SaaS-Based vs Custom Food Delivery App: What’s Best Option?

December 19, 2025

The food delivery market is growing at a rapid pace, driven by technology and changing customer expectations. For businesses looking to enter this highly competitive space, one decision can determine long-term success or struggle: choosing between SaaS-based or Custom Food Delivery App services. No worries!

This blog contains a comprehensive overview of the two, with the view of enabling you to make an educated decision.

What are SaaS-Based Food Delivery Apps?

SaaS, or Software as a Service, is a software model where the applications are hosted by a service provider and accessed over the internet.

When it comes to food delivery, a SaaS based food delivery app helps the company to start a full-fledged service with a low initial investment.

Key Features of SaaS-Based Apps

• Fast Launch: A great benefit of a SaaS app development solution is its out-of-the-box functionality, allowing businesses to start providing services in no time.
• Lower Costs: The Subscription Model of a SaaS based App generally demands lower upfront costs.
• Maintenance and Updates: The service provider takes care of all the updates and maintenance to keep your SaaS based food delivery app ever engaging.
• Growth: SaaS based food delivery apps are made to be scaled, so taking on expansion is simpler.

Examples of SaaS-Based Platforms

GloriaFood: A popular SaaS based food delivery app known for its ease of use and free basic features.

ChowNow: Another example of a branded online ordering platform.

What are Custom Food Delivery Apps?

A Custom Food Delivery App is a bespoke solution developed from scratch, tailored to meet the specific needs of a business. Unlike a SaaS based food delivery app, a custom app provides full control over the design and features, aligning perfectly with business goals.

Key Features of Custom Apps

• Full Customization: A Custom Food Delivery App offers the ability to create a unique platform that differentiates your brand in the market.
• Advanced Integrations: A custom solution can be integrated with existing systems, unlike a SaaS based food delivery app.
• Enhanced User Experience: A Custom App also enables businesses to build an interface that is directly aimed at their audience.
• Ownership and Control: With a custom solution, you own the intellectual property and are in control of future updates and changes.

Examples of Custom Food Delivery Apps

Domino’s: Developed its Custom Food Delivery App to include unique features such as a pizza tracker, setting it apart from any SaaS based food delivery app.

Uber Eats: Meets global demand with features like AI-powered recommendations.

Key Differences Between SaaS-Based and Custom Food Delivery Apps

1) Cost Comparison

One of the most significant factors in choosing between a SaaS Based vs Custom Food Delivery App is cost. While SaaS solutions offer lower upfront costs, custom apps require a more substantial initial investment.

Cost Comparison	SaaS-Based Food Delivery App	Custom Food Delivery App
Upfront Costs	Lower upfront costs	Higher initial investment
Subscription Fees	$50 to $500 per month, depending on features	No subscription fees
Additional Costs	Extra charges for premium features or exceeding user limits	No extra charges, but requires ongoing maintenance
Development Costs	N/A	$30,000 to $150,000 or more, depending on complexity
Ongoing Maintenance	Included in subscription fee	Requires separate maintenance, adding to the overall cost

2) Time to Market

The main benefit of a SaaS food delivery app is its quick time to market, which may only be a matter of a few days or weeks. On the other hand, the development of a Custom Food Delivery App takes months or even a year, depending on the features and complexity.

3) Flexibility and Customization

A SaaS based food delivery app can be customized to some extent, but usually these customizations are constrained by the features offered by the platform. This creates a risk of vendor lock-in, where organizations are tied to the provider, and their ability to make future changes becomes limited.

On the other hand, a custom food delivery app grants you full control over the design, features, and integrations. This enables companies to customize the solution specifically to their needs.

4) Scalability and Performance

SaaS food delivery apps are built with business growth in mind, but you might need to pay more as your business grows. These applications are designed for performance, but as your business scales, they may not have the capabilities you’ll need; there’s a risk of bottlenecks. Conversely, a custom food delivery app is designed with your business’s future expansion in mind. This means you can grow without borders. Also, the custom app is built to your performance specifications, so it will run exactly the way you need it, no matter how much your business expands. 

5) Security and Compliance

For SaaS-based food delivery apps, the provider handles security, so your business depends on them to comply with industry security standards. But this could be a downside if the app does not comply with your industry-specific compliance requirements or poses risks.

