How to determine the QR code menu price

How to determine the QR code menu price

Determining the right QR code menu price for your restaurant can be confusing with so many options available. However, QR code menus are digital menus that customers access by scanning a square code with their smartphone. Furthermore, prices range from completely free to over $200 monthly, depending on features and provider. Therefore, this guide will help you understand exactly what different QR code menu services cost and how to choose the right price point for your business needs.

Factors That Affect QR Code Menu Pricing

Money-Saving QR Code Menu Price Strategies

  1. Start with proven solutions like pikMenu Standard ($25) that include website and restaurant menu ordering without transaction fees
  2. Bundle services: Get both QR menus and website functionality in one package
  3. Choose no-transaction-fee options: pikMenu eliminates credit card processing fees on direct orders
  4. Pay annually: Most services offer 15-25% discounts for yearly payment
  5. Start simple: Begin with basic features and upgrade as revenue grows
  6. Handle setup yourself: Avoid setup fees by entering menu data yourself

While QR code menus offer numerous benefits, many restaurant owners wonder about implementation costs. Learn more about 7 QR code menu benefits to make an informed decision.

QR Code Menu Price Overview

Here’s a quick overview of QR code menu pricing across the market:

Price RangeMonthly CostTypical FeaturesBest For
Free$0Basic menu display, static QR codesTesting, very simple menus
Basic$15-40Dynamic codes, analytics, customizationSmall restaurants, cafes
Mid-Range$40-80Online ordering, payments, integrationsGrowing restaurants
Premium$80-200+Multi-location, advanced analytics, POS integrationLarge restaurants, chains

Now, let’s dive into the details of each price category.

Free QR Code Menu Options ($0)

Several providers offer QR code menus at no cost:

Many restaurants can start with free solutions that cover basic needs:

Basic QR Code Generators: First, several websites let you create simple QR menus at no cost. Additionally, these work well for restaurants with simple online menus that don’t change often.

Free Trial Periods: Moreover, many companies offer free trials lasting 14-30 days. As a result, this lets you test their system before deciding to pay.

Permanently Free Services: Furthermore, some companies provide QR menus with no ongoing costs:

  • Applova offers free QR menus with basic features
  • QReveal provides free digital menus and price lists
  • pikMenu has a free plan that includes essential menu features
  • Also, basic website builders can host simple digital menus

Paid QR Code Menu Price Ranges

Basic Plans ($15-40/month)

These services offer more professional features at an affordable QR code menu price:

  • Happy Menu: $27 monthly with menu customization and basic analytics
  • pikMenu Standard: $25 monthly including:
    • High-quality food photos that increase up-sells by 3-30%
    • Multi-language support for international customers
    • Simple online ordering system (no transaction fees on direct orders)
    • Professional website that updates automatically with menu changes
    • Saves approximately 5 minutes per table in service time
  • Additionally, easy menu updates and changes
  • Furthermore, customer viewing statistics
  • Also, professional design templates
  • Finally, customer support

Mid-Range Plans ($40-80/month)

Better QR code menu price point for restaurants wanting more advanced features:

  • My Menu: Starting at $39 monthly with enhanced customization
  • pikMenu Premium: $50 monthly featuring:
    • Full online ordering and payment processing (no transaction fees on direct orders)
    • TV display / Digital Signage integration for showing menus on screens
    • Direct connection to your cash register system
    • Detailed business analytics and reports
    • Proven to increase revenue by 3-30% through better up-selling
    • Reduces service time by 5 minutes per table
  • Moreover, integration with point-of-sale systems
  • Additionally, advanced customer data collection
  • Finally, priority customer support

Premium Plans ($80-200+/month)

Full-featured solutions for larger restaurants:

  • My Menu Diamond Plan: $129 monthly with comprehensive features
  • Complete online ordering and payment systems
  • Multi-location management tools
  • Custom branding and design services
  • Advanced reporting and analytics
  • Finally, dedicated account management

Additional Costs to Consider

Beyond the monthly subscription, factor in these one-time costs:

Physical Display Materials

  • Table stands and holders: $39-50 for quality displays
  • Basic table tents: $2-10 each
  • Wall-mounted displays: $5-25 each
  • Window decals and stickers: $1-5 each

Setup and Design Costs

  • Professional setup: $50-200 one-time
  • Menu photography: $200-800 one-time
  • Custom design work: $100-500 one-time

Transaction Fees (if applicable)

  • Credit card processing: 2.9-3.5% per transaction
  • Third-party delivery integration: 15-30% commission
  • Note: Some providers like pikMenu eliminate transaction fees on direct orders

How to Calculate Your QR Code Menu Price

To determine your total investment, follow these steps:

Step 1: Choose Your Feature Level

  • First, basic menu display only: $0-25/month
  • Then, online ordering capability: $25-75/month
  • Next, full payment processing: $50-150/month
  • Finally, enterprise features: $100-300+/month

