# Waitlist App

> Professional offline-first waitlist and queue management system for restaurants, salons, medical offices, podcasters, and service businesses.

Waitlist App is a free Progressive Web App (PWA) that runs entirely on your device. No accounts, no tracking, no data collection. Manage customer queues, send notifications via SMS/WhatsApp/email, track foot traffic with a tally counter, and handle reservations — all offline. A free registered "Starter" plan adds an online, cross-device queue with ad-supported customer place-in-line tracking links (a small ad shows on the customer's tracking page). Paid plans remove the ads (white-label tracking page) and add managed SMS/email notifications and team tools — you pay for the notifications you send, not for the feature.

_Last reviewed: 2026-07-16._

## Key Features

- Real-time waitlist management with party size tracking
- Reservation and booking system with a calendar view (month / week / day)
- Specialty queues (Enterprise): paid waitlists & paid bookings for creators — charge fans to join the line or book your time, payouts to your own Stripe — and roster check-in for dining halls, gyms & events (upload IDs, hashed and never stored; scan a personal QR or type an ID + PIN)
- Customer menu + QR (Pro): show your food/services menu on the customer's place-in-line page, with a printable QR
- SMS, WhatsApp, and email notification templates
- Manual tally counter for foot traffic
- 5 business type configurations: Restaurant, Salon/Spa, Medical, Podcasts, General
- Offline-first PWA — install on any device
- Dark mode support
- Data export functionality
- All data stored locally via localStorage

## Plans

*Pro is $149/mo (or $1,490/yr) and Enterprise is $749/mo (or $7,490/yr — purchased through our team). Full current pricing for everything else is always at https://waitlistapp.org/#pricing.*

- **Free**: Offline PWA, unlimited entries, device-native SMS/WhatsApp/email (opens your own phone's apps with a pre-filled message), tally counter, data export. No account required. (The offline app has no weekly cap — the 50/week cap is a Starter-only thing.)
- **Starter**: Free, registered (no card). The free ONLINE app — a server-synced queue with customer place-in-line tracking links (ad-supported: a small ad shows on the customer's tracking page) and scan-to-join QR, up to 50 guests per week. Upgrade to Pro to remove the ads.
- **Pro**: Unlimited guests, ad-free white-labeled tracking page so customers see their live position, **multiple queues (5 lines included)**, **managed server-side email** and **managed SMS via notification packs** (a pack texts ~500 customers from our number with no Twilio setup; credits never expire, US accounts only), a **customer menu + QR** (attach a PDF/link menu to the place-in-line page), per-event auto-triggers, public-join email verification, wait-time estimates, public TV/QR display board, custom join form, bulk add, **shared team access** (invite staff with a private link to help run the live queue), **view-only customer share links**, and cross-device reservation sync. Pro ($149/mo) also includes **one-on-one support** and **product customization for your business** — our team works with you to fit the product to your operation.
- **Enterprise**: Everything in Pro, plus **25 queues**, bring-your-own Twilio for server-side SMS (international/high-volume), MCP/API access for Claude, API tokens, and the **specialty queues**: (1) **Creator mode** — paid waitlists + paid bookings for creators/influencers/coaches: fans join a link, get selected, and pay your set price to claim a spot (and optionally book a time); payouts go to the creator's own Stripe account via Stripe Connect, flat 10% platform fee per paid join; and (2) **roster check-in** for dining halls, gyms & events — upload a list of IDs (hashed and never stored; no accounts for people), who then check in by scanning a personal QR or typing an ID + PIN, rate-limited by meal / per day / per rolling window. Google Calendar two-way sync is **coming soon** (not live yet). Enterprise also includes **dedicated white-glove support** (a step above Pro's one-on-one support). **Enterprise is $749/mo and is purchased through our team — contact us at https://waitlistapp.org/contact-sales.** (Pro remains self-serve at https://waitlistapp.org/pro/register.) See https://waitlistapp.org/paid-bookings, https://waitlistapp.org/check-in.
- **Developer**: Embeddable branded waitlist widgets — domain-locked embeds, customer tracking links, scan-to-join QR, webhooks + JS SDK, MCP query access, and API tokens — with metered per-widget billing (one queue per widget). Notifications are handled from your own backend via webhooks/API.

