Comparing White-Label App Development vs Traditional Development in 2024

These are the benefits of using a no-code app builder for white-label apps vs custom app development. Hint: there’s a LOT!

There are MAJOR benefits to using a no-code app builder for white-label app development vs custom app development.

The big ones are cost and time.

THAT’S what you care about. And THAT’S what you save with white-label apps vs traditional app development.

Let’s cut to the chase.

When comparing forms2 no-code white label apps to traditional development in 2024, you’re easily going to save between $39,700 to $99,700 and do it in a ¼ of the time. We’ve researched white-label app development vs traditional development in 2024 for you so you don’t have to.

Cost of White-Label Apps vs Custom (Traditional) Development

The cost savings using white-label apps vs Traditional Development costs in 2024 can be as much as $97,000*. A subscription to our no code white label app builder is $300*** per year and traditional app development costs $70,000-100,000+ for the final app (excluding maintenance and updates).

White-label apps and our white-label app platform and white-label reseller program at forms2 reduce development costs by nearly $100K by offering pre-built frameworks and templates that require less upfront investment – there’s almost zero coding as it’s all rag and drop – we’ve done the hard work for you. You can deploy branded apps for a fraction of the cost of custom development, removing the need for large in-house development teams. Also, white-label opportunities are a great way for resellers and digital marketing agencies to grow their revenue by rebranding and reselling white label platform solutions without much hassle or extra costs.

Let’s look at our pricing.

• *The forms2 no code/low code platform = $18-23 per month/$216-300 per year
• Traditional coding development = $70,000-100,000+ (explained below)
• Result = a $99,700 saving* when you use forms2.

**This is based on the cost of our no-code platform based on comparisons with the highest-ranking mobile low-code app builders Google has to offer as well as traditional coding companies with an average coding app cost of $100,000.
***Price subject to change

Prices correct as of September 2024.

In short, low code development and white label app memberships with forms2 costs $18 a month using our standard package when paid annually to build a business app with forms2 or $25 for our Premium package.

Based on these costs you can have a fully functional business app for $36-$50 using our no-code rag and drop white label app builder. With zero maintenance costs associated aside from your in-house citizen developer. You can build any business app you want with forms2, and we have examples further down below!

Traditional development, which can cost between $40,000 to $100,000+ is a lot more expensive based on a study by Goodfirms.

A Clutch survey found that the average minimum app development project cost ranges from $5,000 to $10,000, but this only includes the discovery phase. The actual costs are much higher with a median total app development cost of $170,000+ which does not include maintenance or update costs.

Result = a $99,700 saving* when you choose low-code/no-code.

Again, you could be saving upwards of $170,000 simply by using low-code development and the drag-and-drop interface within the forms2 low-code app builder.

Build white label apps in days, not months – try it out.

The easiest white-label mobile app builder

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How fast can white-label apps be rolled out?

White-label apps from forms2 can be launched within weeks or even days if you’re fast enough! We have HUNDREDS pre-built templates at forms2, so you can enjoy a rapid deployment system that keeps clients happy because their app can be rolled out in weeks (or days) and new features added in a matter of hours. Because of our customisable templates and drag-and-drop functionality, white-label services and no-code apps are perfect for businesses needing app building without the long delays of custom development that can take months or even years to get right.

Do White Label Apps Save Me Money?

Absolutely. We’re talking a difference of $300 vs $97,000 when it comes to the cost of white-label apps vs custom traditional development as highlighted above, and that’s not including staff, updates or bug fixes or testing!

Custom development requires a major upfront investment that most IT budgets just don’t have, often involving large teams, long development cycles, and extended testing phases. Your clients want something that works, fast and for the cheapest price possible. The forms2 white-label no-code app builder eliminates those costs by providing a pre-built infrastructure that’s highly customisable to their unique brand, logo and colour scheme and unique needs, making them far more affordable and predictable in terms of pricing. By partnering with white label providers like us at forms2, businesses, consultants and even agencies like yours can reduce IT costs (by a LOT), minimise risks because we handle all the security for you, and quickly bring products to market so your client can get going on using their app.

6 Major Benefits of a White Label SaaS Platform

These are the six benefits you care about the most – based on our discussions with citizen developers and IT managers who use our service!

