sale, bonuses possible, and a 15-day cookie. It is great for affiliates who are promoting high-end products with a high conversion rate. if your audience is into higher luxury food, Olma Caviar is the program for you.
6. 360 Training Program
360Training offers 15% per sale with 60-day cookie. It focuses on restaurant training and further certification programs, so it should attract affiliates who promote restaurant and other educational resources in the hospitality niche. If you want to target businesses and people who are looking for accredited certifications, 360 Training is a good option.
7. ZWILLING Program
ZWILLING sells premium knives and cookware. Their program offers a 4% commission per sale and a 14-day cookie duration. Great for affiliates that are promoting high-end kitchen products, whether the target audience is home cooks or professional chefs. If your niche is cookware and cutlery, ZWILLING will be a good choice.
8. Seated Program
Seated is a restaurant reservation app that rewards diners with cash back and gift cards for dining at partner restaurants. The affiliate program offers a $25 reward per lead, making it appealing to bloggers and influencers in the restaurant niche. Seated allows users to earn rewards by making reservations, ordering takeout, or delivery from participating restaurants, which can be redeemed for gift cards from popular brands like Amazon and Starbucks.
9. Fluz Program
Fluz offers instant gift card purchases with cash back rewards. They pay you $5 for every referral after two transactions totaling $25 and passive income on future purchases. You can withdraw your earnings through bank transfer or directly from your PayPal account. For users who want to earn recurring revenue monetization on their audience purchases, Fluz is great.
10. Ibotta Program
Ibotta is a site that offers cash back on grocery and restaurant gift cards. They pay affiliates $10 for each referral. This program is a good choice for a wide variety of shoppers since it provides cash back on lots of different items. For affiliates looking to promote everyday savings opportunities to their audience, Ibotta is a win-win.
Conclusion
The OpenTable affiliate program is an excellent opportunity if you’re interested in the dining and hospitality industry. OpenTable’s large affiliate network and easy-to-integrate API allow affiliates to boost their own platforms while generating considerable revenue. The extensive support of the program, coupled with flexible payment options, adds to its attractiveness. For experienced affiliate marketers and novices alike, OpenTable is a natural choice to explore for growth and profit.
Check these 13 restaurant affiliate programs for more opportunities. Also, follow us on social media to get the best and latest affiliate programs:
Sources:
- www.markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/opentable-diners-have-spoken-the-100-best-restaurants-in-canada-2018-1027783104
- www.opentable.com/state-of-industry
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