A branded app or an ordering website — which is better?
By the Menuthere editorial team · Updated
Start with a free ordering website and QR codes on the Free plan at $0, at 0% commission — they reach every customer instantly in the browser with no download. Add a branded app (Branded App at $99/month) later, once you have repeat customers who justify push notifications and a presence on the stores. The site is for reach; the app is for loyalty and repeat. Updated October 2026.
- The website and QR codes are free on the Free plan at $0, reaching every customer instantly with no download.
- A branded app ($99/month) adds an icon on their screen, push notifications and deeper loyalty.
- The site is better for a new customer; the app is better for a repeat customer who comes back often.
- Both are 0% commission on the order; the difference is reach versus retention.
- Practical rule: start with the site, add the app once repeat volume justifies $99 a month.
Start with the site, step up to the app when ready
Menuthere gives you a free ordering website and QR codes on the Free plan, then a branded app on Android and iOS on the Branded App plan at $99 a month, both at 0% commission. Move up when your repeat customers justify it.
When do I choose the site and when the app?
Choose the website and QR codes first: they reach every customer instantly in the browser with no download barrier, ideal for a new customer and table ordering. Choose the app once you have customers who return often and want an icon on their screen, direct push notifications and deeper loyalty. The site is for reach; the app is for repeat.
| Site + QR (Free) | Branded app ($99) | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $0 | $99/month |
| Reaches the customer | Instantly, no download | After installing the app |
| Push notifications | No | Yes, unlimited |
| Best for | New customer | Repeat customer |
| Commission | 0% | 0% |
Do I need both?
Often yes, in sequence. Start with the free website and QR codes to reach every customer and build a base, then add the app once repeat volume justifies $99 a month. The app doesn't replace the site; it complements it for loyal customers. See how to build your own app.
Do they differ on commission?
No. Both are 0% commission on the order on Menuthere; you only pay the plan's monthly fee (Free $0, Branded App $99) and the payment gateway's card fee if you enable it, which is separate and goes to the gateway. The difference is reach versus retention, not a cut of the order.
Who this is a good fit for
- Restaurants that want to start fast and free, then grow into an app as repeat orders rise.
- Places that want to weigh reach (site) against retention (app) before spending.
- Owners building their own channel alongside the delivery apps.
Who this is not for
- Those who need a POS and tax invoicing: that is the job of an approved POS, not an ordering site or app.
- A new place expecting the app alone to bring its first customers; discovery comes from apps and Google first.
Common follow-up questions
Which should I start with for a new restaurant?
Start with the free website and QR codes on the Free plan at $0. They reach every customer instantly and build a base, then add the branded app once orders repeat enough to justify $99 a month.
Does a branded app really increase repeat?
It helps repeat customers: an icon on their screen, push notifications and loyalty make it easier for them to come back. But it doesn't bring new customers by itself; discovery comes from Google, the apps and the site first.
How much does each option cost?
The website and QR codes are free on the Free plan at $0. The branded app is $99 a month on the Branded App plan, at 0% commission either way.
Read next
Sources (2)
- Menuthere pricing — Free plan and Branded App, Menuthere, read 25 October 2026
- Commission-free ordering from Menuthere, Menuthere, read 25 October 2026