1. Speed to market: Fast deployment within weeks, not months and saves product development time.
2. Low cost: Lower upfront investment compared to custom solutions by around $97,000 per year!
3. Customisable: Full branding control and seamless integration with your organisation with no mention of forms2 anywhere.
4. White label products: White label products let companies scale and boost revenue by rebranding and offering existing services and software as their own, all while keeping operational risks and costs low. You can use the forms2 platform to build a data capture app and sell it as your own solution.
5. Maintenance-free: the team at forms2 manages updates and infrastructure for you.
6. Scalability: Easily scale apps as your business grows without the need for major redevelopments and expand to franchises and more users when you need them.

Need more benefits of white-label apps over traditional app development? I got you.

Category	Forms2 White Label App Solution	Custom App Development	Why It Matters to IT Managers
User Interface (UI/UX)	Drag-and-drop interface for easy customization, pre-built templates for quick setup, fully customizable branding elements, use your own domain.	Fully custom design, requiring extensive development and testing for UI/UX across various screen sizes.	IT managers need quick adoption and easy customization. Forms2 provides a fast, user-friendly UI/UX with minimal effort.
Development Speed	Rapid deployment in 1-2 weeks thanks to pre-built templates and one-click deployment.	Can take months to over a year depending on complexity, due to lengthy development cycles, testing, and iterations.	Speed to market is essential. Forms2 offers rapid application development to roll out apps much faster.
Development Cost	Low upfront costs, predictable pricing, with packages starting as low as $18/month. Infrastructure and updates included.	High upfront costs, ranging from $40,000 to $100,000+, with ongoing costs for maintenance, updates, and infrastructure.	IT managers fear budget overruns. Forms2 provides a cost-effective solution with no surprise costs.
Maintenance & Updates	Managed by Forms2. Automated updates, bug fixes, and new features at no extra cost.	Custom development requires manual updates, bug fixes, and app store compliance, which incur additional costs over time.	IT managers want low-maintenance solutions. Forms2 takes care of all updates and maintenance, saving time and resources.
Features & Customization	Pre-built functionality with full customization using the developer SDK and UI kit. Easily add new modules and features.	Features are built from scratch, which requires significantly more time, resources, and technical expertise to customize.	IT managers need customizability without the complexity of custom development. Forms2 offers the perfect balance.
Scalability	Scalable cloud infrastructure, apps can grow as the business grows without the need for major redevelopments.	Scaling requires additional development work, infrastructure upgrades, and extensive testing.	IT managers need scalability. Forms2 offers scalable, cloud-based infrastructure without the need for extensive development.
Time-to-Market	Apps can be rolled out in weeks using Forms2’s white-label app builder and PaaS platform.	Custom development can take months or even years, delaying product launches and market entry.	Faster deployment is a critical factor. We help you push out apps with rapid application development and ensure FASTER entry to market.
Infrastructure Management	No need to worry about infrastructure. Our team at forms2 manages everything, including servers, backups, and security.	Businesses need to handle infrastructure, including hosting, security, backups, and server management.	IT managers can avoid the headache of infrastructure management. Forms2 takes care of everything, allowing them to focus on their core business.
Security & Compliance	Built-in security features, including GDPR and HIPAA compliance. Strong authentication mechanisms with options for single sign-on (SSO).	Custom apps require building security and compliance from scratch, adding more time and costs for testing and certification.	Data security is a top priority for IT managers. Forms2 provides built-in compliance and security features.
Customization of Branding	Full control over branding, including custom domains, custom URLs, logos, colour schemes, and branded dashboards.	Branding is fully customizable but requires significant development work, with longer timelines to implement changes.	IT managers want customization with ease. Forms2 allows for easy branding without the complexities of custom coding.
Integration with Legacy Systems	Seamless integration with major systems like SAP, Oracle, Azure, AWS and Microsoft. Pre-built integrations for fast data sync.	Custom integrations require more time, development resources, and potential external vendor coordination.	IT managers need smooth integration with existing systems. We give you pre-built integrations that you can connect to via our API
Risk & Reliability	Low-risk, with managed services, real-time support, and ongoing monitoring. Ensures reliability and uptime with minimal risk.	Custom development carries higher risks due to potential bugs, security vulnerabilities, and dependency on developers for fixes.	Reliability and risk reduction are crucial. We handle support, updates, and monitoring to minimise risks on your end.
Mobile-Friendly	Fully optimised for mobile platforms with rebranded mobile apps. With deployment to App Store and Play Store.	Custom development for mobile apps requires additional design, testing, and development work for app store submission.	IT managers want mobile-ready solutions. We can set you up with rebranded mobile apps without the hassle of custom development.
Ongoing Support	Continuous support from our platform specialists, including initial training, troubleshooting, and updates.	Custom development typically requires ongoing developer support, which can be costly.	IT managers need reliable support. Our platform specialists provide continuous support, when you need it so you don’t need to worry!

