Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions - List Building

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Will my guests sign up for my email program?
Can people join my email club through my website?
What if I already have an email list?
How can I tell how many members are on my list?
What does it mean that a list member has been "kicked out?"
What does it mean that a list member is "unsubscribed?"
Can I tell who actually opens the emails from me?
What do I say to my guests to get them to join?

Q: Will my guests sign up for my email program?
A: Over 10 million people have opted to join Fishbowl-run email programs of over 250 national, regional and independent restaurants. Our client restaurants sign up an average of 2,000 guests per store per year. This is consistent across the board in different segments of the restaurant industry (fast casual, casual dining, fine dining).

Q: Can people join my email club through my website?
A: Yes. Fishbowl allows you to create a subscriber web page where your guests can sign up for your email club. Your Client Services manager will provide you with the link when your account is set up.

Q: What if I already have an email list?
A: If you already have an email list, you can upload it and we'll add it to your database. Please note that the members on this list must have opted to receive emails from your restaurant. Contact your Client Services manager to upload a list.

Q: How can I tell how many members are on my list?
A: Fishbowl provides you an online list-building report which tells you the total number of members, "kicked out" members and unsubscribed members for a specific date range. To view these reports, go to Reports, click on View Membership Report, and then define the date range and grouping for which you would like to view a report. You can also see who's on your list by going to Members and selecting the Manage Lists option.

Q: What does it mean that a list member has been "kicked out?"
A: A list member will be "kicked out" or removed from your list as an invalid email address after we've attempted to send an email two times within a 30-day period and the emails cannot be delivered.

Q: What does it mean that a list member is "unsubscribed?"
A: A list member is unsubscribed when s/he has chosen to discontinue receiving your emails. They may do this through the Unsubscribe link on your email or by simply replying to your email and our Customer Service will take care to unsubscribe that member.

Q: Can I tell who actually opens the emails from me?
A: No, you cannot tell which guest opens your emails.

Q: What do I say to my guests to get them to join?
A: You simply want to tell them the benefits to membership: a gift for joining, a gift on their birthday and news about special events, promotions, new products, offers, discounts and other "fun happenings" at your restaurant. Tell them that you will protect the privacy of their information and won't over-email them; maybe 1 to 2 emails a month!