In short
TheFork charges a commission per diner on bookings that come from its app and partners; comparisons put it between €1 and €4 per diner. CoverManager charges a fixed monthly fee per venue, quoted after a demo. Your own system needs an upfront investment and low upkeep, with no commissions. What suits you best depends on how many new customers each platform brings you.
How each option charges
The three options solve different problems, which is why they charge differently:
| Option | How it charges | Indicative range | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| TheFork Manager | Commission per diner on bookings from TheFork, Tripadvisor and partners. Bookings through its widget on your website pay no commission | ≈ €1 – 4 per diner (per comparisons) | Restaurants that need new customers |
| CoverManager | Fixed monthly fee per venue (Standard, Premium and Performance plans) plus optional add-ons | Not published: quote after a demo | High-volume restaurants and groups |
| Your own system | Upfront investment and upkeep | Depends on the project | Businesses with their own clientele, clinics, studios and classes |
Work out what you pay in commissions
Run the numbers with your own figures. A restaurant with 200 bookings a month of 3 diners each gets 600 diners. At a commission of €1 to €3.50 per diner, that is €600 to €2,100 a month in commissions alone.
If a large share of those bookings are customers who already knew you, you are paying for customers who would have come anyway.
No commitment
Free 30-minute consultation
We review your business, your website and your presence on Google, and tell you what we'd do first. Free, no commitment, by video call.
- A quick check of your website and SEO
- Concrete ideas to win more clients
- A rough quote if you need one
The strategy that works best: combine
You don't have to pick just one. Many restaurants use TheFork to be discovered by new customers and move repeat bookings to their own channel: the booking button on their website, Google and WhatsApp.
According to TheFork Manager's own website, bookings that come in through its widget on your website and social media pay no commission. Check where each booking comes from before deciding.
What your own booking system should have
If you decide to have your own, it should include at least:
- A real-time calendar that prevents double bookings.
- Deposits or prepayment to cut no-shows.
- Automatic reminders by email and WhatsApp.
- A dashboard for your team, on mobile too.
- Your customer data in your name and exportable.
- A booking button on your website, Google profile and Instagram.
Beyond restaurants
Clinics, beauty salons, gyms, academies and workshops have no "TheFork" to bring them customers. For them, their own system with WhatsApp reminders is usually the most profitable option from day one.
Ranges are indicative: the final price depends on your website, your project and what you need. We give you a fixed quote after a free call.
Frequently asked questions
Does TheFork charge for bookings from my website?
According to its official website, bookings that come through its widget on your website and social media pay no commission. The commission applies to bookings from TheFork, Tripadvisor and its partners.
How much does CoverManager cost?
CoverManager doesn't publish prices: it works with a fixed monthly fee per venue and prepares a quote after a demo.
Will my own system bring me new customers?
Not on its own. It has to be visible on your website, Google and Instagram, which is why many businesses combine it with a discovery platform.
How much would my booking system cost?
It depends on your business: number of venues, payments, reminders and integrations. In a free call we give you a range and then a fixed quote.
