Their pricing model is described as $99/mo + $1/reservation, which seems more reasonable than OpenTable's reportedly high fees. Also, UrbanSpoon seems uniquely positioned to replace OpenTable, since they already have users and restaurant data.
I had no idea OpenTable charged restaurants so much. I didn't use it often, but I see no reason to use it at all now. It's convenient, but I would much rather the money go to the restaurant.
Comments
UrbanSpoon announced a competing restaurant reservation service earlier this year: http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/urbanspoon_challenges_o...
Their pricing model is described as $99/mo + $1/reservation, which seems more reasonable than OpenTable's reportedly high fees. Also, UrbanSpoon seems uniquely positioned to replace OpenTable, since they already have users and restaurant data.
Thanks! We've been working for a while now on this at Urbanspoon.
There's more press on our reservation efforts here:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142405274870369180457525...
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/20/urbanspoon-squares-...
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/01/technology/personaltech/01...
It sounds like it's definitely an opportunity. A though one to crack though, like all marketplaces.
I had no idea OpenTable charged restaurants so much. I didn't use it often, but I see no reason to use it at all now. It's convenient, but I would much rather the money go to the restaurant.
I've developed a web-based alternative to OpenTable: http://www.sexbyfood.com
Isn't the name a bit of a problem?
Video: http://vimeo.com/9152251
PDF: http://bit.ly/cXpF25
Screenshots: http://bit.ly/bIZBrv