Choosing white label app or custom app for your business?

In the digital age where Iphone become the most important thing in people’s life, from doing businesses to having entertainment. As a result, more and more businesses move their focus from website to mobile to adapt to the change, resulting hot demand in app development. However, they often face critical choice: Which is better? White-label app or custom app? Each approach has its advantages and challenges depend on various factors including budget, time and specific needs. Here we will explore the difference of each approach and how to decide which fit your companies the most.

What is white-label app?

White-label app prefers to mobile app already created by one company but sold to the client and rebrand under their name. Similarly, a white-label app development software or tool is built by certain company can be used by other brands to build create their own apps.

For example, a restaurant wants to build an app for the customers, but have limited budget or time. In this case, they can get a white-label solution provider such as no-code app development solution to create their app.

Moreover, white-label app development become a growing trend with many benefits. Businesses and agencies with the shortage of developers and high development cost problems have turned to white-label app development for affordable prices, faster and easier to work with.

Which industries use white-label app?

White-label app have become popular in business world and expanded to various industries, making it a good option for many popular industries as below:

·       Public catering: Catering businesses can improve customers’ experience through white-label app. It provides businesses with their built-in online ordering, phone-to-table, procurement and payment feature.

·       Taxi and ridesharing: Mobile app provides both passenger and driver with built-in features like real-time tracking, ride request acceptance/rejection, electronic payment gateway.

·       Traveling: These apps improve travel industry by offering customer with personalized experience. It helps with features like booking travel, managing reservations, real-time flight updates, helps business stand out from other competitors.

·       Retail and e-commerce: Customers benefit from its feature such as wishlists, one-click checkout, shipping options, order tracking.

·       Banking: They can create mobile apps for easy account management, transfers and other services. They also add budget tracking, loan applications feature to differ them from others.

What is custom app?

It defines the mobile app created with fully customized app development process. To start with, you need to hire a professional team and large resources to develop your app. Depending on the app type and targeted operating system, custom app can cost your more than several normal ones.

Although there are many other bespoke app development techniques, the following are the most widely used ones:

·       Native app development: It is the process of creating apps for one specific creating platform. For example, Android, iOS, etc. Each platform will have its own set of frameworks and development ecosystem.

·       Cross-platform app development: Here, apps are built with capacity to run on multiple platforms. Cross-platform is becoming highly popular these days.

·       Progressive web app (PWA) development: Here, advanced web technologies are used to create apps that render websites in a mobile interface. It is used to create instant web-view apps.

To simplify, a custom mobile app development is a custom app created from scratch through app development process. The more complex the app, the more time and cost takes to build it.

The differences between two types

Both varieties have benefits and drawbacks of their own, depending on a variety of criteria; in some situations, one may be appropriate while the other is not, and vice versa. Here are some of the criteria to differ the two of it.

1. Development Speed

White-Label App Development:

·       Quick to Market: White-label apps are pre-built and can be quickly customized to match your brand, allowing for a much faster launch. This is ideal for businesses looking to enter the market rapidly or seize a time-sensitive opportunity.

·       Minimal Development Time: Since the core structure of the app is already developed, customization is typically limited to branding and minor feature adjustments, significantly reducing the overall development time.

Custom App Development:

·       Longer Development Timeline: Custom apps are built from scratch, which requires a longer timeline for development, testing, and refinement. This approach is better suited for businesses that can afford the time and resources to create a unique product.

·       Tailored Development Process: The development timeline is dictated by the complexity of the features and the level of customization required, meaning it can take a few months to over a year to complete.

In conclusion: If speed is a priority, white-label apps are the better option. For businesses that need a highly customized solution and can afford the time, custom development may be preferable.

2. Cost Considerations

White-Label App Development:

·       Lower Upfront Costs: White-label apps typically come with a lower upfront cost because the foundational work has already been done. Businesses only need to invest in customization and branding, making this option more budget-friendly.

·       Cost-Effective Maintenance: Ongoing maintenance and updates are often handled by the white-label provider, further reducing long-term costs.