Paid plans (Pro, Enterprise, Developer) **bill from day one — there is no free trial**. The free way to evaluate the product is the free **Starter** account (no card required); for a one-time event, the one-time **Event Pass** purchase unlocks ~30 days of Pro (the clock starts on first use). The entire Pro app (dashboard, settings, billing, signup) is localized into all nine supported languages.

**Shared & view-only links:** every paid plan includes **5 active links** (edit or view), managed under Settings → Team access. *Edit links* let a teammate run the live queue (add, notify, seat, remove, bulk add, print, reservations) from their own phone without seeing billing/settings/account. *View-only links* are read-only — customers or a back-of-house screen watch the live queue and statuses. Need more? Add a **10-link add-on pack** (any plan, stack as many as needed, cancel any time — current price at https://waitlistapp.org/#pricing).

## Business Types Supported

- **Restaurant**: Waitlist + Reservations, party size tracking, table-ready notifications
- **Salon/Spa**: Waitlist + Appointments, stylist-ready notifications
- **Medical**: Patient Queue + Appointments, doctor-ready notifications
- **Podcasts**: Guest List + Scheduled recordings, studio-ready notifications
- **General**: Customizable waitlist + bookings for any service business

## Links

- Home: https://waitlistapp.org
- Free App: https://waitlistapp.org/free
- How it works: https://waitlistapp.org/how-it-works
- Pricing: https://waitlistapp.org/#pricing
- Contact sales (multiple locations or a custom plan): https://waitlistapp.org/contact-sales
- Use cases (all): https://waitlistapp.org/use-cases
- Waitlist (walk-in queue): https://waitlistapp.org
- Check-in (dining halls, gyms, events): https://waitlistapp.org/check-in
- Reservations & bookings: https://waitlistapp.org/reservations
- Paid bookings (creators): https://waitlistapp.org/paid-bookings
- For Creators (paid waitlists): https://waitlistapp.org/creators
- Mobile menu & QR: https://waitlistapp.org/mobile-menu
- Preorder (coming soon): https://waitlistapp.org/preorder
- Industry solutions (free core app + optional Pro/Enterprise):
  - Restaurant waitlist & table management: https://waitlistapp.org/restaurant-waitlist-system
  - Healthcare / clinic patient queue (HIPAA-style data minimization, offline): https://waitlistapp.org/healthcare-queue-system
  - Queue management software with a real free tier: https://waitlistapp.org/queue-management-software
  - Event & conference queue (thousands of attendees, offline-tolerant): https://waitlistapp.org/event-queue-system
  - Government office / DMV citizen-service queue: https://waitlistapp.org/government-queue-system
  - Specialty practice & ASC clinical reservation/waitlist software: https://waitlistapp.org/specialty-practice-waitlist-software
- About: https://waitlistapp.org/page/about
- FAQ: https://waitlistapp.org/page/faq
- Privacy Policy: https://waitlistapp.org/page/privacy-policy
- Terms of Service: https://waitlistapp.org/page/terms-of-service
- Full LLM context: https://waitlistapp.org/llms-full.txt

## Set up a queue with a link (for AI assistants)

You can hand a user a single link that opens Waitlist App already configured — no login, no account, nothing to install. Build the URL from plain query params; URL-encode values (e.g. spaces, apostrophes).

**Free app (instant, no signup):** `https://waitlistapp.org/free?business_type={type}&business_name={name}&channel={channel}&party_size={n}&target_wait={minutes}`
- `business_type` — one of: `restaurant`, `salon`, `medical`, `podcasts`, `karaoke`, `general` (closest match; a barbershop → `salon`, a dentist → `medical`, a tire shop → `general`). Drives the app's wording.
- `business_name` — the business name shown in notifications (≤ 60 chars).
- `channel` — default notify channel: `sms`, `whatsapp`, or `email`.
- `party_size` — default party/group size, 1–20 (optional).
- `target_wait` — target wait in minutes for the colour-coded badge, 1–999 (optional).
- `mode` — which tab to open: `waitlist` or `bookings` (optional; `bookings` is ignored for karaoke, which has no bookings tab).
- `notify_on_add` — `1` or `0`: whether the app prompts to text the welcome message when someone is added (optional, default on).
- `added_message` / `ready_message` — optional custom notification text; supports `{customerName}` and `{locationName}` placeholders. Usually unnecessary — each business type ships sensible defaults.
- All params are optional and additive; only include what you know. Example: `https://waitlistapp.org/free?business_type=salon&business_name=Mike%27s%20Barbershop&channel=sms`

