The question reaches us in two forms: "my budget is limited, do I upgrade the theme or launch an app?" and "my store is doing well, is it time for an app?". The honest answer is that the two products solve different problems, and buying the wrong one means paying twice.
What each one actually solves
A theme solves the new visitor. Someone arrived from an ad or a search, and you have seconds to convince them the place is serious and the product is worth it. The theme is the first impression, the way the product is presented, and how clear the path to the basket is.
An app solves the repeat customer. Someone bought once and was convinced. The app makes coming back easier, and more importantly it opens a direct channel to them through notifications. A web store cannot remind anyone about a basket they abandoned. An app can.
Compared side by side
| Store theme | Mobile app | |
|---|---|---|
| Serves | The new visitor | The repeat customer |
| Cost | 250 to 1000 SAR, paid once | Renewing subscription from about 180 SAR a month |
| Reaching the customer | Waits for them to return | Direct notification on their device |
| Time to launch | A day or less | Days, through app store review |
| Management | Platform dashboard | Same store catalogue, no double entry |
A practical rule that settles it
Look at what share of your customers bought more than once in the last six months. If it is low, your problem is conversion or the product itself, and an app will not fix it because an app speaks to people who already bought. Upgrade the theme and work on content that brings visitors.
If that share is meaningful and you have a base that returns, an app gives you two things the web cannot: a faster return trip, and a direct notification channel. That is the point where the subscription starts paying for itself.
What the MT-Themes app includes
The app runs on your existing Zid catalogue, so there is no double entry and no separate inventory. It includes:
- A full notification system: abandoned baskets, order updates, price drops and restocks, scheduled campaigns and A/B testing of headlines, with targeting by language and behaviour.
- Full customisation: colours, fonts and section order, with dark mode support and ready-made app themes to choose from.
- Live chat and an AI assistant inside the app to answer customers.
- A dashboard reporting on app and campaign performance.
Pricing
| Term | Price | Saving |
|---|---|---|
| Every 3 months | 770.5 SAR | - |
| Every 6 months | 1236.25 SAR | 20% |
| Yearly | 2156.25 SAR | 30% |
All plans include the same features; only the term differs.
The order we recommend
If you are starting from zero: a theme that fits your niche first, then content that brings visitors, then an app once you have a base of customers who return. That order is not caution. An app multiplies an existing list, it does not create one from nothing.
Browse the themes or see the app details and its live preview. If you are not sure where your store stands today, get in touch and we will help you decide.
