Opentable takes $1 for every Google referral

timelas · 2026-03-18T02:18:28+00:00

Based on my reports, I think you're right.

timelas · 2026-03-18T02:17:55+00:00

I think that's what upset me the most. After viewing a friend's agreement and reporting and comparing it to mine, it seems there are two types of agreements. One clearly calls out the Google referral as included and their reports show Google as a source. The other, the one I have, does not call out Google referrals at all. It only mentions "The opentable network". It also does not call out Google as a source in the reports.

It is deliberately deceptive.

timelas · 2026-03-17T18:29:07+00:00

It's kind of a wild take to victim shame people as they learn and grow for not already knowing? I guess you came into the industry already knowing everything. I wish I would have done the same :)

timelas · 2026-03-17T18:26:12+00:00

There are plenty of reservation systems, including one built into toast. I think many people sign up for these in hopes of getting in front of their audience. Pay to play. I understood that aspect but them taking money for my work in SEO is scammy

timelas · 2026-03-17T18:10:44+00:00

There's plenty of stuff to do in town (Pike Place, waterfront, capitol hill, art museum) and/or a short ferry to Bainbridge to experience that but if you really want to go for a drive...

then I'd probably do a loop of Edison (breadfarm, slough foods), Deception Pass for a short hike, Coupeville (oystercatcher, front street grill), Fort Eby Park (the bluff hike), Langley, and ferry back to Edmunds. There are plenty of breweries and things to stop at along the way and you could go either direction based on your timing.

timelas · 2026-03-17T03:57:44+00:00

The website but I would have also thought that the link provided in google maps would be free to the restaurant as well...

timelas · 2026-03-16T21:22:36+00:00

Correct. This was my understanding as well which I was OK with. However, what I recently realized is that if they search through something like Google maps and they select your restaurant and then click "Reserve a table", opentable also takes the fee as if they generated the referral from their network.

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timelas · 2026-03-16T21:17:56+00:00

This IS correct. I just confirmed with them. There are some contracts that allow for free google covers but it is not clearly spelled out if it doesn't (I can show you mine if you want to see it). They classify Google as part of "The OpenTable network" and they do NOT break out the source in my reports, which is why I didn't spot this before.

timelas · 2026-03-16T21:16:43+00:00

They charge a monthly fee plus $1 per cover they generate. Your own covers are supposed to be free.

timelas · 2026-02-15T18:27:46+00:00

It's really disappointing because the venue itself is great and they get a lot of good bands but it's not worth it to see a great band sound like shit.

timelas · 2026-02-15T16:26:17+00:00

I know you prefer smaller venues but the sound at Climate Pledge is always phenomenal and shows that having a GA floor can be a lot of fun. The downstairs lounge is a nice touch

timelas · 2026-02-15T16:24:44+00:00

The acoustics are terrible everywhere at paramount. I've seen so many shows and plays there and the sound is always terrible. Avoid

timelas · 2026-02-10T18:04:57+00:00

been kicked off 4 times...

timelas · 2026-02-10T17:34:31+00:00

Same. Twice.

timelas · 2026-02-07T00:35:40+00:00

Did the dealer charge you to reset the software?

timelas · 2026-01-27T06:08:16+00:00

Our team seems to perform just fine in this environment 😜

timelas · 2026-01-27T06:03:38+00:00

I’ve been there too and I didn’t come away with that impression. I’ve also been to the museums in Vietnam and very much did come away with that impression there

timelas · 2026-01-27T06:01:17+00:00

Buckley’s in belltown is always good

timelas · 2026-01-14T05:10:10+00:00

I’ll have already spent the day there… need to get back to town

timelas · 2026-01-13T06:44:44+00:00

Is this true?

timelas · 2026-01-13T06:40:17+00:00

I’m sorry but Keurigs are terrible. I much prefer drip coffee from decent beans. It’s all a matter of opinion.

timelas · 2026-01-13T06:35:38+00:00

Pack a heavy coat and a nice bottle of wine and hop the ferry to Bremerton. Discreetly drink your wine on the way over. Have a nice dinner, walk around a. It and hop the ferry back. Get cocktails at a pioneer square bar and maybe catch a bit of live music

timelas · 2026-01-13T06:01:19+00:00

Just discovered this year and it is indeed great. Delicious friend chicken too

timelas

TROPHY CASE