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, with more control over your costs, your brand and your customers?

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 371 delivery zones. Instead of only listing your business in an app, it gives you the tools to run your own online store:

• Everything to go live within days. Every merchant gets a branded store page, a product catalogue, order and delivery management and a POS system. MnBaladna takes care of hosting and payments.
• Your own webshop. Every merchant, on any plan including the commission-based option, gets a professional store on their own subdomain or custom domain, activated and customised from their dashboard, so customers can order directly from you. Read how it works in Get a Professional Website for Your Store or Restaurant, or look around our demo store, Makhzan MnBaladna (payments there run in test mode, so no real orders are placed).
• A store management app. The MnBaladna Store app (Android) lets you follow orders, manage delivery drivers and customer messages, update stock, set your opening hours and delivery time, and check your balance from your phone. An iPhone app is in development; until then you can manage your store in any browser. See also our tips for handling rush hours.
• Flexible delivery. Offer delivery, or let customers pick up their order from your shop.
• Promotion tools. Create discounts and coupons and join campaigns to bring back your regular customers.
• Support in your language. Get help in English, Arabic, Dutch or German 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 more of the profit. Every regular customer who moves from a marketplace order to a direct order can improve your margin.

How to get started

1. Register your store. Fill in the form on the MnBaladna vendor sign-up page and choose your plan: commission-based or a subscription with a free 3-month trial.
2. Complete your business details. Add your business name, address and contact information, and have your company details ready, 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, usually within days, customers can start ordering directly from your store.

For a detailed walkthrough, see our step-by-step guide to registration, orders and payouts.

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. MnBaladna works in English, Arabic, Dutch and German. Adding Arabic and Dutch helps you reach Arabic-speaking customers and Dutch-speaking customers who are curious about Arab food.

How much does it cost?

You choose the model that suits your business:

• Commission-based (pay as you sell): no fixed fee; you pay a commission per order that varies by business type, around 10% for restaurants, 5–8% for groceries and 8–10% for retail. It is an ideal first step if you are new or not sure yet.
• Annual subscription: plans start from €199 per year (Economy, Intermediate, Advanced and Premium), each with a free 3-month trial. With a subscription you pay a fixed yearly fee instead of commission per order.

Compare what each plan includes on the MnBaladna price plans page. For questions, contact our team.

Ready to sell directly to your community?

If you want more control over your costs and your customer relationships, your own webshop could be the next step. Register your store with MnBaladna and start building direct relationships with your customers.

Helpful guides from the MnBaladna Help Center

• Plans for Merchants
• Start as Seller
• Your Store Website