Price of a QR Code Ordering Solution for Restaurants: The Real Cost
When a restaurateur is interested in a QR code ordering solution, the promise is often seductive: modernize service, save time, and improve customer experience. But behind the commercial pitches, the real price of a QR code ordering solution for restaurants is sometimes very different from what is advertised.
Subscription, hardware, printer, POS, maintenance… This article provides a transparent overview of the real cost of a QR code solution and explains how to avoid unpleasant surprises.
The Different Elements That Make Up the Price of a QR Code Solution
Monthly Subscription: The Visible Cost
The majority of QR code ordering solutions operate on a subscription model.
- basic solutions: €30 to €60 / month
- complete or POS-driven solutions: €80 to €150 / month
- premium platforms: sometimes more
This displayed price is often the only one highlighted, while it represents only part of the total cost.
The Cost of Imposed Hardware (Often Overlooked)
Many solutions impose specific hardware from the start.
- thermal printer: ~€250
- dedicated tablet: €150 to €300
- stand or proprietary hardware
👉 These costs are usually paid upfront but rarely included in the overall calculation presented to the restaurateur.
POS Dependency: An Important Indirect Cost
QR code ordering solutions dependent on a POS often lead to:
- installation or migration fees
- staff training
- paid updates
Coûts indirects :
- time lost during deployment
- dependence on a single provider
- increased complexity in case of failure
These elements almost never appear on a quote but directly impact profitability.
Invisible Recurring Costs
Beyond subscription and hardware, some costs accumulate over time:
- consumables (paper, ink)
- hardware maintenance
- replacement in case of breakdown
- options or modules billed as extras
Over a year, these fees can represent several hundred euros in additional costs.
Example of Real Cost Over 12 Months
Traditional QR Code Solution with Printer
- •subscription: €90 x 12 = €1,080
- •printer: €250
- •consumables / maintenance: ~€150
➡️ Estimated total cost: ~€1,480 in the first year
Independent QR Code Solution Without Imposed Hardware
- •controlled subscription
- •no mandatory hardware purchase
- •no consumables
➡️ Reduced and predictable total cost
Why "Low Cost" Doesn't Always Mean Cheap
- impose hardware
- multiply paid options
- lock the ecosystem
A true low cost is based on:
- simplicity
- absence of hidden costs
- freedom of configuration
QR2App: A Transparent Pricing Approach
QR2App was designed to avoid these pitfalls.
- no POS required
- no mandatory printer
- no imposed hardware
- clear and controlled subscription
Orders are received via a digital interface with real-time notifications, without heavy initial investment.
For Which Establishments Is Cost a Decisive Criterion
Cost control is particularly crucial for:
- independent restaurants
- bars and beach bars
- seasonal establishments
- small and medium-sized hotels
- launching concepts
In these contexts, reducing fixed costs is often more important than multiplying complex features.
Conclusion: The Real Price of a QR Code Solution Is Simplicity
The price of a QR code ordering solution for restaurants is not just a monthly subscription. It includes:
- imposed hardware
- technical dependency
- hidden costs
- operational complexity
Choosing a solution without POS, without mandatory printer, and without imposed hardware allows you to keep real costs controlled and predictable.
👉 QR2App chooses transparency and simplicity, for a profitable QR code ordering solution from the first month.
