Using Extras to Upsell as Part of the Booking Journey

As the World Cup approaches, hospitality operators face one of the biggest opportunities - and challenges - of the year. Demand surges, venues fill quickly, and the pressure on operations intensifies.

But here’s the reality: being busy doesn’t always mean being profitable.

The venues that truly win during major sporting events aren’t just full, they’re strategically maximising every booking. If there's one small change you can implement prior to the games, we think it should be Extras - and here's why...

What Are “Extras” in the Booking Journey?

Firstly, lets talk more about what Extras are.

Within Zonal Bookings, Extras are optional add-ons that customers can select while making a reservation - think drinks packages, or bundles. Extras differ to pre-orders as they firstly are presented as an upsell on the booking journey, they can have payments taken in advance to completing the booking form, and the items you upsell, do not have to be products on your POS.

Extras are:

Seamlessly integrated into the booking flow
Configurable per event or occasion
Designed to increase revenue while enhancing the guest experience

In simple terms, Extras turn a booking into a commercial opportunity before the guest even arrives.

Why Extras Are Critical During the World Cup?

1. Demand Is High - But So Is Missed Revenue

Major tournaments drive huge footfall. For example, previous football events have seen hospitality demand rise by over 120%.

However, many venues still fall into the trap of:

Filling tables without increasing spend per head
Missing upsell opportunities
Struggling with last-minute operational pressure

Extras solve this by locking in higher-value bookings upfront.

2. Increase Spend Per Head Before Guests Arrive

Upselling during the booking stage is one of the most effective revenue strategies in hospitality. It allows businesses to increase revenue without increasing capacity.

With Extras, you can:

Offer match-day packages (e.g. burger + beer bundles)
Sell premium experiences (VIP tables, best screen views)
Add group-friendly options (sharing platters, pitchers)

Even small add-ons can significantly increase total booking value—especially for group bookings typical of major sporting events.

3. Secure Revenue in Advance with Deposits & Prepayments

One of the biggest advantages of using Extras within Zonal is the ability to take payment upfront, including:

Deposits
Pre-paid packages
Pay-in-advance products

This delivers two key benefits:

✅ Protect Against No-Shows

Deposits reduce cancellations and late drop-offs - critical during high-demand fixtures.

✅ Improve Cash Flow

Prepayments bring revenue forward, helping fund:

Additional staffing
Stock purchases
Operational preparation

Zonal allows Extras to be tied to booking rules, meaning payment can be required at the point of booking or via the guest portal later.

In order to take payments, deposits or credit card guarantee, you must have a payment provider set up. You can find out more about how to set this up in the Payments section of the Knowledge Base

4. Transform Operational Planning

World Cup service is fast-paced and high-pressure. Extras provide a clear operational advantage by enabling pre-planning.

With pre-ordered Extras, you can:

Forecast stock more accurately
Reduce kitchen or bar bottlenecks
Prepare drinks and food in advance
Allocate staff more effectively

Instead of reacting to demand, your team can prepare for it.

For some additional help in planning, we recommend using the Bookings List.  As shown above, you can refine your view of the columns and information needed to help prepare in advance of the day

5. Deliver a Better Guest Experience

Upselling isn’t just about revenue - it’s about experience.

When done right, Extras:

Create a more seamless and personalised journey
Remove friction on the day (no queuing or ordering delays)
Enhance the overall occasion

In fact, modern guests expect this level of personalisation and convenience, and are increasingly willing to pay for it.

The Commercial Impact: Why This Matters Now

The World Cup represents a short, intense trading window where every booking counts.

The difference between venues that succeed and those that struggle often comes down to preparation:

Are you locking in spend before the guest arrives?
Are you reducing operational pressure on match day?
Are you maximising every cover?

Extras help answer “yes” to all three.

Final Thoughts: Turning Bookings into Revenue Engines

Online bookings shouldn’t just secure a table - they should maximise the value of every guest interaction.

By integrating Extras into the journey, hospitality operators can:

Increase revenue per booking
Secure cash flow ahead of service
Reduce operational strain
Deliver a better, more premium experience

And during an event like the World Cup, where demand is high but margins are under pressure, that can make all the difference.