5 Ways to Streamline Your Hospitality Operations

Save time & money while keeping guests happy

When the world goes through economic fluctuations, the hospitality industry feels it. Whether you run a cozy inn or bustling hotel, a tourist-favorite restaurant or underground nightclub or anything else that falls under the hospitality umbrella, you’re likely all too familiar with the challenges of the industry. 

One way you can stay ahead of the curve is to find a supplier that helps small business owners, leadership teams and charitable organizations do more for less. As Blue Ridge Inn bed-and-breakfast owner John Lavin says, “The more time and money I can save … the more I can make a great experience for the guests who stay here.”

What qualities do Lavin and other small business owners look for to streamline their hospitality operations? We’ve rounded up five compelling features below.

1. Competitive pricing to stretch your budget further

Whether you’re upgrading your hotel furnishings or restocking housekeeping supplies, you’ll want to stay within your budget. Look for providers that offer affordable prices on a regular basis. Consistent pricing is also key. If a supplier’s prices are usually low but spike during major travel seasons, you may wind up spending more than you anticipated.

On top of that, regular seasonal and flash sales feature even lower price tags. If your top concern about managing your hospitality business is staying on budget, look for a supplier with reasonable prices that don’t fluctuate too much over time.

For more tips on buying hotel supplies online, check out our blog.

2. Simplified supply runs

Each hospitality business has unique needs and priorities. As the owner of the Blue Ridge Inn, Lavin says, “The two things you have to get right at a bed and breakfast are the bed and the breakfast.” Other businesses might specialize in world-class amenities, gourmet meals, craft cocktails—the list goes on.

Rather than having to run around to specialty stores or piece together orders from numerous online retailers, look for a single storefront with an ever-expanding assortment that makes it easier to find what you’re looking for. 

From the main office to employee break rooms to supply closets and beyond, you’ll want a supplier that carries a wide variety of hospitality needs. This is increasingly important as supply chain issues persist throughout the industry.

3. Free shipping & fast delivery from local stores

Ordering online certainly frees up your valuable time when compared to buying in stores, but shipping fees can add up fast. If you can find a supplier that offers fast, free shipping, you won’t have to worry about choosing between saving time and saving money.

Sometimes you need something faster than it can ship from an online retailer. Maybe you’ve run out of a key ingredient just before the dinner rush or you’re running critically low on clean towels. In those cases, you may find it helpful to take advantage of same-day delivery from nearby stores. Some suppliers offer local delivery in as little as one hour, helping you avoid disruptions and continue to provide top-tier service.

4. Multiuser accounts with shared payment options

You’re probably not the only person making purchases for your hospitality business. Having multiple users share the same business account can make it difficult to track and manage expenses, but having multiple accounts just makes things unnecessarily complicated. Instead, choose a provider that lets you create multiuser accounts. That way, you can share payment options while making it easy to see who’s buying what.

5. Membership benefits

Many suppliers offer benefits like fast delivery and competitive pricing—but what if you need more? Some suppliers offer a variety of useful perks for loyal customers. Earning store credit rewards on large orders, for example, effectively increases your purchasing budget. Online tools that analyze your spending habits could help you better manage your money. Some providers host blogs, videos and testimonials from other small business owners. Their insights could help you improve your own operations.

Delight your guests with Walmart Business

If you’re looking for a hospitality supplier that offers all of the features we’ve discussed, then Walmart Business can help. Sign up for a free Walmart Business account, and you’ll be able to buy goods in bulk, set up multiuser accounts and view your complete order histories for both in-store and online purchases.

Power users can level up those Walmart Business accounts by signing up for a Walmart Business+ membership. With this paid membership, you’ll get free shipping with no order minimum¹, and free delivery from local stores on orders over $35.² You’ll also enjoy 2% back in Walmart Business Rewards,³ allowing you to reinvest in your business and your team. 

These savings can add up to over $500 a year,⁴ which makes a big difference in an industry with razor-thin margins. If you’re ready to learn more, get started here. You can also find additional resources, such as marketing tips and financial guides, in our content hub.

Thriving in the hospitality industry requires exceptional customer service, a commitment to quality and the ability to make the most of your budget. By choosing a retail partner with the same values, you’ll be better equipped to navigate economic and industry-specific challenges while leading your business to new heights.

¹ Excludes most Marketplace items, freight and certain location surcharges.

² Subject to store hours and availability. Order must be placed within daily cut-off window

³ Rewards can only be used toward future purchases on Walmart Business. Additional terms apply. 

⁴ Savings based on 1 free $35+ delivery order vs. $9.95 fee and 1 free shipping order under $35 vs. $6.99 fee biweekly, plus 2% Walmart Business Rewards on monthly order >$250 (average value of $400).