Types of White Label No Code Apps You Can Build

White label SaaS products come in various forms, each designed to meet specific business needs. Here are some common types of no-code apps our white label partners create:

1. Marketing Automation Software: This type of software helps businesses automate their marketing processes, including email marketing, lead generation, and social media management. By using white label marketing automation software, companies can offer sophisticated marketing solutions without developing the technology themselves and use any API’s they need while connecting to their tech stack.
2. Warehouse Management:
   If you build a white-label warehouse management system, like our customers have here at forms2, you can do things like manage inventory with barcode and QR scanning, track shipments with integrations with DPD/FEDEX etc, and streamline operations all without building their own software. This lets companies to optimise their supply chain and logistics under their own brand, boosting efficiency and control and get a holistic view of their operations.
3. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software: White-label CRM software helps businesses manage their customer relationships, including lead and contact management, sales management, and stuff like customer support. By offering white-label CRM solutions to your clients who are in the CRM world, companies can provide their clients with tools to improve customer engagement thanks to automated updates via emails or proof of work sign-offs, job dispatch forms and increased satisfaction which leads to more good reviews.
4. Project Management Software: This is a big one! If you build project management software using white label apps you can help businesses manage their projects, including task management, team collaboration, and project reporting and build a customised app based on templates we know those in construction need – like toolbox talk templates, lone Worker protection and digital signatures. If you’re a consultant, you can reach out to companies looking to improve their project management capabilities and deliver projects on time and within budget – if you’re in IT, you can make a data capture app for construction completely rebranded to your company logos and colours so everyone in the business just knows its relevant to your business. Project management consultants love using our platform thanks to our 99.9% uptime.
5. Healthcare Apps: White-label apps for healthcare can streamline processes like patient intake and patient triage. Let’s say for example you’re a healthcare consultant. You can create apps for healthcare providers to collect and manage patient data that ensures they’re insured, reducing administrative workload because all info is immediately stored in the cloud and improving the patient experience. For example, a mobile healthcare clinic can use a white-label patient intake app to handle check-ins, health history updates, and digital signatures without needing to build the software from scratch – we know it works because we have a white-label healthcare app case study covering exactly this!
6. Agriculture Apps: In agriculture, white-label apps can be designed for tasks like seed testing and agricultural field testing. We know because we have one of the biggest companies in the world using our white label platform for agricultural field testing apps. These apps help farmers and agriculture managers track and document data directly from the field. For example, a seed company or lab can use a white-label app to send to their clients to record growth data, soil quality, and environmental conditions, giving farmers better insights for decision-making.
7. Construction Apps: White-label apps are perfect for construction professionals who need tools to manage their workflows, roll out toolbox talks and ensure healthy working conditions. From project management to site inspections, white-label apps allow construction businesses to create fully branded apps that handle everything from task assignments to progress tracking. We know they help construction firms stay on schedule and within budget because we create no-code apps for construction and digital forms for construction every day.
8. Telecom Installation Apps: The telecom industry can benefit from white-label apps that manage installation schedules, on-site assessments, and maintenance reporting. For example, a telecom company can deploy a white-label app to keep track of field workers, record installation details, MSV (Multi Skilled Visit forms) and ensure that equipment is installed correctly, which means fewer errors, safer sites and better project management overall.
9. Consultants who offer white label Saas services and no code apps for multiple industries: Consultants who serve multiple industries can use our white-label app reseller program to build custom apps for clients in any sector and become a white label provider, building with rapid application development 10x faster than traditional developers . Whether it’s healthcare, agriculture, construction, or telecommunications, consultants can use forms2’s no-code platform to create bespoke solutions for their clients, providing them with branded, industry-specific apps without the need for extensive development work.

