eCommerce App Development in 2024: Steps, Cost, Tech Stack

3 Reasons Why You Should Invest in eCommerce App Development 

Following, we’ve listed the top 3 crucial reasons why you should invest in an eCommerce app. Let’s discuss:

1. Active Smartphone Users:

The increasing number of active smartphone users is a compelling reason to invest to build an eCommerce app. With a significant portion of the global population owning smartphones, these devices have become the primary means of accessing the internet.

An eCommerce app ensures that your business is accessible to a vast audience, allowing potential customers to browse, shop, and make purchases conveniently from their mobile devices. 

The mobile-centric nature of modern consumer behavior underscores the importance of having a presence on smartphones through a dedicated app.

2. Higher Demand:

The demand for online shopping has witnessed a substantial surge in recent years. Consumers appreciate the convenience of browsing and buying products from the comfort of their homes. 

An eCommerce app caters to this demand by providing a user-friendly platform for customers to explore products, read reviews, and make secure purchases. 

The app's accessibility anytime anywhere contributes to meeting the growing consumer expectation for seamless and efficient online shopping experiences.

3. Revenue Growth:

Investing in an eCommerce app can significantly contribute to revenue growth. The app provides an additional channel for sales, allowing businesses to reach a broader audience and capitalize on online shopping trends. 

Through the app, you can implement various marketing strategies, promotions, and loyalty programs to attract and retain customers. 

Additionally, the app's convenience and accessibility can lead to increased customer engagement and repeat business, further driving revenue growth over time.

4 Different Types of eCommerce Applications 

Here we have listed 4 types of eCommerce applications. Let’s learn:

1. B2B eCommerce App

Business-to-business (B2B) apps are those that facilitate the exchange of goods, services, or information between businesses. 

In B2B e-commerce apps are commonly used by manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and other businesses to effectively streamline their processes such as supply chains, business transactions, and more. 

Some popular examples of B2B eCommerce apps include Quill, LinkedIn, Salesforce, and Shopify Plus.

2. B2C eCommerce App

B2C (Business-to-Consumer) eCommerce apps are effectively used by businesses and consumers. 

These types of businesses can directly sell their goods and/or services to consumers. B2C industries include retail, entertainment, and more. 

Some popular examples of B2C include Amazon, Netflix, eBay, and Meta.

3. C2C eCommerce App

The C2C eCommerce app enables consumers to directly sell goods or services to other consumers. Here transactions are made via a third party where they charge a small commission fee. 

Some popular examples of C2C eCommerce apps include eBay, Etsy, and AliExpress.

4. C2B eCommerce App

The typical B2C eCommerce app is not the same as the C2B (Consumer-to-Business) eCommerce model app. In B2C transactions, businesses sell goods or services to customers; in C2B transactions, the dynamics are reversed. In this scenario, clients provide goods or services to companies in return for payment or other advantages. 

Some popular examples of C2B eCommerce apps include Shutterstock. 

Also Read: Cost to Build an eCommerce App Like 6th Street: A Comprehensive Guide

Must-Have Features to Incorporate in eCommerce App

Following, we’ve listed must-have features that you must incorporate in an eCommerce app. Let’s learn:

1. Sign up or Login:

An integral feature for user authentication and personalized experiences. Users should be able to create accounts or log in easily to track orders, save preferences, and access other personalized features.

2. User-Friendly Interface:

A simple, accessible, and intuitive interface enhances the user experience. Navigation should be clear, and the design should be user-friendly to facilitate smooth interactions and transactions.

3. Real-time Notifications or Alerts:

It is highly important to keep users informed about their orders, delivery alerts, and other important updates through real-time notifications. Ultimately, this feature helps in providing a better customer experience and keeping users engaged.

4. 24/7 Customer Service:

A round-the-clock customer service ensures that users can seek assistance or resolve issues at any time. This can include live chat, email support, or a helpline to address customer queries promptly.

5. Secure Payment Mode:

Security is paramount in eCommerce. Incorporate secure payment gateways to safeguard users' financial information during transactions. Popular options include credit/debit card payments, digital wallets, and other secure payment methods.

6. User Cart:

A virtual shopping cart allows users to add, modify, and review items before making a purchase. It helps in organizing their selected products and facilitates a smooth checkout process.

7. Wish List:

Enable users to create wish lists for products they want to save for later. This feature enhances user engagement and allows them to easily access and purchase items they are interested in.

