Menu.Miami vs Hardware-Bundled Solutions: Why You Don’t Need a Free TV
Some QR menu companies offer “free” hardware like TVs and tablets when you sign up. Sounds great, right? But here’s why Menu.Miami’s software-only approach is actually better for your restaurant.
The “Free” Hardware Trap
What They Offer
- “Free” 55" TV with stand
- “Free” tablets
- “Free” hardware installation
- Bundled with monthly service
What They Don’t Tell You
- Higher monthly fees ($100-200+/month)
- Long-term contracts (2-3 years)
- You’re locked into their system
- Hardware becomes outdated quickly
- Difficult to switch providers
- Hidden costs in service fees
Menu.Miami’s Approach
Software-Only Solution
- No hardware required - customers use their own phones
- $30/month - transparent pricing
- Month-to-month - cancel anytime
- Works with existing setup - no installation needed
- Optional TV displays - add only if you want them
Why Software-Only Wins
1. Lower Total Cost
Hardware-Bundled Solution:
- Month 1-12: $150/month = $1,800
- Month 13-24: $150/month = $1,800
- Total 2 years: $3,600
Menu.Miami:
- Month 1-12: $30/month = $360
- Month 13-24: $30/month = $360
- Total 2 years: $720
You save $2,880 over 2 years - enough to buy your own TV if you want one, and still have money left over.
2. No Contract Lock-In
Hardware-bundled solutions require 2-3 year contracts. If the service doesn’t work well, you’re stuck. With Menu.Miami, you can cancel anytime - no contracts, no penalties.
3. Customers Use Their Own Phones
Why do you need to provide hardware when every customer already has a smartphone? Menu.Miami’s QR codes work with any phone - iPhone, Android, whatever. No need to buy tablets or TVs for customers to use.
4. Hardware Becomes Outdated
That “free” TV or tablet? In 2-3 years, it’s outdated. But you’re still paying for it through higher monthly fees. With Menu.Miami, you’re always using the latest technology (your customers’ phones).
5. Optional TV Displays
If you want TV displays, Menu.Miami offers them as an optional add-on. You can use your own TV, or we can help you set one up. But you’re not forced to have one, and you’re not paying for it if you don’t need it.
The Real Cost Breakdown
Hardware-Bundled Solution
- Monthly fee: $150/month
- Contract: 2-3 years
- Hardware: “Free” but locked in
- Total 2 years: $3,600-5,400
Menu.Miami
- Monthly fee: $30/month
- Contract: None (month-to-month)
- Hardware: Not required
- Total 2 years: $720
Savings: $2,880-4,680 over 2 years
When Hardware Makes Sense
Hardware-bundled solutions make sense if:
- You don’t have any digital displays
- You want everything from one vendor
- You’re opening a brand new restaurant
- Budget isn’t a primary concern
When Menu.Miami Makes Sense
Menu.Miami makes sense if:
- Your customers have smartphones (they all do)
- You want affordable, flexible pricing
- You prefer month-to-month contracts
- You want to avoid hardware lock-in
- You value specialization over bundling
The Flexibility Advantage
With Menu.Miami:
- Start with just QR menus ($30/month)
- Add online ordering when ready
- Add TV displays if you want them (using your own TV or ours)
- Cancel anytime if it doesn’t work out
With hardware-bundled solutions:
- You’re locked into the contract
- You’re stuck with their hardware
- You pay for everything, whether you use it or not
- Switching is expensive and difficult
The Bottom Line
“Free” hardware isn’t really free - you pay for it through higher monthly fees and long-term contracts. Menu.Miami’s software-only approach saves you thousands while giving you more flexibility and better value.
Start Smart, Stay Flexible
Choose Menu.Miami’s $30/month QR menu solution. No hardware required, no contracts, just beautiful QR menus that work with what your customers already have - their smartphones.