# Turn wait times into repeat customers > NextMe makes it simple for service-based teams to manage appointments, waitlists, and queues to get more guests through the door. Source: https://nextmeapp.com/ Virtual queuing and waitlist software NextMe is an award-winning virtual waiting room that gives teams real-time control of every line and guests the freedom to wait wherever they like. Streamline customer flow, maximize throughput and turn every wait into a better experience. [Try it free](https://web.nextmeapp.com/signup) [Book a demo](https://nextmeapp.com/request-demo/) - [4.8 on Capterra](https://www.capterra.com/p/165482/NextMe/) - [5.0 on Clutch](https://clutch.co/profile/nextme#highlights) - [5.0 on G2](https://www.g2.com/products/nextme/reviews) ![A waitlist with guests confirmed, notified and waiting, a guest’s place in line, and their SMS updates](https://nextmeapp.com/_astro/waitlist-text-message-hologram-nextme_Z1LvEwQ.webp) Sony, Magic Leap, Prophet, Octagon, SYFY, Netflix Is a Joke: The Festival, BravoCon, Superfly, SXSW, Marvel, BMW, Peacock, Live Nation, Formula 1, LEGO, Hello Kitty, United Airlines, San Diego Comic-Con International, Topps, CES, HudsonGray, Cafe Selmarie, IHOP, Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint, Kanela Breakfast Club, Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, O'Charley's, Black Bear Diner, Bongo Room, Buffalo Wild Wings, Guelph General Hospital, Ivinson Memorial Hospital, Phoenix ER, Sprout Kids Dentistry, Family Health Centers, Grifols, Zen Leaf, Herbology Cannabis Co., Nature's Care & Wellness, Oasis Cannabis Dispensary, Shangri-La Dispensaries, Sweetspot, The Source Dispensaries, Trilogy Health Wellness Community, Rivian, Staples, Target, T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, Best Buy, CB2, Fabletics, Funko, Geek Squad, lululemon, Nordstrom Rack, Pandora, Long Beach Animal Care Services, NVA, Palm Valley Animal Society, Pet Check Urgent Care, Ally Urgent Veterinary Care, Affordable Veterinary Services of VA, BARC Animal Shelter & Adoptions You're in good company ## From global brands to the shop down the street We're on a mission to make waiting more meaningful. Customer experience is the lifeblood of every service business, and it starts before guests walk through the door. The wait is often their first impression, and NextMe helps you make it a good one, with smoother operations for your team, more freedom for your guests and more revenue from every line. Teams in 30+ verticals trust NextMe to get it right, and their [case studies](https://nextmeapp.com/case-studies/) and [reviews](https://nextmeapp.com/reviews/) show how. - [EventsAgencies, exhibitors and event organizers](https://nextmeapp.com/industries/events/) - [RestaurantsRestaurants, diners and cafes](https://nextmeapp.com/industries/restaurants/) - [HealthcareUrgent cares, clinics and hospitals](https://nextmeapp.com/industries/healthcare/) - [VeterinaryAnimal hospitals, vet clinics and grooming services](https://nextmeapp.com/industries/veterinary/) - [RetailStores, pop-ups and service counters](https://nextmeapp.com/industries/retail/) - [DispensariesCannabis and medical dispensaries](https://nextmeapp.com/industries/dispensaries/) - [Beauty & WellnessSalons, spas and barbershops](https://nextmeapp.com/industries/beauty-and-wellness/) - [EntertainmentArcades, bowling alleys and venues](https://nextmeapp.com/industries/entertainment/) - [EducationAdvising, admissions and financial aid offices](https://nextmeapp.com/industries/education/) - [GovernmentCourts, permit and licensing offices](https://nextmeapp.com/industries/government/) - [DMVsDMV branches and motor vehicle offices](https://nextmeapp.com/industries/dmvs/) ## Powerful and intuitive features Everything you need in a waitlist app to manage expectations and deliver delightful waiting experiences. ![Add Guest form recognizing a returning guest by phone number, with their past visits, shown in NextMe](https://nextmeapp.com/_astro/repeat-guest-recognition-nextme_Z1Fr7ax.webp) ### Repeat visitor recognition NextMe recognizes returning customers and auto-populates their previous information, helping speed up service and create