8. Review and Feedback:

Customer reviews and feedback contribute to the credibility of your platform. Allow users to leave reviews, ratings, and feedback on products, enhancing trust and aiding other shoppers in their decision-making process.

9. Search and Filters:

Having a robust search and filter feature assists users in finding the specific product instantly. Further, filters generally depend on different categories such as user ratings, price ranges, popularity, sizes, colors, and other criteria to improve the overall shopping experience.

10. Role-based Dashboard:

Assign user roles (such as administrators, sellers, and customers) and design dashboards that suit their requirements. Order monitoring and account management are necessities for customers and inventory management access may be necessary for sellers.

11. IoT Integrated Apps:

A better user experience can be achieved through integration with Internet of Things (IoT) devices. For example, smart home appliances that can automatically place new product orders or offer real-time information on how things are being used.

12. AR/VR:

Virtual try-ons can make use of both augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) characteristics. To put it plainly, this function enables customers to see things in their actual settings before making a purchase.

13. Artificial Intelligence:

To improve the overall shopping experience, make use of chatbots for customer support, AI for personalized product recommendations, and data analytics for understanding user behavior.

14. Gamification:

Integrate gamification elements to encourage user engagement, such as points, badges,  loyalty programs, or exclusive offers for frequent shoppers. This feature helps to add an interactive and fun element to the shopping experience.

Incorporating these features will contribute to the success of your eCommerce app by providing a seamless, secure, and enjoyable experience for users.

10 Factors that Impact the eCommerce App Development Cost

Building a custom eCommerce app involves several factors that contribute to the overall cost. Here's a detailed breakdown to help you understand the various elements impacting the development cost:

1. Project Scope and Complexity:

eCommerce app development costs certainly depend on the project scope and complexity. 

If you are incorporating basic features such as a shopping cart, secure checkout, product listings, and search functionality – it will cost you less. On the other hand, if you are incorporating advanced features in your app such as AI or AR/VR, the cost will increase.

2. Platform Selection:

The next factor that influences the cost of custom eCommerce app development includes the platform. Both iOS and Android app development require time, effort, and money.

3. Design and User Experience (UI/UX):

According to research, 94% of first impressions of a brand’s website relate to its design.

Of course, extremely personalized and eye-catching design draws visitors to your app and provides a wonderful user experience. However, the total cost of custom eCommerce development will also be impacted. Thus, all things considered, intuitive UI/UX improves the user experience but requires more investment.

4. Payment Gateway Integration:

Integrating secure payment gateways is crucial. The choice of payment methods and compliance with security standards impact costs.

5. Third-Party Integrations:

Integration with third-party services like Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP),  Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and analytics tools contributes to costs.

6. Admin Panel Development:

The complexity and features of the admin panel, including order management, inventory tracking, and reporting, affect development costs.

7. Testing and Quality Assurance:

Rigorous testing for functionality, security, and performance ensures a bug-free app but may extend the development timeline and increase costs.

8. Maintenance and Support:

Having proper maintenance and support is crucial to make the eCommerce app work smoothly. Also, it will contribute to the overall development cost of the eCommerce app.

9. Marketing and Launch:

Marketing efforts, app launch campaigns, and promotional activities contribute to the overall budget.

10. Geographical Location of Development Team:

Development costs vary based on the location of the development team. Rates in regions with higher living costs tend to be higher. For example; hiring an eCommerce development team in Europe or the USA will be more expensive as compared to Asia. 

Understanding these factors and carefully planning each aspect of eCommerce mobile app development will help you create a realistic budget and ensure a successful and cost-effective project.

Step-by-Step Guide to Build an eCommerce App

E-commerce app development requires the right strategy and techniques to become successful in the eCommerce market. Following, we’ve discussed a step-by-step guide to building an eCommerce app:

Step 1: Identifying Market

To have a strong foundation in the eCommerce industry, it is crucial to have a clear strategy. 

The first step is to identify the market that includes the latest trends and create user personas, competitor research, target audience, business goals, and key performance indicators (KPIs). 

All these factors would help you to build a strategy to start your app development journey in the right direction. 

Step 2: Choosing the Platform

Choosing the platform for your eCommerce app is an important aspect of the development process. You have to choose whether you would go with Android, iOS, or cross-platform. 

The first two platforms (Android and iOS) consume more time and effort. However, if you want to go with a cost-effective option, you can go for cross-platform. 