Custom App Development:

·       Higher Initial Investment: Developing a custom app requires a significant financial investment, as it involves hiring developers, designers, and project managers. The cost increases with the complexity of the app's features and functionality.

·       Ongoing Costs: Custom apps often require dedicated resources for maintenance, updates, and scaling, which can add to the overall cost over time.

In conclusion: White-label apps are generally more cost-effective, especially for small to medium-sized businesses. Custom apps, while more expensive, can offer a higher return on investment if they meet specific, complex needs that off-the-shelf solutions cannot.

3. Customization and Flexibility

White-Label App Development:

·       Limited Customization: While white-label apps allow for branding and some feature customization, they come with predefined structures and limitations. Businesses may need to compromise on certain features or functionalities.

·       Template-Based Design: The design and user experience are often based on templates, which can limit creativity and uniqueness.

Custom App Development:

·       Full Customization: Custom apps offer complete control over every aspect of the app, from design to functionality. This allows businesses to create a unique user experience tailored to their specific needs and goals.

·       Scalability: Custom apps can be built with scalability in mind, allowing for future growth and the addition of new features as the business evolves.

In conclusion: If your business requires a unique solution with specific features and the ability to scale over time, custom development is the better choice. However, for businesses with standard needs, a white-label app may suffice.

4. User Experience and Branding

White-Label App Development:

·       Consistent User Experience: White-label apps are often designed to meet industry standards, providing a consistent user experience that is familiar to users. However, this can also mean that your app may not stand out from competitors.

·       Branding Limitations: While white-label apps allow for logo placement and color schemes, they may not fully capture the essence of your brand or offer the unique experience you want to deliver.

Custom App Development:

·       Unique User Experience: A custom app can be designed to offer a user experience that is perfectly aligned with your brand’s identity and values, setting you apart from competitors.

·       Strong Brand Presence: With complete control over design and functionality, a custom app can more effectively communicate your brand’s message and create a memorable experience for users.

In conclusion: Custom app development is better for businesses that prioritize a unique, branded user experience. White-label apps may be suitable for those who are comfortable with a more generic user experience.

5. Long-Term Value and Control

White-Label App Development:

·       Shared Control: With a white-label app, businesses often share control with the provider, which can limit their ability to make significant changes or updates.

·       Dependence on Provider: Long-term success is tied to the provider’s updates and maintenance, which can be a risk if the provider’s services decline or change.

Custom App Development:

·       Complete Ownership: A custom app provides complete ownership and control, allowing businesses to update, modify, and scale the app as needed without relying on third-party providers.

·       Long-Term Investment: While initially more expensive, a custom app can provide greater long-term value by offering a solution that evolves with the business.

In conclusion: Custom development is the better choice for businesses seeking long-term control and value. White-label apps may be more suitable for short-term projects or businesses with limited resources.

How to choose which for your business

In business, it is important to know whether white-label app or custom app is suitable for your business. When choosing, you must look at many factors in your business such as specific needs, budget, long-term goals. Depend on your company’s factors, you can decide which is needed for your company.

·       White-label apps are ideal for businesses that need a quick, cost-effective solution with minimal customization. They’re particularly useful for startups or small businesses looking to enter the market rapidly.

·       Custom apps are better suited for businesses that require a highly tailored solution, unique branding, and the flexibility to scale. While more costly and time-consuming, custom apps offer long-term value and complete control.

Therefore, it is entirely depended on your company’s goals, resources and costs when choosing which is best for your business.

If you are the business owner and are having problem about which one to use in your company, You can contact us at Dicom Interactive to help with your problem.

About Dicom Interactive

Dicom Interactive is one of the top boutique software development with offices located in Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam and Melbourne – Australia, with over 15 years experience in the business.

We have been working on a variety of projects across the continents, with focus on education, transportation, entertainment, game, healthcare, insurance, food & beverage, automobile, and travel industry. We can help you in either white-label app or custom app development suitable for your business. You can check for our Service and Portfolio here.

If you need help with another development projects beside mobile app, you can contact us for a free consultation on defining your scope as well as the required workforce for your project.

Dicom Interactive