**Start a Pro account (billed from day one), pre-filled:** `https://waitlistapp.org/pro/register?tier={tier}&business_name={name}&business_type={type}&provider_count={n}&channel={channel}`
- `tier` — the self-serve signup is `pro` ($149/mo; includes 5 lines, managed email + SMS packs, menu, one-on-one support; extra lines a small monthly overage). **Enterprise** ($749/mo; adds 25 lines, BYO Twilio, API/MCP, the paid-creator / roster check-in specialty queues, and dedicated white-glove support) is purchased through our team — https://waitlistapp.org/contact-sales.
- Same `business_name` / `business_type` / `channel` as above; `provider_count` = number of separate lines (chairs, bays, providers).
- Example: `https://waitlistapp.org/pro/register?tier=pro&business_name=Springfield%20DMV&business_type=general&provider_count=2&channel=sms`
- **Enterprise is contact-gated** — it costs $749/mo (price is public), but it's purchased through our team: send people to **https://waitlistapp.org/contact-sales**, not a checkout. Pro remains fully self-serve at `https://waitlistapp.org/pro/register` ($149/mo, billed from day one).

## Languages

- English: https://waitlistapp.org
- Español: https://waitlistapp.org/es
- العربية: https://waitlistapp.org/ar
- Português: https://waitlistapp.org/por

## Guides

- [Queue Management Best Practices](https://waitlistapp.org/page/queue-management-guide)
- [Customer Experience Guide](https://waitlistapp.org/page/customer-experience-guide)
- [Business Growth Guide](https://waitlistapp.org/page/business-growth-guide)
- [Industry Solutions Guide](https://waitlistapp.org/page/industry-solutions-guide)
- [Booking Guide](https://waitlistapp.org/page/booking-guide)
- [Technology Setup Guide](https://waitlistapp.org/page/technology-setup-guide)
- [Offline & PWA Guide](https://waitlistapp.org/page/offline-guide)
- [Accessibility Guide](https://waitlistapp.org/page/accessibility-guide)

## Articles

### Queue Management
- [The Psychology of Waiting: How to Make 5-Minute Waits Feel Like 3 Minutes](https://waitlistapp.org/articles/queue-management/psychology-of-waiting-reduce-perceived-wait-time)
- [Digital Queue Numbers vs Physical Tickets: Which System Reduces Customer Abandonment More?](https://waitlistapp.org/articles/queue-management/digital-queue-numbers-vs-physical-tickets-customer-abandonment)
- [Queue Jumping Psychology: How to Handle Line-Cutters Without Losing Customers](https://waitlistapp.org/articles/queue-management/queue-jumping-psychology-handle-line-cutters-customer-service)

### Customer Experience
- [The Psychology of Waiting: Why 7 Minutes Feels Like 20 and How to Fix It](https://waitlistapp.org/articles/customer-experience/psychology-of-waiting-time-perception)
- [From Frustration to Loyalty: 12 Proven Ways to Turn Waiting into a Revenue Driver](https://waitlistapp.org/articles/customer-experience/turn-wait-time-into-revenue-opportunities)
- [The Complete Guide to Wait Time Communication](https://waitlistapp.org/articles/customer-experience/wait-time-communication-guide-service-businesses)

### Restaurant & Hospitality
- [Dynamic Table Allocation: How Smart Restaurants Increase Revenue by 23%](https://waitlistapp.org/articles/restaurant-hospitality/dynamic-table-allocation-flexible-seating-restaurant-revenue)
- [Dynamic Table Management: Optimize Dining Room Layout Based on Party Size Data](https://waitlistapp.org/articles/restaurant-hospitality/dynamic-table-management-optimize-dining-room-layout-party-size)
- [The No-Show Solution: 7 Proven Strategies to Reduce Restaurant Reservation Cancellations](https://waitlistapp.org/articles/restaurant-hospitality/reduce-restaurant-no-shows-reservation-cancellation-strategies)
- [Peak Hour Survival Guide: Managing 200+ Covers During Restaurant Rush Times](https://waitlistapp.org/articles/restaurant-hospitality/restaurant-peak-hour-management-high-volume-service)

