The Ultimate Guide to eCommerce App Development: process, cost, and Features
If you’re planning to start up your eСommerce app development, you know how critical it is to provide a top-notch experience for your customers. But the game is changing rapidly in 2024: the users migration from web to mobile was yesterday’s news, the market is changing even faster.
The rise of Gen Z is a big driver behind this shift. 74% of these digital natives use mobile apps for their shopping — and they’re rapidly becoming your core customer base.
Even 3/4 of Millennial B2B decision-makers state they would switch suppliers if the other one provides better digital experience.
Natalia Ivleva, Lead BA at SolveIt
By any stretch, if your marketplace doesn’t offer a best-in-class mobile app, you risk losing ground to more agile competitors who are catering to these evolving expectations. And, app’s features, interface design and overall user experience play here not the last role.
eCommerce app development: why to invest?
When we talk about prospects, entrepreneurs prefer fact language: trends are trends, but you need to examine them from a long-term perspective.
Here are 3 fundamental reasons why you should start eCommerce mobile app development:
1. Increased profitability
A well-designed eCommerce mobile app can have a substantial impact on your profit margins directly from selling goods or services. Data shows that app-based shoppers have a 3x higher lifetime value than web-only customers, translating to outsized returns.
But the revenue upside doesn’t stop there. The app itself can become a monetization vehicle, beyond just facilitating product sales. In-app purchases, subscription models, sponsored content, and other strategies can generate incremental income streams. To further optimize these opportunities, incorporating eCommerce CRO tips will enhance user experience, improve app usability, and increase conversion rates.
2. Sustainable growth
The changes in consumer behavior that occurred were not only due to the reshaping of the social structure — the COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally had a hand in accelerating mobile channel usage.
By developing a best-in-class eCommerce app, you can integrate your business into the daily lives and purchasing decisions of your target audience, literally in the palm of their hands — just online. This dynamic has been resilient for 4 years: it may evolve differently, but it will never revert back.
3. Evergreen demand
Unlike many trendy business models prone to volatility and surge in consumer preferences, eCommerce app development is underpinned by the timeless principle of people wanting to buy and sell — of course, there must be adjustments made for regional and economical factors.
Despite the order fulfillment or service delivery risks, this is the most straightforward form of market interaction. No matter fads or technological disruptions, the human desire to engage in trade will continue to drive growth opportunities for savvy eCommerce ventures.
eCommerce development: 4 app types
eCommerce application development comes in a variety of forms, catering to different business models and user needs. The 4 main types are:
B2B (Business-to-Business)
B2B eCommerce apps are designed for interaction and transactions between two companies.
They are typically used for wholesale purchases, automating business processes, and facilitating the exchange of information between suppliers and their business customers. B2B apps often feature robust inventory management, bulk ordering, and invoicing capabilities to support the complex needs of commercial relationships.
Examples: Alibaba.com, Grainger.
B2C (Business-to-Consumer):
B2C eCommerce mobile and web applications are focused on direct sales to end consumers.
These apps offer a wide range of products and services, easy navigation, and convenient payment methods tailored to the needs of individual buyers. B2C eCommerce provides consumers with 24/7 access to shopping, extensive product selections, and a personalized shopping experience. Additionally, integrating a sales engagement platform enhances customer interactions by automating communication, tracking buyer behavior, and optimizing sales efforts.
Examples: Amazon, Sephora.
C2C (Consumer-to-Consumer)
C2C eCommerce apps allow private individuals to sell goods and services directly to other consumers.
These platforms are often used for online auctions, classified advertisements, and the resale of used items. C2C eCommerce empowers regular people to become entrepreneurs and reach a wide audience of potential buyers.
Examples: eBay, Etsy.
C2B (Consumer-to-Business)
C2B eCommerce applications enable consumers to offer their services to businesses.
Examples include freelance websites where private professionals offer their skills and expertise to companies in need of specialized services. C2B models allow businesses to access a diverse pool of talent and expertise on-demand, while consumers can monetize their skills.
Examples: Upwork, Shutterstock.
eCommerce app development: the most essential features
eCommerce app development demands careful prioritization of requirements. Having that one killer feature that makes you stand out is important, especially when building an MVP eCommerce app.
