Launch speed
Around five minutes to set up
Move through self-serve setup faster than typical custom project cycles when your required details are ready. This is not a guaranteed publication time.
Comparison
Custom app build vs RewardLoop for independent shop teams
A custom app can suit a larger organisation with a long timeline and specific requirements. Most independent shops need the faster option: a working loyalty product, launch support and business tools already in place. Bespoke App remains available when an app under your own name is genuinely the better fit.
- Start in minutes, not months
- Plans from £29: Essential £29, Starter £49, Growth £99
- Growth supports multiple branches with branch-aware admin visibility
- Self-serve setup can take around five minutes
- First 30 days free
- No hardware requirement
Prices shown are the total amounts charged; no additional tax is added at checkout.
Operational advantage
Less build overhead
Get app reminders, a clear business dashboard and launch materials without technical project management.
Most independent shops need a fast launch, lower delivery risk and a complete product that is ready to configure.
Customers can join through the app, Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. App users receive reminders, and you manage everything from one business dashboard.
Long build cycles, heavier coordination and project cost before launch.
Typical custom build
Scope, build and testing come before launch
- The brief, app identity and delivery plan come first.
- Testing, release handling and operational changes add time.
- A custom build can be right when having an app under your own name matters most.
RewardLoop
Start from a working loyalty platform and go live only when you are ready
| Area | Typical custom app build | RewardLoop |
|---|---|---|
| Setup timeline | Often measured in months before launch. | Self-serve setup can take around five minutes when the required store, brand and offer details are ready. |
| Upfront cost profile | High upfront spend and project risk. | Clear monthly plans: Essential £29, Starter £49 and Growth £99. |
| Maintenance burden | Ongoing technical ownership required. | Managed platform updates and ongoing support. |
| Launch support | Materials and urgent delivery usually increase scope, coordination and extra cost. |
Each human-design option provides one design usable across all branches, three revisions, PNG and PDF. Printing begins only after approval. See poster details. |
| Operational simplicity | Can require wider project coordination. | Start setup at no charge. Customers can join through the app, Apple Wallet or Google Wallet; app users receive reminders, and you get a Data Hub business dashboard. |
| When billing starts | Project spend usually begins before launch. | Start setup at no charge and start a 30-day free trial when you go live, then begin monthly billing when it ends. |
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Setup timeline
Typical custom app buildOften measured in months before launch.
RewardLoopSelf-serve setup can take around five minutes when the required store, brand and offer details are ready.
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Upfront cost profile
Typical custom app buildHigh upfront spend and project risk.
RewardLoopClear monthly plans: Essential £29, Starter £49 and Growth £99.
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Maintenance burden
Typical custom app buildOngoing technical ownership required.
RewardLoopManaged platform updates and ongoing support.
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Launch support
Typical custom app buildMaterials and urgent delivery usually increase scope, coordination and extra cost.
RewardLoopEach human-design option provides one design usable across all branches, three revisions, PNG and PDF. Printing begins only after approval. See poster details.
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Operational simplicity
Typical custom app buildCan require wider project coordination.
RewardLoopStart setup at no charge. Customers can join through the app, Apple Wallet or Google Wallet; app users receive reminders, and you get a Data Hub business dashboard.
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When billing starts
Typical custom app buildProject spend usually begins before launch.
RewardLoopStart setup at no charge and start a 30-day free trial at Go Live, then begin monthly billing when it ends.
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When a custom build may still be considered
- You have a large internal product team and long roadmap horizon.
- You need a very specific proprietary stack beyond loyalty scope.
- You want your own branded app and are comfortable with a scoped project rather than a self-serve plan.
If that sounds closer to your needs, see Bespoke App for the custom option powered by RewardLoop technology.
Why many independents choose RewardLoop instead
- Faster launch for a modern loyalty experience.
- Clear pricing with self-serve start and optional demo support.
- App, Apple Wallet or Google Wallet signup, reminders for app users and a Data Hub business dashboard.
- A free generated poster; optional £49 Custom Design or £149 Express Custom Design; Growth for multi-branch rollout.
Decision Point
Choose the faster path to launch
Prepare for launch, then get your first 30 days free.