Brandon WatkinsFounder, Flowlabz
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An app is a bigger commitment than a website. There's more to design, more to build, and it keeps costing something after launch. That makes a realistic budget more important, not less.
The short answer
At Flowlabz, a build starts from R 60,000 for a small proof of concept, R 100,000 for an MVP, and R 150,000 for a full system, with a database, sign-in and the rest. Each price covers the whole journey: exploring the idea, discovery, design and the build. A proof of concept takes about 8 weeks, an MVP about 12, and a full system 12 weeks or more. The timeline is set once the scope is agreed.
If you only need the app designed, for your own developers to build, our app design is priced by scope.
After launch, an optional maintenance retainer typically runs R 2,500 to R 10,000 a month, depending on how much ongoing work there is.
What you're actually paying for
An app budget covers much more than screens. A typical project includes:
- Product and UX design: the flows, the screens, and every state in between: empty, loading, error and success.
- Front-end build: the interface your users touch, on the web, on mobile, or both.
- Back end and data: accounts and sign-in, the database, file storage, email, and the logic that ties it together.
- Infrastructure and launch: hosting, environments, deployment, and getting it live.
- Testing: making sure it works on the devices and browsers your users actually have.
We build web apps with Next.js, React and TypeScript on Vercel, with Supabase or Postgres for data, and set everything up end to end on managed services. You don't need to assemble a team to get it live.
What drives the price
User roles
Every type of user, whether a customer, an admin, a staff member or a partner, needs its own screens, permissions and flows. One role is simple. Four roles can double the work.
Integrations
Payments, calendars, CRMs, accounting software, maps, third-party APIs. Each integration means building, testing, and handling what happens when the other service fails or changes.
Data and logic
An app that stores and displays information is simpler than one that calculates, schedules, matches or syncs it. Complex logic is where estimates most often go wrong, so be specific about what the app has to work out for itself.
Platforms
A web app runs in any browser. A mobile app has to ship to the App Store and Google Play. Most of what we build are web apps; when a product needs a mobile app, we build it in React Native, which ships to iOS and Android from one codebase, so "both platforms" doesn't mean paying for everything twice. If a product truly needs a fully native build, we'll say so up front.
Admin and reporting
Someone has to manage users, content and data behind the scenes. Admin tools are easy to forget in a budget and hard to live without after launch.
Design polish
A clean, consistent interface built on a design system costs more up front than screens designed one at a time, and less every time you add a feature afterwards.
Web app, mobile app, or both?
Start where your users are. If they'll use it at a desk, or you need to prove the idea quickly, a web app is usually the fastest and most affordable route: one build, no app store review, and instant updates. If your users need it in their pocket, with notifications, the camera or offline use, a mobile app earns its place. Many products start on the web and add mobile once the core is proven.
How to spend less without cutting corners
- Prototype first. A clickable prototype answers "will people understand this?" before you pay for a full build. More on prototype vs MVP.
- Cut to the core job. An MVP should do one thing well for one kind of user. Everything else goes on a list for later.
- Use managed services. Sign-in, databases, file storage and email are solved problems. Building them from scratch is expensive and rarely better.
- Design the system, not just the screens. With consistent components, new features are assembled, not redesigned.
- Decide who signs off. A single decision-maker keeps feedback rounds short and the scope stable.
Running costs after launch
Budget for the app's life, not just its build:
- Hosting and managed services: many start on free or low tiers and grow with your usage.
- App store accounts: Apple and Google each charge developer account fees if you publish mobile apps.
- Maintenance: bug fixes, small features, dependency updates and infrastructure upkeep. Our retainers typically run R 2,500 to R 10,000 a month.
- New features: the first version is a start. Keep some budget for what your users ask for next.
Who owns the code?
You should. Our app builds end with a walkthrough of the codebase so your team, or any developer you choose, can take it forward. If a quote doesn't say who owns the code, ask before you sign.
How to get a real number
A useful quote needs a clear picture of what the app does, who uses it, and what it connects to. You don't need a spec. A short brief with the core job, the users, and any apps you're reacting to is plenty. Here's how to write one.
Send it through and you'll hear back within 24 hours, with a scope and price within 48. See how we work on our MVP development page, or start the conversation.
Questions we get asked
How long does it take to build an MVP?
With us, about 12 weeks, from the first ideas to the build. A small proof of concept takes about 8 weeks, and a full system 12 weeks or more.
Can you build for iOS and Android at the same time?
Yes, though most of what we build are web apps. When a product needs a mobile app, we build it in React Native, which ships to both from one codebase and performs like a native app for the kind of products we build.
Should I build a prototype before an MVP?
If the idea hasn't been tested with real users, usually yes. A prototype is deliberately quicker and cheaper than a build, and it tells you whether the flow holds up. Here's how to decide.
Do you handle the back end and hosting?
Yes. We set it up end to end on managed services: Vercel for hosting, and Supabase for the database, sign-in, file storage and email.
What does app maintenance cost?
Our maintenance retainers typically run R 2,500 to R 10,000 a month, depending on scope. They cover bug fixes, small feature work and infrastructure maintenance.