But don’t get carried away — providing an exceptional experience starts with the basics. The key is to nail the core functionalities we mention below first. That’s where you’ll get the most bang from MVP development services for your buck.”
Natalia Ivleva, Lead BA at SolveIt
Product catalog. A comprehensive and searchable product catalog is the foundation of any eCommerce platform, allowing customers to browse and discover items. Advanced features like filtering, sorting, and detailed product pages enhance the browsing experience.
Shopping cart. A user-friendly shopping cart is critical, enabling customers to easily add, remove, and manage items they wish to purchase. Features like real-time price updates, coupon application, and estimated shipping costs improve the checkout process.
Secure payments. Integrating multiple secure payment gateways, such as credit/debit cards, mobile wallets, and digital payment methods, provides customers with convenient and trusted payment options according to their habits and needs. Additionally, custom QR codes can enhance the payment experience by offering a quick, seamless, and secure method for customers to complete transactions directly from their devices.
Order management. Robust Enterprise order management capabilities, including order tracking, fulfillment, and order history, help eCommerce businesses efficiently process and deliver orders. Customers, in turn, gain confidence by tracking the status of their order.
User accounts. Personalized user accounts of the eCommerce app allow customers to save their preferences, order history, and payment information, streamlining repeat purchases and fostering customer loyalty.
Product reviews and ratings. No one wants to buy a pig in a poke. Enabling customers to leave reviews and ratings on products can help build trust and assist other users in making informed purchasing decisions.
Push notifications. Leveraging an eco-friendly notification system to inform users about promotions, discounts, order updates, and other relevant information can boost conversions, which in turn leads to increased sales.
Loyalty system. A well-designed loyalty program can increase customer engagement and retention. Features like points-based rewards, exclusive offers, and tiered membership levels can incentivize repeat business and encourage customers to become brand advocates.
Incorporating these essential features properly according to the best practices will be your guarantee of staying one step ahead of the competitors, as many eCommerce app development companies overlook the simplest points, while concentrating on innovations.
Next level eCommerce app: advanced features
Well, after the e-commerce app’s development of the basic functions, which largely make up the foundation of the business model, it’s time to think about how to integrate the latest technologies into your product. What could that be?
Augmented reality (AR) integration. Allowing customers to virtually “try on” or visualize products from the comfort of home using AR technology and the device’s capability can enhance the shopping experience, stimulate the choice and reduce product returns.
Artificial intelligence (AI) assistance. 24/7 answer queries with chatbots and virtual assistance with delivery or service conditions help optimize costs for the call center and support. Customers are less likely to abandon the cart or the app itself if they get prompt guidance.
“Buy now, pay later” (BNPL). This payment option allows customers to purchase products or services and pay for them over time, usually in interest-free installments, rather than making a full upfront payment. It provides more flexibility and financial control when making purchases.
Geo-location service. The app can provide personalized and contextual experiences that cater to the customer’s specific needs and preferences — the nearest store availability information, relevant product recommendations, and geo-targeted promotions.
Of course, the justification for implementing certain functions should be carefully considered. And yet, it is precisely this kind of shopping experience — seamless, anticipating, and convenient — that will allow your MVP app to revolutionize the eCommerce industry.
eCommerce app development process in 6 steps
An eCommerce application development, whether it’s mobile or web, is about meticulous planning and precise execution.
To set your startup on the path to success, it’s essential to master the critical steps, adjusting them to variative factors that depend on the project itself. Initially, they include:
Step 1. Market research and planning
Kick off your eCommerce app development journey with laser-focused market research. Who are your customers? What do they crave? By diving deep into audience insights and competitor analysis, you can sculpt an app that truly stands out. Ensure that you deliver value that resonates and transform it into business requirements.
Expert tip: A discovery phase can help validate your ideas and ensure your app aligns with genuine market needs unbiasedly.
Step 2. Define features and functionality
Craft your MVP with precision. Always keep simplicity in mind and remember the original purpose of your product. Prioritize intuitive navigation and mobile responsiveness while ensuring top-notch security. This strategic approach will streamline eCommerce app development.
Expert tip: Set a clear technical scope for future updates. If you lack technical knowledge, opt for gaining expertise from outside.
Step 3. Choose the right technology stack
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Explore further steps and our experience in developing e-commerce applications with case studies here.