opportunities to reward loyalty. [Learn more](https://nextmeapp.com/waitlist-management/) ![Virtual waiting room showing a guest their place in line on their phone, shown in NextMe for a retail store](https://nextmeapp.com/_astro/retail-virtual-waiting-room-nextme_15oWU7.webp) ### Virtual waiting room Unleash your creative potential and drive revenue by giving guests compelling things to do while they wait on your fully branded virtual waiting room. [Learn more](https://nextmeapp.com/virtual-waiting-room/) ![Customizable text message templates with variables and a live preview, shown in NextMe](https://nextmeapp.com/_astro/customizable-text-message-templates-nextme_Z1ENBXF.webp) ### Customizable SMS texts Customize the message content of your notifications and decide how and when you want to communicate. [Learn more](https://nextmeapp.com/waitlist-management/) ![A booking slotting into the waitlist between walk-in guests, shown in NextMe](https://nextmeapp.com/_astro/bookings-slotting-between-walk-ins-nextme_ZH37tz.webp) ### Appointment bookings Wave goodbye to juggling multiple systems. Book appointments in advance and manage them seamlessly alongside walk-ins in one clean interface. [Learn more](https://nextmeapp.com/bookings/) ![The waitlist on laptop, tablet and phone, shown in NextMe for a veterinary clinic](https://nextmeapp.com/_astro/veterinary-waitlist-app-multi-device-nextme_Z1R68Nq.webp) ### Multi-device syncing Works on web, tablet and phone. Your staff can track waiting customers from anywhere, synced across every device. [Learn more](https://nextmeapp.com/waitlist-management/) ![Three ways for guests to join: website, kiosk and QR code, shown in NextMe for a DMV](https://nextmeapp.com/_astro/dmv-self-check-in-options-nextme_1O3jaU.webp) ### Self check-in Empower your guests to join the waitlist on their own with a customizable form that you can display via QR code, kiosk, or on your website. [Learn more](https://nextmeapp.com/self-check-in/) Why NextMe? ## Easy to use, built to scale, backed by real people Some waitlist tools are clunky and overcomplicated. Others look sleek but leave you on your own when something goes wrong. NextMe is easy to learn, built to scale, and comes with a real team in your corner. [Our values](https://nextmeapp.com/story/) ### Easy from day one No bloated feature lists or upsells. Staff learn it in minutes, and it fits the way you already work. ### Reliable human support Real people answer, fast. No ticket queues or runarounds. Big or small, we treat every team as a partner. ### Flexible and scalable by industry Teams in 30+ industries, from single front desks to 70+ location franchises, run on NextMe. ### Your feedback matters Everything we build starts with feedback from teams like yours. The best products are built with the people who use them. ## Save money, improve reviews and keep lines moving - **32%** average cost savings over traditional waitlist solutions - **2x** faster guest intake compared to the competition - **30%** average increase in customer retention - **17%** average increase in positive online reviews Less time managing the line, more guests who stay. ![Headline metric cards for visits, served guests and message delivery rate, shown in NextMe](https://nextmeapp.com/_astro/analytics-headline-metric-cards-nextme_NNkof.webp) ## Keep guests engaged while they wait Most waitlist software treats the wait as dead time. With NextMe, it's time with your brand: over 50% of guests click into your virtual waiting room from their text, then check back 7 times on average to see their place in line. And it's your page, not a generic one with someone else's logo on it. Fill it with whatever goals your team has: - Your menu, services or products - Deals, promotions and pre-orders - Loyalty and rewards sign-ups - Intake forms and check-in details - Your website and social links - Games, polls, videos and sponsor content [Learn more](https://nextmeapp.com/virtual-waiting-room/) ![Virtual waiting room showing a guest their place in line on their phone, shown in NextMe for an event](https://nextmeapp.com/_astro/event-virtual-waiting-room-nextme_b4aWt.webp) ## Analytics insights to better understand