For suppliers: how to sell to restaurants and hotels online in the UAE

Restaurants, cafés and hotels buy the same supplies again and again, which makes them some of the most valuable customers a supplier can win. They are also busy, demanding and quick to switch when a delivery is late. This guide explains how hospitality buyers choose suppliers, and how to present your products, answer requests and deliver in a way that turns a first order into a long account.

Key takeaways

Hospitality buyers value reliability and speed of reply as much as price.
Complete listings with clear photos, sizes, minimum order and delivery time win more requests.
Answer requests for quote quickly and completely; the first good answer often wins.
Repeat orders come from consistent quality, on-time delivery and easy reordering.

How hospitality buyers choose a supplier

A restaurant manager or hotel purchaser usually has little time and many items to buy. They shortlist suppliers who look credible, answer clearly and can deliver to their location on time. Price matters, but a missed delivery before a busy weekend costs them far more than a small saving.

Credibility: a verified company with a clear profile and real product photos.
Clarity: sizes, materials, minimum order and delivery time stated up front.
Speed: a fast, complete answer to their request.
Reliability: on-time delivery and goods that match the description.

Build listings that answer questions before they are asked

Every question a buyer has to ask is a reason to move on to the next supplier. A strong listing answers the usual questions on the page.

Real photos of the product, including close-ups of material and finish.
A specific name: size, material and use, not just a model number.
Unit, pieces per carton, minimum order and price or price on request.
Delivery time and the emirates you deliver to.
Customisation options such as logo printing, with their minimum order.

Answer requests for quote to win

A request for quote is a buyer who is ready to buy. Treat it as a sales call. Reply quickly, quote exactly what was asked, and make the offer easy to compare.

Reply the same day where you can; speed signals reliability.
Quote the exact item, quantity and delivery location that were requested.
State the unit price, VAT, delivery charges and delivery time clearly.
Offer a better alternative only after quoting what was asked.
Keep ready-made answers for common questions so the team replies consistently.

Deliver well and earn the reorder

The first order is a trial. Hospitality buyers reorder from suppliers who make their week easier: goods that match the sample, deliveries that arrive when promised, and problems solved without argument. Pack carefully, label cartons clearly, confirm delivery times, and tell the buyer early if anything changes.

Pricing for repeat business

Restaurants and hotels compare unit prices, but they decide on total value. Clear price tiers for larger quantities, honest delivery charges and stable prices on regular items build trust. If prices must change, tell regular buyers in advance.

Selling on DEPORI

DEPORI connects verified suppliers with business buyers across the UAE, including restaurants, cafés, hotels, offices and shops. Suppliers are reviewed before they can sell, and buyers who send requests are verified businesses, shown with a verified-buyer mark and their type of business.

You receive requests for quote, chat with buyers and send official quotes. Buyers pay through DEPORI, and you are paid every Monday and Thursday for orders delivered at least 48 hours earlier. You can start on the Free plan, which charges a small commission per paid order, or choose Pro or Enterprise for 0% commission.

Common questions

How do I start selling to restaurants in the UAE?

Build a clear product range with real photos, sizes, minimum order and delivery times, then reach buyers through a B2B marketplace, direct visits and referrals. Answer every request quickly and completely.

What do hotels look for in a supplier?

Consistent quality, reliable delivery, proper VAT invoices and a supplier who answers quickly when something goes wrong. Price matters, but reliability often decides.

When are suppliers paid on DEPORI?

Every Monday and Thursday, for orders delivered at least 48 hours earlier, to the bank account in your profile.

Is there a commission on DEPORI?

The Free plan charges a small commission on each paid order. The Pro and Enterprise plans have a subscription and 0% commission.