Remember that your platform choice will also impact overall development costs. So, it is important to choose the right platform that will target the right audience. 

Step 3: Features & Functionalities

Next comes the features and functionalities – here you must choose amazing features you want to incorporate into your app. Having incredible features will help your app to stand out from the competition. 

For basic core features, you can opt for features such as easy onboarding, a user-friendly interface, secure payment mode, real-time notifications, 24/7 customer support, and reviews and feedback. 

For the advanced features, you can opt for IoT-integrated apps, real-time analytics, an effective CRM system, and more. 

Note that if you’re incorporating basic features, it will cost you less. On the other hand, having advanced features will cost you more. 

Step 4: UI/UX Design

Having a well-designed app with user-friendly features and streamlined design will attract and retain users. Moreover, the app’s interface must be accessible, responsive, and intuitive to offer an amazing user experience. 

A professional team of designers will assist you in providing incredible UI/UX design for your eCommerce app. 

Step 5: Tech Stack

Here comes the technical aspect, which is an important part of the app development process. To build eCommerce app development, the technology that you will choose depends on your app-specific requirements. Following, we’ve listed the tech stack to develop an eCommerce app. Let’s check:

• Hybrid: Flutter, React Native
• Native: Objective C, Swift, Kotlin
• Frontend: React JS, Angular
• Backend: Node JS, Java, PHP, .NET, Python, TypeScript

Note that if you want to incorporate a basic tech stack then the cost will be less as compared to an advanced tech stack. Get in touch with expert ecommerce mobile app builder to build your eCommerce app. 

Step 6: Development

In the development stage, developers initiate the coding process – front-end and back-end development and integrate all the features and functionalities and other factors. 

Professionals must focus on this stage as it will determine how effectively the app will operate. The development stage can take long hours depending on the complexity of the app. 

Step 7: Testing & Launching

Once the development process is completed, the next important phase comes into the picture – testing and launching. 

In the testing phase, your eCommerce app will be automated and manually tested. This phase ensures that your app is running smoothly with robust security without any errors, mistakes, or lagging issues. 

After the testing phase, the app is all ready to get launched on the Google app or Apple store. Let’s now talk about the elephant in the room – the cost involved in building an eCommerce app. 

Also Read: eCommerce Business Models: Type, Benefits & Examples

How Much Does it Cost for eCommerce App Development?

The cost to develop an eCommerce app development depends on several factors that include the project’s complexity, features & functionalities, UI/UX design, tech stack, and much more.

An estimated cost to build a custom eCommerce app with basic features will cost around $25,000 - $50,000. For advanced features like AI, the cost will increase and go up to $80,000 or beyond. 

Note: If you want to build your eCommerce app with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) - then you must focus on integrating essential or basic features in your app that will be beneficial for users. 

Once you have launched your app in the market, then analyze the market and gather feedback to improve your app. Then, you can go for a fully-fledged eCommerce app development with advanced features and maximum efficiency. For that, you can reach out to investors who will help you to build your app on an advanced level. 

Top 3 Successful Examples of E-commerce Apps 

Following, we’ve listed the best 3 successful examples of eCommerce apps and lessons you can take from them and implement in your eCommerce app. Let’s learn:

#Example 1: Amazon

Amazon's success lies in its customer-centric approach. Prioritize a seamless user experience, personalized recommendations, and efficient customer support in your e-commerce app. Implement features like one-click purchasing and a wide product range to cater to diverse consumer needs.

#Example 2: Shopify

Shopify excels in empowering small businesses to thrive online. Embrace simplicity and flexibility in your e-commerce app, making it easy for businesses of all sizes to set up and manage their online stores. Offer customizable templates, seamless integrations, and user-friendly interfaces for a broad user base.

#Example 3: eBay

The success of eBay lies in its pioneering concept of creating a platform for individuals to buy and sell from each other. The lesson here is to explore unique marketplace models that connect users directly.

Why is Apptunix the Perfect Partner to Build your eCommerce App Development?

Apptunix is a leading custom eCommerce app development company where your dreams become reality. Our professional team of developers and designers is ready to help you build an e-commerce application that is specifically customized to meet your company's goals.

If you want to build a custom eCommerce app with a reliable and knowledgeable partner, Apptunix is your best bet. To find out more about our services and to start working with our experienced Apptunix specialists to build your eCommerce app, get in contact with us right now.