Of course, these are just a few examples of the types of apps you can make and white label SaaS products available here at forms2. But in case you hadn’t noticed yet, the key benefit of white label SaaS products is that they allow businesses to offer high-quality software solutions to their customers without having to invest in traditional app development which can cost a LOT of money and be fraught with setbacks and delays. Check out more of our case studies here and see how businesses are using our no code apps, digital forms and white label PaaS service.

Who can use white-labelled apps?

White-label apps can be used across any industry. From dog grooming to worldwide scaffolding firms – we know because one of the biggest construction firms use our platform for no-code apps and digital forms for scaffold management.

Any industries including retail, education, healthcare, and hospitality – white-label apps are applicable to all. Businesses that need apps for data capture, customer portals, or business workflows can customise and deploy these apps quickly using forms2. Marketing agencies can also benefit from white-label apps by integrating CRM software and e-commerce platforms to provide comprehensive solutions for their clients, enhancing their service offerings and creating new revenue streams.

Do you have any white label case studies?

Yes! Here are three examples of how our forms2 white-label solutions have helped those in our white-label reseller program and white-label partner program make money and better serves clients in multiple industries:

Case Study 1: Read our White Label No-Code Apps & Digital Forms for Healthcare Case Study on how a white-label app partner built a no-code apps & digital forms for healthcare business in a box for £750* per month!

Case Study 2: Read our digital forms case study about how TD Construction Testing saved over £30,000 per year, cut admin by 80% and sped up test results for clients with no-code data capture apps

Case Study 3: How a global maintenance & scaffolding company saved £300,000 in development annually and nearly £3,000,00 in paper using no-code apps and digital forms for scaffolding management.

Watch how TD Construction Testing Saved £30,000+ With Digital Forms & Data Capture Apps

Read more forms2 Mobile Forms & No Code Apps Case Studies

The Basics of White Label Apps Explained

Ok so you know it’s going to save you money, but if you need more information (like I did when I first started) these are the basics of white-label apps and white-label software platforms you should understand first.

What are white-label apps?

White-label apps are pre-built applications that let IT managers and businesses rebrand and customise them to maintain their brand identity – basically a mobile app that you completely rebrand as your own, as if it IS your own, but you build using OUR framework. Unlike private label products or custom built apps, which are exclusive to a single retailer and allow for extensive customisation, white label products are produced for multiple resellers or citizen developers and consultants who cannot or don’t want to alter the core app – they want a drag and drop platform they can rebrand to their own specifications and build within a digital “sandbox” so to speak.

With forms2, you can build client-facing apps with your own logo, colour scheme, or THEIR brands and logos —all while saving time and avoiding building from scratch. Private label products are exclusively developed for a single retailer, whereas white label apps are an off the shelf app that you can customise with drag-and-drop functionality – no coding knowledge required.

Definition of White Label Software

White label software refers to a type of software that is developed by one company and then rebranded and resold by another company as its own product. Just like a record you make and then shop out to other record labels.

This practice allows companies to offer high-quality software solutions to their customers without having to invest in the development process themselves and lets them roll out apps for clients at a fraction of the cost of traditional development, giving them the competitive edge in terms of speed and pricing – check out our Paas and Rapid Application Benefits comparison with traditional development for more on that subject!

By using white-label software and no-code apps, businesses can quickly expand their service offerings and enter new markets with minimal upfront costs – like digital marketing agencies wor consultants who know that construction companies need data capture apps – you can create an app they need and sell it to them on a subscription basis.

This approach is particularly popular in industries such as construction, franchises, healthcare, agriculture, marketing and e-commerce where staying competitive requires constant innovation and rapid deployment of new apps to keep up with demand.

How White Label Software Works

The process of white labelling software typically involves several key steps:

1. Development: A software development company creates a robust software product (or in our case an app) and makes it available for white labelling.
2. Rebranding: Another company, often a marketing agency or a consultancy business, purchases the software and rebrands it with its own logo, name, and branding elements.
3. Resale: The purchasing company/consultant/agency then resells the software and app to its customers as its own product, often bundling it with other services or solutions that are specific to their niche. Like our healthcare provider customer who made a healthcare patient intake app using white label-no-code apps!
4. Support and Maintenance: The original software development company (which is us at forms2) provides ongoing support and maintenance for the software, ensuring it remains up-to-date, compliant, secure and functional. Meanwhile, the purchasing company focuses on sales, marketing, and customer support without worrying about their app crashing – because we provide 99.99%* app up time!

