Plastic Trays & HoReCa Supplies

Serving tray buying guide for HoReCa businesses

Choose trays around the service task

Hotels, restaurants, cafes and catering teams can use trays at several points in the same operation. A tray for moving used serviceware back to a wash area does a different job from one used to present refreshments or organise a counter. Before requesting a quotation, write down what the tray will carry, who will handle it and where it will be set down. This gives you a way to compare designs that look similar in a catalogue.

List the service tasks separately if the requirements differ. A room-service tray may need to fit a trolley or shelf, while a counter tray must fit the available display area. A busy collection point may need room for several items without obstructing the workspace. Agree on which tasks can share a tray size and which need a separate option.

Measure the usable area and the full footprint

Ask for the external dimensions and the usable flat area inside the rim. These measurements are not always the same. Give the dimensions of the plates, cups, bowls or containers that need to sit on the tray. Check the placement you actually expect to use, including whether pieces need space between them. If the tray must slide onto a rack or fit a trolley, measure the support and any clearance at the entry point.

Check the height of the rim and the position of the grip area. A rim changes how easily items can be placed or removed. Ask whether the quoted model has handles or relies on a shaped edge. If a sample can be reviewed, check the grip and the loaded footprint in the intended workspace rather than relying only on the listed length and width.

Confirm material and care requirements

Tell the supplier whether the tray is used for carrying packaged items, supporting serviceware or coming into direct contact with food. Request the material details and any suitability information required for the exact application. Do not infer suitability for food contact, hot items or a particular cleaning method from the word plastic or from a product image. Confirm the instructions for the actual model before the order is approved.

Review how the tray will be washed and stored between uses. Ask for the recommended cleaning method and any limits that affect your operation. If your team uses a commercial dishwasher or specific cleaning process, state that requirement instead of assuming the model can be used with it. Keep the supplied care information available to staff.

Review the movement and storage route

Follow one typical service route from preparation to collection. Note any narrow passages, counters, service lifts and areas where staff need to turn or change their grip. Consider the weight and placement of the items being carried. Ask for the offered tray’s relevant handling guidance and check the workflow with the people who will use it. For bulky or awkward items, assess how they will be moved rather than only checking that they fit on the surface.

For storage, measure the shelf width and available height. Ask whether the trays nest or stack and check how easily one can be removed when several are stored together. Where items need to dry after washing, plan enough rack space. Separate storage for different tray types can also help staff pick the intended option quickly.

Plan quantities for everyday and peak service

Estimate the number of trays in use during a normal shift, the number waiting to be collected and the number being cleaned. Repeat the estimate for a busy service period. That gives you a more useful quantity than multiplying the number of tables by a fixed number. If the order covers several areas, list their quantities individually and record any need for matching sizes or colours.

When comparing prices, check whether the offer is per tray or per pack and ask how many are included in each unit. Include delivery charges and other applicable items in the comparison. For a new model, consider whether a trial can confirm fit, cleaning and handling before ordering the full quantity. Record the approved model and size for future restocking.

Request a clear quotation

Send the intended use, preferred size, quantity and delivery city. Include the dimensions of any trolley, shelf or serviceware the tray must fit. State the required material or documentation, and mark whether alternative sizes or colours are acceptable. Ask for the offered model, pack basis, current availability and expected delivery arrangement in writing.

At receiving, check that the quantities, sizes and model match the approved order. Note any visible damage and keep the order reference and packaging details for follow-up. Share the care instructions with the team before placing the trays into regular service.

Frequently asked questions

How do I compare two trays of similar size? Check the usable surface, rim, grip and actual external dimensions, then compare them with the service task.

Can I request a mixed order? List each tray option, size and quantity separately, along with the intended location.

Where can I ask about current options? Use Contact DirectLine and include your dimensions and quantity.