If you run an Arab restaurant, a halal grocery or a specialty food shop in the Netherlands, you have probably thought about Thuisbezorgd or Uber Eats. They bring a large audience and a ready-made delivery system. But many owners eventually ask the same question: is there a better way to sell online without giving away a share of every order?

This guide explains why merchants look for an alternative and how MnBaladna helps Arab businesses in the Netherlands sell directly to their own customers.

Why merchants look beyond big delivery marketplaces

Marketplaces are useful, but they come with trade-offs that matter more as your business grows:

• Commission on every order. Each sale is shared with the platform, which reduces your margin, especially on lower-priced items.
• Your brand is in the background. Customers remember the app they ordered from, not your shop.
• You compete on the same screen. Your restaurant appears next to dozens of others, and price often becomes the deciding factor.
• Limited focus on the Arab community. General platforms are built for everyone, so Arabic-speaking customers searching for familiar products are not their main focus.

What MnBaladna offers Arab businesses

MnBaladna is a delivery and e-commerce platform built for Arab communities in the Netherlands, covering more than 370 delivery zones. Instead of only listing your business in an app, it gives you the tools to run your own online store:

• Your own webshop. Get a professional store on your own subdomain or custom domain, so customers can order directly from you.
• A store management app. The MnBaladna Store app lets you follow orders, update stock and check your balance from your phone.
• Flexible delivery. Offer delivery, or let customers pick up their order from your shop.
• Promotion tools. Create discounts and coupons to bring back your regular customers.
• Support in your language. Get help from a team that understands Arab businesses and their customers.
• An audience that is already looking for you. Customers who use MnBaladna are searching for Arab, Syrian and halal food and products.

Marketplace vs. your own webshop

Do you have to choose one or the other?

No. Many merchants keep a presence on a large marketplace to reach new customers, and use their own webshop for repeat customers. The idea is simple: use marketplaces to be discovered, and use your own store to keep the profit. Every regular customer who moves from a marketplace order to a direct order increases your margin.

How to get started

1. Register your store. Visit the MnBaladna Help Center and submit your store registration.
2. Complete your business details. Add your business name, address and contact information, and prepare your company details such as your KVK number, BTW number and IBAN.
3. Download the store app. Install MnBaladna Store from Google Play to manage your shop.
4. Add your products. Upload photos, prices and descriptions in Arabic and Dutch so more customers can find you.
5. Go live. Once your account is approved, customers can start ordering directly from your store.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep selling on Thuisbezorgd or Uber Eats?

Yes. MnBaladna does not stop you from using other platforms. Many owners use both and encourage repeat customers to order directly.

Can I show my products in Arabic and Dutch?

Yes. Adding both languages helps you reach Arabic-speaking customers and Dutch-speaking customers who are curious about Arab food.

How much does it cost?

New stores can start with a free trial period, and pricing plans depend on the size and type of your business. Visit mnbaladna.com or the Help Center to request a quote.

Ready to sell directly to your community?

If you are tired of sharing every order with a marketplace, your own webshop could be the next step. Register your store with MnBaladna and start building direct relationships with your customers.