This collaborative partnership between our team of no-code app builders and you let both parties use their strengths, with the development company (us at forms2) focusing on creating high-quality no-code app software that actually works and the purchasing company (the consultant, IT team or marketing agency) handling market reach, adding the features their clients want in a 1/4 of the time and customer engagement without having to worry about managing development.

What data and actions between Forms2 and the rest of your stack are possible

If it’s in your tech stack, we can connect your no-code apps and digital forms to it. The forms2 platform integrates seamlessly with major enterprise tools like SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft and even stuff like weather apps and what3words. You can sync actions between forms2 and your tech stack, enabling smooth data transfer, automated workflows, and real-time updates so you know what’s going on, when it’s going on and in many cases why it’s going on! Check out our integrations list here.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is white-labelling? White-labelling is when a product or service is developed by one company and rebranded by another for resale. With forms2, you can white-label apps and deliver fully customised apps to your clients unique needs like data capture, e-signatures or barcode scanning.
• How does forms2 handle app updates? Our team of platform specialists here at forms2 manages all app updates and bug fixes, so you don’t have to worry about maintenance – just focus on selling and giving your clients the best service possible.
• How customizable are white-label apps from forms2? The forms2 white-label app platform is really customisable, as we offer full control over branding, integrations and the screens you need.
• Can I customise a white-label app? Yes, forms2 allows for easy customisation within a set of templates.
• What integrations are supported? Our platform integrates with major systems like SAP, Microsoft, Oracle, even what3words – you name it, we can connect to it!
• How does dorms2 handle security? We’re tight in security here at forms2, and we ensure compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, and other regulatory standards across the globe.
• How fast can I launch? White-label apps from forms2 can be deployed in weeks – sometimes in days.

Why Use Forms2 for Your White Labelling Services?

Our customers love using forms2 for white labelling as it gives business owners, consultants, citizen developers and marketing agencies the tools to grow their business while building credibility due to high performing apps that won’t let you down.

Here’s some more reasons to choose us as your white-label app platform.

• Boost your brand: Running a consultancy? Fully rebrand your app across web, mobile, and tablet platforms without compatibility issues.
• Fast to market: One-click deployment means you can launch complex apps in no time and roll out updates instantly.
• No infrastructure worries: Our team at forms2 handles all backend tasks, so you don’t have to worry about servers or software updates – we do all the boring stuff.
• Seamless integration: Easily connect your tech stack with forms2’s built-in APIs and multiple integrations for a fully connected system – check out our integrations pages for more info on that.
• Secure user management: We’re HUGE on security here. Use built-in authentication options or features like single sign-on (SSO).
• Cost-effective: Get pre-built templates, lower development costs, and ongoing maintenance, unlike custom app development, which takes longer and costs more we charge a monthly or annually fee per user. Easy.

The white-label app platform we’ve created here at forms2 is super versatile and fits any industry—whether it’s healthcare, retail, education, or zookeeping. With custom development options via shared projects when you need them, seamless integration, and continuous support for our platform specialists, forms2 is your go-to solution for scaling your consultancy business.

What to Consider in White-Label App Solutions & White-Label App Development

When picking a white-label app provider, most of our customers choose us after speaking about the following issues that their PREVIOUS provider simply can’t provide. Look for:

• Custom development options – we can do that via shared projects, but we’ll likely have what you need anyway!
• Built-in integrations with tech stack connections – we can connect to your existing tech stack and have an API for it!
• Proper testing on every app version – we can help with that
• Support for multiple versions and updates to your apps – we’re here for you
• Ongoing post-launch support when it comes to your no-code apps – got a question? We pride ourselves on our customer support!

At the end of the day, forms2’s white-label solution gives IT managers who are short on time and budget a fast, cost-effective, and scalable alternative to traditional custom app development that won’t break the bank. We’ll get you the apps you need faster and you can roll them out faster, too! By reducing the time and resources (you definitely DON’T have) for app deployment, you can gain a competitive edge for your clients and give them an app in weeks, not months at a fraction of the cost. That’s a win-win. And we’re all about winning here at forms2!

Speak to our platform specialists today about becoming a white label app reseller. We have templates ready for you to try and a team standing by waiting to help you become a white label app partner.

Build white label apps in days, not months – try it out.

The easiest white-label mobile app builder

Join The White Label Program