App development pricing is notoriously opaque, quotes for "an app" can range from under £100 a month to tens of thousands, depending on what's actually being built. Here's how to make sense of it as a small business.
Two Very Different Starting Points
Almost every small business app request falls into one of two categories, and they're priced completely differently.
White Label Apps
A ready-built app, rebranded with your logo, colours and business name, so your customers get their own branded app without a custom build. This is a good fit for businesses like salons and barbers that need booking functionality without a bespoke system, we offer this from £60/month.
Custom-Built Apps
Built from scratch around your specific processes, a booking system with unusual rules, a customer portal, an internal tool. These are quoted individually because the cost depends entirely on complexity, number of features, integrations with existing systems, and whether it's a web app, a mobile app, or both. See booking system vs off-the-shelf software and web app vs mobile app for how to think about scope before asking for a quote.
What Drives a Custom Quote Up or Down
- Number of user types (customers, staff, admin) and what each needs to do
- Integrations, payments, calendars, existing software
- Whether it needs to work as a native mobile app or a mobile-friendly web app
- Ongoing hosting, maintenance and updates after launch
Ownership
With a custom build, once it's complete and paid for, the app and its code are yours. That's worth confirming with any provider before you start, some agencies retain rights or lock you into their platform.
Get a Clear Quote
We quote custom app development individually with no surprises, and offer a £60/month white label option for salons, barbers and similar businesses. See our app development service or get in touch for a free consultation.
FAQs
How much does app development cost for a small business in the UK?
It varies significantly by scope. A white label booking app can start from around £60/month. A custom-built web or mobile app, such as a booking system, customer portal or internal tool, is quoted individually based on complexity, since costs depend heavily on features and integrations.
Is a white label app cheaper than a custom app?
Generally yes. A white label app is a ready-made product rebranded as yours, so there is no custom build cost, which is why it can be offered from a fixed monthly price. A fully custom app is built from scratch around your specific processes, which costs more but gives you complete ownership of the code.
Do I own a custom app once it is built?
Yes. Once a custom app project is complete and paid for, the app and its code belong to you.