However, with a custom food delivery app, you have the option to implement security measures that are unique to your business. By having this level of customization, you can be confident that your app not only meets your security needs but also complies with any industry regulations, giving you the peace of mind that a generic SaaS solution is unlikely to offer. 

Advantages of SaaS-Based Food Delivery Apps

• Lower Initial Investment: SaaS solutions usually feature a low upfront cost, allowing startups and small businesses to utilize them.
• Fast Execution: Companies can start a food delivery business in a matter of weeks and take advantage of the opportunity in the food market.
• Faster Updates: Users enjoy frequent updates and maintenance at no extra cost, which are critical to keep the app secure and to constantly add new features.
• User-Friendly: Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) products are useful, easy to operate, and simple for non-technical staff managing the business.
• Data Protection: SaaS vendors generally have strong security policies to protect user data and to comply with regulations.

Advantages of Custom Food Delivery Apps

• Complete Customization: Custom applications enable the adaptation of all application functions to the business’s unique needs, creating a tailored user experience.
• Branding: You can design your app to match your brand and distinguish yourself in the market.
• Exclusive Options: Companies have the possibility to create exclusive functions that may not be included in SaaS platforms.
• Save in the Long Run: Although the upfront cost is higher, custom apps may save money in the long term, as there are no subscription fees to pay.
• Seamless Integration: One of the biggest advantages of custom app development is that you are able to have your application custom-integrated with your other existing systems, such as an inventory system and a POS system.

SaaS-Based vs Custom Food Delivery App – Best Decision for Your Business

The decision between SaaS-based and custom food delivery app development varies on many factors, such as your budget, timeline, and your business requirements. Here are some things to consider before making a decision:

• Budget Restrictions: If you are on a tight budget and need to get up and running immediately, a SaaS-based product might be the best option.
• Long-Term Vision: For building a unique brand with specific features and functions, developing a custom app is worth the investment.
• Technical Savvy: Will you be able to update and maintain a custom app in-house, technically speaking? If not, a SaaS platform might take some of the work out of maintenance.
• Market Competition: Check out your competitors – If your competitors rely on customized solutions to differentiate themselves, chances are you will need to do the same to be competitive.

How RichestSoft Can Help You Build the Right Food Delivery App

RichestSoft, the Top Food Delivery App Development Company, offers both SaaS-based and custom solutions to brands of all types and sizes. We can help you make the right choice between SaaS-based and custom food delivery apps on the basis of your business goals, budget, and growth plans.

SaaS-Based Food Delivery App

As a leading SaaS App Development Company, we handle:

• Platform selection and setup
  
• Branding and UI customization
  
• Payment gateway and delivery integrations
  
• Performance optimization and launch support
  

Custom Food Delivery App Development

As a expert Custom App Development Company, we offer:

• User, restaurant, and delivery partner apps
  
• Real-time order tracking and notifications
  
• Secure payment and wallet integration
  
• Admin dashboards with analytics
  
• Scalable architecture designed for growth

Conclusion

When choosing between SaaS based vs a custom food delivery app, companies need to take into account their budget, time to market, flexibility, scalability, and security.

A SaaS app development solution is the best pick for those who want a cheap and easily available solution. However, the Custom Food Delivery App is completely scalable and flexible, and hence, it will be the right choice for companies having unique requirements and willing to have long-term growth.

FAQ’s

Q1: Which is best: SaaS or custom food delivery app development?

A: It depends on what you want your business to accomplish. SaaS apps are suitable for launches with more limited budgets, while custom apps are a better choice if you want full control, scalability, and long-term growth.

Q2: How soon can I get a food delivery app on the basis of SaaS?

A: Most of the SaaS based food delivery apps can be deployed in a matter of days or a few weeks, which makes them a quick way to get into the market.

Q3: Is it worth the cost to make a custom food delivery app?

A: Yes, if you are planning to scale, you need advanced features or full ownership. Custom apps are more flexible and can provide more ROI in the long term.

Q4: Can I transition from a SaaS app to a custom app?

A: Absolutely. Many companies begin with SaaS to test the market and then migrate to a custom solution as their business grows.

Q5: So, in what way should I choose the right option with RichestSoft?

A: RichestSoft considers your budget, timeline, and your business needs to suggest the best suitable food delivery app for you.