Step 2: Add One-Time Costs

  • Physical QR displays: $50-300
  • Additionally, setup and photography: $200-1,000
  • Also, custom design: $100-500

Step 3: Calculate First Year Total

  • Monthly fee × 12 months
  • Plus one-time setup costs
  • However, minus any annual payment discounts (typically 15-25%)

Step 4: Factor in ROI Consider revenue increases and cost savings:

  • Time savings: ~5 minutes per table
  • Furthermore, revenue increase: 3-30% from better presentation and upselling
  • Finally, cost elimination: printing, website maintenance, transaction fees

Static vs. Dynamic QR Codes

Static QR codes are free but limited:

  • Cannot be changed once created
  • No tracking or analytics
  • Must create new codes for menu updates

Dynamic QR codes cost money but offer flexibility:

  • Update menu content without changing the QR code
  • Additionally, track customer scanning behavior
  • Furthermore, A/B test different menu layouts
  • Finally, connect to ordering systems

Features That Increase QR Code Menu Price

More advanced features mean higher monthly costs:

  • Basic menu display: $0-25 monthly
  • Online ordering (no transaction fees): $25-75 monthly
  • Payment processing: $50-150 monthly
  • Multi-location management: $75-200+ monthly
  • Advanced analytics: $100-300+ monthly

Number of Locations

  • Single restaurant: One flat monthly rate
  • However, multiple locations: Per-location pricing or bulk discounts
  • Furthermore, chain restaurants: Custom enterprise pricing

Payment Plans

  • Monthly billing: Full price
  • However, annual payment: Usually 15-25% discount
  • Finally, multi-year contracts: Up to 30-40% savings

Price Comparison Examples

Here’s what restaurants actually pay for QR code menus:

Small Café Example

  • Service: pikMenu Standard at $25/month
  • Setup: $60 for table displays (one-time)
  • First year total: $360
  • Value: Additionally, includes website, ordering without transaction fees, 3-30% revenue boost

Family Restaurant Example

  • Service: pikMenu Premium at $50/month
  • Setup: $120 for professional displays (one-time)
  • First year total: $720
  • Value: Furthermore, full ordering/payment system, 5 minutes saved per table, significant revenue increase

Multi-Location Chain Example

  • Service: Enterprise solution at $300/month (3 locations)
  • Setup: $1,500 for professional implementation
  • First year total: $5,100
  • Value: Finally, centralized management, detailed analytics, proven ROI across locations

Understanding QR Code Menu Price vs. Value

When evaluating QR code menu price, consider the return on investment:

Revenue Impact: Services like pikMenu increase up-sells and overall revenue by 3-30% through:

  • Visual menu presentation that encourages additional orders
  • Easy add-on selections during ordering
  • Multi-language support attracting more customers

Time Savings: Quality QR menu systems save approximately 5 minutes per table by:

  • Eliminating menu explanation time
  • Reducing order-taking errors
  • Streamlining the payment process

Cost Avoidance: Even a moderate QR code menu price often eliminates:

  • Menu printing costs ($50-200 monthly)
  • Website maintenance fees ($30-100 monthly)
  • Credit card processing fees (when using direct ordering)

Important QR Code Menu Price Questions

When comparing QR code menu price options, ask providers:

  • What’s included in the base monthly price?
  • Are there setup fees or cancellation penalties?
  • Do you charge transaction fees on orders?
  • How easy is it to update menus independently?
  • What customer support is provided?
  • Do you offer annual payment discounts?
  • Can customer data be exported if we switch services?
  • What’s the real ROI based on revenue increase and time savings?

Choosing the Right QR Code Menu Price Point

The optimal QR code menu price balances cost with necessary features and ROI:

For small restaurants: pikMenu Standard ($25) provides excellent value with menu display, website, basic ordering, and no transaction fees. The 3-30% revenue increase typically covers costs within 2-3 months.

For busy restaurants: pikMenu Premium ($50) includes payment processing and advanced features. The combination of revenue increase and 5 minutes saved per table often generates $200-500+ additional monthly revenue.

For restaurant chains: Enterprise solutions ($100+) offer multi-location management and detailed analytics with proven ROI across multiple locations.

Final QR Code Menu Price Recommendations

QR code menu price ranges from free basic options to $200+ monthly for enterprise solutions. Most restaurants find optimal value in the $25-75 range.

Key insight: Solutions like pikMenu that increase revenue by 3-30% and save 5 minutes per table typically generate positive ROI within 2-3 months. When customers can easily view attractive food photos and order directly without transaction fees, both efficiency and sales improve significantly.

Smart approach: Focus on QR code menu price solutions that eliminate transaction fees and provide measurable business benefits. Start with proven options like pikMenu Standard ($25) that bundle multiple services, then upgrade based on actual usage and revenue growth.

Remember that the right QR code menu price investment pays for itself through increased efficiency, higher sales, and reduced operational costs. Even a $50 monthly investment often generates several times that amount in additional revenue and time savings.