how your team is performing NextMe has a suite of powerful analytics and reporting tools to help you understand peak hours and staff accordingly. Leverage historical wait times to quote more accurately in the future and build guest profiles to help reward loyalty. Easily export your guest lists to use with other customer engagement software. [Learn more](https://nextmeapp.com/analytics/) ![Analytics dashboard with volume, wait time and messaging metrics, shown in NextMe for a restaurant](https://nextmeapp.com/_astro/restaurant-waitlist-analytics-dashboard-nextme_j7Blt.webp) ## Case studies See how teams across events, restaurants, healthcare and government turn long lines into better guest experiences. [All case studies](https://nextmeapp.com/case-studies/) - [NextMe Powers the Visit Anaheim Gifting Suite at Connect Marketplace with Cultivate](https://nextmeapp.com/case-studies/visit-anaheim/) — Events · NextMe ran the Visit Anaheim gifting suite at Connect Marketplace, serving over 900 hosted buyers with 84% retention and turning the wait into brand time. - [NextMe Powers the Virtual Queue for The Shop at Fanatics Fest NYC 2026](https://nextmeapp.com/case-studies/the-shop-at-fanatics-fest/) — Events · See how NextMe ran the virtual queue for The Shop at Fanatics Fest NYC 2026, giving nearly 800 fans their festival time back while staying engaged. - [How Hello Kitty Cafe Chicago Managed 4,600+ Guests at the World’s Largest Grand Opening](https://nextmeapp.com/case-studies/hello-kitty-cafe-chicago/) — Events · When Chicago police threatened to shut down the world’s largest Hello Kitty Cafe grand opening, NextMe’s hybrid queue moved 4,600+ guests off the sidewalk. ## Happy teams, grateful customers Hear from the teams who use NextMe every day to run their lines and keep guests happy. [All reviews](https://nextmeapp.com/reviews/) > “NextMe allowed us to eliminate long lines while giving our guests a seamless way to engage with our activations. It’s a game-changer for experiential marketing.” Paul I.NCompass International![NCompass International](https://nextmeapp.com/_astro/ncompass-international.BSYaieUQ_2jwPQh.webp) > “Pet Check has seen a dramatic increase in client satisfaction. We often have long wait times due to high volume, and NextMe has given our clients the freedom to use their time how they want while they wait.” Maria R.Pet Check Urgent Care![Pet Check Urgent Care](https://nextmeapp.com/_astro/pet-check-urgent-care.DX-4v1k5_Z19Hdb9.webp) > “NextMe has completely changed the way we interact with guests. Wait times are down, and staff are more productive. It’s been a game-changer for our office.” Joseph S.City of Mill Creek![City of Mill Creek](https://nextmeapp.com/_astro/city-of-mill-creek.BJrUpmky_9WRRu.webp) > “An outstanding platform, with great service and everything we need to give the best experience to our membership.” Desi S.Arizona Country Club![Arizona Country Club](https://nextmeapp.com/_astro/arizona-country-club.DIvJ-j9A_ZPQKLv.webp) ## Latest articles Real-world insights on managing lines, waitlists, and streamlining your guest flow. [All articles](https://nextmeapp.com/blog/) - [What Reservation Lotteries Miss About Running a Booth](https://nextmeapp.com/blog/event-management/what-reservation-lotteries-miss-about-running-a-booth/) — Event Management · A lottery can’t reuse a slot nobody showed up for. A virtual queue can, and it turns the wait into time fans spend with your brand. · October 19, 2026 · 10 min read - [The Enterprise Features You Didn't Know NextMe Had](https://nextmeapp.com/blog/waitlist-and-queue-management/enterprise-queue-management-software/) — Waitlist & Queue Management · Enterprise queue management software should take work off your staff, not add it. See how NextMe handles routing, roles, and reporting across locations. · October 13, 2026 · 5 min read - [How to Explain Your Virtual Queue to Guests](https://nextmeapp.com/blog/event-management/how-to-explain-your-virtual-queue-to-guests/) — Event Management · Many guests have never joined a line on their phone. Here's how to explain your virtual queue to them, plus ready-made wording your whole team can use. · September 24, 2026 · 13 min read