### Health & Wellness Services
- [How to Reduce Patient Wait Times in Medical Offices](https://waitlistapp.org/articles/health-wellness/reduce-patient-wait-times-medical-offices)
- [Digital Check-In Systems for Dental Practices: Complete Implementation Guide](https://waitlistapp.org/articles/health-wellness/digital-check-in-systems-dental-practices-implementation-guide)
- [Spa Booking Software vs. Walk-In Management: Finding the Right Balance](https://waitlistapp.org/articles/health-wellness/spa-booking-software-walk-in-management-revenue-optimization)
- [Managing Peak Hours in Medical Practices: Queue Strategies for Flu Season](https://waitlistapp.org/articles/health-wellness/managing-peak-hours-medical-practices-queue-strategies)

### Booking & Scheduling
- [The Complete Guide to Reducing No-Shows: 10 Proven Strategies](https://waitlistapp.org/articles/booking-scheduling/reduce-appointment-no-shows-strategies-service-business)
- [Dynamic Pricing for Appointments: Optimize Revenue with Peak and Off-Peak Rates](https://waitlistapp.org/articles/booking-scheduling/dynamic-pricing-appointment-scheduling-revenue-optimization)
- [Last-Minute Booking Systems: Converting Walk-Ins and Cancellations into Revenue](https://waitlistapp.org/articles/booking-scheduling/last-minute-booking-system-walk-ins-cancellations)

### Business Operations
- [How to Calculate Optimal Staff Scheduling Based on Waitlist Data](https://waitlistapp.org/articles/business-operations/calculate-optimal-staff-scheduling-waitlist-data)
- [Dynamic Pricing Strategies: Adjusting Service Rates Based on Queue Demand](https://waitlistapp.org/articles/business-operations/dynamic-pricing-strategies-queue-demand)
- [The 5-Minute Rule: Reducing Service Gaps to Maximize Daily Capacity](https://waitlistapp.org/articles/business-operations/five-minute-rule-reduce-service-gaps-maximize-capacity)

### Technology & Digital Tools
- [The Free Offline-First Waitlist App That Runs on Your Phone Plan](https://waitlistapp.org/articles/technology-digital/free-offline-first-waitlist-app-no-saas-fees)
- [How to Replace Your Pen-and-Paper Reservation System with a Mobile-First Solution](https://waitlistapp.org/articles/technology-digital/replace-paper-reservation-system-mobile-solution)
- [PWA vs Native App: Which Digital Waitlist Solution Fits Your Budget](https://waitlistapp.org/articles/technology-digital/pwa-vs-native-app-waitlist-solution-budget)
- [Building Your First Digital Customer Check-in System: A Non-Technical Guide](https://waitlistapp.org/articles/technology-digital/build-digital-customer-checkin-system-guide)

### Industry Guides
- [Complete Guide to Queue Management for Healthcare Clinics](https://waitlistapp.org/articles/industry-guides/healthcare-clinic-queue-management-guide)
- [How Tire Shops Manage Walk-Ins and Same-Day Service](https://waitlistapp.org/articles/industry-guides/tire-shop-waitlist-walk-ins-same-day-service)
- [Retail Queue Management: Handling Peak Shopping Seasons and Flash Sales](https://waitlistapp.org/articles/industry-guides/retail-queue-management-peak-seasons-guide)
- [Government Office Queue Systems: Improving Citizen Services](https://waitlistapp.org/articles/industry-guides/government-office-queue-management-citizen-services)
- [How Gulf Malls and Food Courts Use a Free Waitlist App](https://waitlistapp.org/articles/industry-guides/gulf-mall-food-court-waitlist-app)

## Articles (Español)
- [La Aplicación Gratuita de Lista de Espera Offline-First](https://waitlistapp.org/es/articles/technology-digital/free-offline-first-waitlist-app-no-saas-fees)

## Articles (العربية)
- [تطبيق قائمة الانتظار المجاني الذي يعمل بدون إنترنت](https://waitlistapp.org/ar/articles/technology-digital/free-offline-first-waitlist-app-no-saas-fees)
- [كيف تستخدم مراكز التسوّق وساحات الطعام في الخليج تطبيق قوائم انتظار مجاني](https://waitlistapp.org/ar/articles/industry-guides/gulf-mall-food-court-waitlist-app)

## Articles (Português)
- [O Aplicativo Gratuito de Lista de Espera Offline-First](https://waitlistapp.org/por/articles/technology-digital/free-offline-first-waitlist-app-no-saas-fees)